Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review


FFH, Wide Open Spaces
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

FFH
Wide Open Spaces



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 41 minutes, 20 seconds
Street Date: November, 2009 / May 11, 2010


It's been awhile since we've heard from FFH, but founding members Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler had laid low in recent years for good reason. The band took a sabbatical in 2006 before the Deiblers relocated to South Africa for half a year to train worshp leaders at a church there. In 2007, Jeromy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and the songs on their latest project, Wide Open Spaces were greatly inspired by the turmoil of this season of their lives.

Now just the Deibler twosome, FFH's Wide Open Spaces channels the group's roots for a poppy, jazzy mix of upbeat tunes and contemplative ballads. When the pair aren't taking turns on lead vocals or singing about their spiritual trials, they're reflecting on the support of each other's love, like in the fun and funky "The Time Of My Life" or the acoustic "I Don't Care Anymore," which declares Jeromy's affection for his wife that has grown during times of separation.

The upbeat love songs help hold together the surrounding tracks inspired by the brokenness and struggles the couple has gone through, illustrating a well-rounded picture of their journey together - romantically and spiritually. Jennifer takes the vocal reigns on "What If Your Best," lyrically expressing the fear of embracing God's best when it may involve pain and sacrifice. "Stop The Bleeding" is a prayerful petition for Christ to intervene and end a period of suffering, "Come and stop the bleeding / I think I finally understand / So come and stop the bleeding / I've tried to fix this, but I can't / so come and stop the bleeding / I know You can."

Stylistically, FFH selects some great musical dressings for their lyrical musings. Much of the acoustic pop has a classic feel, and the team know what their limitations are for the most part. Jennifer usually sticks to a more southern flavor when she sings, like on "What If Your Best" and the title track, but for "Who I'm Gonna Be," she strains a bit too much vocally during the chorus, while the verses work rather nicely. Jeromy sounds as skilled as ever, while his occasionally breathy style of delivery (especially on the opener "Undone" and "I Don't Care Anymore," among others spots sprinkled throughout the album) will be an acquired taste for some (His singing, however, does sound more natural without it).

When all is said and done, FFH's latest should especially please fans of the group and is a wonderful listen for anyone needing a contemporary pop dose of encouragement. Even in the worshipful moments of Wide Open Spaces, the pair steer clear of musical and lyrical cliches, leaving the album with a fresh pop feel. About fifteen years into their musical career, the Deiblers are still producing strong inspirational pop music, and their latest effort was worth the wait.

- Review date: 7/15/10, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!

 

. Record Label: None / P-ID Blue
. Album length: 10 tracks: 41 minutes, 20 seconds
. Street Date: November, 2009 / May 11, 2010
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Undone (4:42)
  2. Hold On To Me (3:59)
  3. Wide Open Spaces (3:39)
  4. What It Feels Like (4:25)
  5. I Don't Care Anymore (3:47)
  6. What If Your Best (4:21)
  7. The Time Of My Life (4:35)
  8. Stop The Bleeding (3:55)
  9. Who I'm Gonna Be (3:25)
  10. Jesus Give Me Rest (4:36)

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Try Pop Culture Coffee!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
SINGLES
Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

This Friday, June 6, 2025
ALBUMS
CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

VINYL
Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, June 13, 2025
ALBUMS
Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

SINGLES
CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images