Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

4Him were a pretty major presence in the world of American CCM in the '90s, releasing a total of 11 albums and enjoying a series of Christian radio hits between their formation in 1989 and 2006, when they went their separate ways to follow other callings. Provident, as part of their Platinum Series, has here put together 10 of the vocal group's "most celebrated" songs, largely from the mid-'90s period, although I'd suggest they were somewhat less celebrated here in the UK than in the US. The trademark vocal harmonies still sound as rich today as they did back then, and the production still has that Michael Omartian glossiness. What shines through is the overt Gospel message in the songs that still speaks today, no hiding behind bland crossover mush. Particularly worth noting is "The Measure Of A Man", a reminder that God looks at the heart to measure a person's worth, not on the external image that society values so much. "Can't Get Past The Evidence" answers the search for the meaning of existence with the conundrum that "a remnant of love remains", "Land Of Mercy" reminds us that "if justice had the only say/Well I would not be here/'cause less than anything is more than I deserve...forgiveness is the final word". Stylistically reminiscent at times of The Imperials, the sound is certainly of its time. But the message 4Him purveyed has not changed one bit, as they sing, "To live a faith that never dies, to be crucified with Christ until all that lives through me is a message. . .it's a time for living a message".

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