One

Sounds like … one fourth of 4Him steps aside for a solo project, but with a more progressive pop direction than the group's standard adult contemporary formatAt a glance … Chrisman's vocal talents shine and his signature range is even stretched a bit on eleven somewhat ambitious tracks. Track ListingBelieveCompleteAtmosphereDebt of GratitudeEverythingAdore YouWhat's Left To SayThe Word of GodThe OneKing Above AllLove Remains

As a member of the vocal group 4Him, Andy Chrisman has lent his vocal talents to several Christian adult contemporary classics. Now he's stepping into the solo world, teaming up with several leading songwriters and producers.

Unlike 4Him's sub-par 2003 effort Visible, Chrisman's One sounds far less clichéd in style and lyrical substance, taking on a more progressive stance. And unlike most of 4Him's material—typically written by other people—the singer has creative input with every track, giving the album a much more personal touch.That trend begins on the powerfully produced "Believe" and "Complete," both featuring a live band bridged with dance programming that could be found on a Savage Garden CD. (In fact, producer Greg Bieck, co-collaborator on that track, has worked with Savage Garden and other pop icons like Hall & Oates.)

On "Atmosphere" and "The Word of God," Chrisman pairs up with tunesmith Scott Krippayne and co-producer Jamie Kenney (Kim Hill) to address topics like holiness and the sacredness of Scripture. Cindy Morgan joins him on the Psalm-inspired "The One," while Matthew West and Jason Ingram contribute to "Adore You," both due for radio play not as adventurous as other arrangements.

Chrisman's solo might make waves with 4Him fans, but packs enough punches to reel in a new audience. It's not a dramatic departure by any means, but rather a better constructed pop album that will leave plenty of 4Him fans wondering why their recent albums couldn't be this sturdy. Since Chrisman is still planning to record with the group, here's hoping this One influences future recordings—solo and group—for the better.