I Want to Be Like You

FFH

Literally coming out of nowhere, FFH and their major-label debut, I Want to Be Like You, took the contemporary Christian music industry by storm during the first half of 1999. CCM radio jumped all over "One of These Days," as well as the title track, indicating the immense accessibility of this foursome. Similar to Duncan Sheik's light-rock stylings, there's a free and easy feel on this release that won't confine the limited vocal range of lead singer/songwriter Jeromy Deibler. Plus, he's ably supported in that area by bandmates Jennifer Deibler, Brian Smith, and Steve Croyle. Longtime FFH fans will recognize the novelty of "Big Fish," an independent hit for the band several years back. The album takes on a stronger praise-and-worship vein in the latter half, buoyed by "Wholly to You" and the concluding "Power in His Blood." Overnight success? Sure, but seven years of touring and singing is one long night. This band has made itself ready with I Want to Be Like You. --Michael Lyttle

I Want to Be Like You Album: