Some Christian bands work their way up the ladder to a level where almost everyone has at least heard of the band, and the well-known acoustic-pop band FFH, also known as Far From Home, has hit this level and produced yet again another fresh album. Starting as an a capella group performing for small church services in Pennsylvania, FFH has always had a powerful sense of worship. With a few Dove Award nominations under their belts and a career sales record nearing one million units, it's not surprising that their eighth project was well anticipated.

Under Essential Records, FFH's newest album Still the Cross plays it safe and sticks with their unique acoustic-pop sound with a mix of some folk elements. This album most definitely emphasizes the pop elements FFH have used in past albums. With strong vocals and inspiring, vertical, and worshipful lyrics Still the Cross will be appreciated by hardcore contemporary pop fans. And much like Ready To Fly, this album explores the concept of instrumental diversity using a variety of different instruments and sounds.

Still the Cross begins with the upbeat guitar-driven song "You Drive I'll Ride" and swings into the more pop-based "You Love Me Anyway". Both songs express praise and worship. "You Love Me Anyway" seems to contain some minuscule hints of jazz mixed in with the pop melody. Later in the album you find "Without You", which features Jennifer Deibler's vocals and contains some rock elements, even incorporating an electric-guitar solo. The title song "Still the Cross" is a more slow worshipful song with a catchy tune. Personally, I found this album to be pretty solid, but a few of the songs sounded melodically similar.

Loyal FFH fans should have no trouble embracing this album while fans of MercyMe, Casting Crowns, and other contemporary Christian bands may end up finding a place for FFH in their CD library.

- Review date: 10/6/04, written by Jessica Vander Loop