Customer Reviews

Basics of Life

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.)

Another awesome album from the guys. Awesome CD, and well worth the money. This album also features the song of the same name which is probably their most famous song of all 'Basics of Life'.

I remember having this tape back when it first came out. To think about it, let alone find it again, on Amazon was amazing. The seller was prompt and the product was sent as described: brand new and for only $0.45 ... Who can beat that for a trip back in time?! =)

I used to have this on cassette after it first came out and seen them in concert. They're terrific! Very nice to have this in cd format. If you like good songs that magnify the Lord in every day life in four part harmony, this one by 4HIM is one of the best.

In 1990, 4 Him released their self-titled debut album.
In 1991, the group released their sophomore album, "Face the Nation."
And in 1992, the group released their third album in as many years, "The Basics of Life."

Three albums in three years is a big undertaking for any group. However, the hard work of 4 Him would be rewarded in 1993 by the first of three consecutive Dove Awards for Group of the Year.


The songs on the album are:

"The Basics of Life" - A simple, light rock song that reminds us that we need to get back to the basics of what it is to be a Christian. This song still receives regular airplay on Christian radio. 4 Him is at their best when they harmonize, and this song definitely demonstrates their ability to do just that.

"When It Comes to Livin'" - A combination of ballad & soft rock that talks about living your life not for the world but for building up your faith.

"Fountain of Youth" - The fountain of youth and its legendary immortality may have escaped Ponce de Leon, but Christians have their own fountain of youth in Jesus Christ.

"This Time" - A ballad, this song is one of the weakest musically on the album. 4 Him is weakest when single solo ballads, and this song shows that weakness.

"Through His Eyes" - If we could only see through Jesus' eyes, we might have a better understanding of His love for us. Another solo ballad, this song does not contain the same weakness as "This Time."

"Built on Amazing Grace" - Yet another ballad. Although lacking musically, this song contains a great message about God's amazing grace in our lives.

"Freedom" - Finally the album gets back to what 4 Him does best: soft rock and harmonies. We often think of freedom the same way the world does: freedom from tyranny, from school, from a bad situation, etc. But true freedom is found in Christ.

"Livin' in the Lion's Mouth" - Another song about God's amazing grace and wanting to be on the front lines for God so that others can see His grace in me.

"When It's Time to Go" - A great song about a child coming-of-age and leaving mom and dad.

"Head Over Heels" - An excellent song about how God does not give up on us, even though we give up on Him.

"Wrecking Ball" - One day God is going to tear down the walls society has built up trying to block us from Him.

"The Voice of God" - Another ballad that again demonstrates the group's weakness in these songs. However, it is one the strongest songs lyrically on the album.


Although this is not one of 4 Him's best albums, it is still a 5-star album and deservedly so. A must have for any 4 Him fan.

Contemporary Christian Music at it's best! Check out these four guys who are totally sold out for Christ! Super tight 4-part harmonies. Inspired songs. I don't need to say more, let the music speak to you. (Also, make sure you get their Christmas Album - If you have trouble understanding what the holiday is suppossed to be about, then these boys will help you understand the original event!!)