This album catapults a premier inspirational quartet into the contemporary Christian pop market. Hailed as a milestone in the group's career, it garnered them several honors including a Dove Award for Best New Artist of 1... more »992. The "obvious-about-their-faith" approach that permeates 4Him's repertoire is intact here against a strong inspirational pop backdrop. They also tip their musical hat to 70's pop/rock icons with their "wall of sound" vocals. Featured are the title track (one of their most notable); another hit with a heavenly perspective, "Through His Eyes"; and "When It Comes To Livin'," a reminder of the important things in life. --Jerry Chamberlain« less
This album catapults a premier inspirational quartet into the contemporary Christian pop market. Hailed as a milestone in the group's career, it garnered them several honors including a Dove Award for Best New Artist of 1992. The "obvious-about-their-faith" approach that permeates 4Him's repertoire is intact here against a strong inspirational pop backdrop. They also tip their musical hat to 70's pop/rock icons with their "wall of sound" vocals. Featured are the title track (one of their most notable); another hit with a heavenly perspective, "Through His Eyes"; and "When It Comes To Livin'," a reminder of the important things in life. --Jerry Chamberlain
Heather J. (Bixie23) from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 6/20/2007...
Excellent Contemporary Christian male vocal group.
Kristen G. (KrisKnits) from SAULT S MARIE, MI Reviewed on 6/4/2007...
1992
CD Reviews
Even their weakest CD is still good
scott_from_dallas | Irving, Texas United States | 10/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"4Him puts out such incredible music that even when one of their CDs is not up to par with their other CDs, its not a problem. This is my least favorite 4Him CD. Perhaps it is because Basics of Life was overplayed and I'm a little tired of it. Yes, the message is fantastic and I like it. But I do listen to the music for more than just the spiritual side and there is nothing wrong with that. I recommend the CD, but if you can only buy one, get 4Him, Face the Nation, The Ride, or The Message first."
Every song is inspiring!
scott_from_dallas | 02/04/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD proves that 4Him is truly a group of blessed guys. Mark Harris has a tremendous gift in his ability to write songs that continuously move people to feel "spirit led." These guys are my favorite and they can do no wrong! Keep it up!"
Have to inject some sanity
Greg Brady | Capital City | 04/21/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Stacks of awards or not, this is musically pretty average. What you get here is 4 good (not great but competent) male singers that do lots of harmony to middle of the road AC pop and light rock. Occasionally they're given a really good lyric to work with (they don't write most of their own stuff) but most of it is oft-trod "Jesus loves you..He's the only way to live" stuff that has been heard zillions of times.
HIGHLIGHTS:
There are 3 tunes on here which break free of the pack. The title tune is a pretty good manifesto calling for an increased moral and spiritual renewal in America (without the extremes of say, Carman's "America Again"). ("We need to get back to the basics of life/A heart that is pure and a love that is blind/A faith that is fervently grounded in Christ/The hope that endures for all times..") "Through His Eyes" is a call for racial unity and the return to God of every man and woman on Earth. ("He desires to see the good/in each and every man/That He has purposed from the start..") "when it's Time to Go" speaks of the time that a child "leaves the nest" of home ("Say goodbye,cry some tears/but don't worry") and neatly dovetails it into Jesus' departure from the home of Mary and Joseph to dying for our salvation and in the end awaiting a reunion with them in Heaven. ("When I hit the City/I'll build you a house right down the street from Mine...") It's surefire singalong fare and a darn good lyric.
LOWS:
"Head Over Heels" is yet another 'Jesus is my boyfriend/girlfriend' lyric that gives Christian contemporary music a bad name in the music world at large. "Fountain of Youth" strains too hard in its concept: a world seeking immortality through the mythical Ponce de Leon search would be better served by seeking Jesus and obtaining eternal life (if not eternal youth). The metaphor is just too specious.
BOTTOM LINE:
It's under a buck used and only the title track appears on either of their 2 hits collections (BEST ONES and CHAPTER ONE...A DECADE) so this is worth getting for the 3 best tunes. Don't expect to be blown away overall, though. (For some unclear reason, CCM Magazine rated this #66 on their 100 Greatest Christian Albums of All Time.)"