4Him initially shot to the top of the charts in 1990 with their first single, "Where There Is Faith." Now 11 years, 20 number 1 songs, nine albums, five Dove Awards, numerous readers' choice awards and a Grammy nomination later the journey of faith still remains a constant thread throughout 4HIM's music. Walk On, 4HIM's first album to be released on Word Records, is a tribute to the journey of Christian life and the faith that sustains within the midst of it.

"Walk On is making a statement, that as Christians we have to stand firm in our faith," says Andy Chrisman. "We will have struggles, but we know God is faithful to see us through every one of them."

When the time came to start pulling songs together for the new album, the theme of faith in the every day Christian walk began to weave its way throughout the lyrics chosen. And it is a theme that Andy Chrisman, Kirk Sullivan, Mark Harris and Marty Magehee have seen run deeply through their lives, as well as their music over the years.

It has been three years since their last studio release with original songs (Hymns: A Place Of Worship released in 2000). Throughout those three years, new journeys and lessons have taken the four men down different roads that eventually converged to create Walk On. Personal experiences coupled with the production prowess of Christian music heavy-hitters Mark Heimermann (Jaci Velasquez, Michael W. Smith, Stacie Orrico) and Brent Bourgeios (Cindy Morgan, Rachael Lampa), proved to be a winning combination in the creation of Walk On. Having worked with Mark (Heimermann) on their first album in 1990 and Brent on the successful Streams In The Desert project, the combination fashioned a fresh approach to the traditional 4HIM harmonies.

"The album isn't too much of a departure for us musically. When our fans buy a 4HIM record we want them to know the sound they are going to hear," said Kirk. "But having both Mark and Brent on board added a freshness to that sound."

From the first cut on the album, "Psalm 112," it is clear that Walk On is a recognizable straight-ahead 4HIM-style pop record with biblically sound lyrics and stellar performances. The bluesy vocals on the beginning of "One Foot In The Water" add a little spice to the album, while "Who You Are" and "Surrender" are very welcome lyrical ventures into the ever popular praise and worship genre. "Love Boomerang" is a catchy visual of 1 Corinthians 13 and a testimony to the rewards of sowing generously (2 Cor. 9:6). Other highlights include the uplifting lyrics of "The Waiting" where Andy's passionate vocals proclaim But through it all it's good to know/We need to know that Jesus is there/And you will never have to cry alone, and "City Of Refuge" which serves both as a alter call and reminder to Christians of the places of refuge available to us moment by moment.

In addition to tight harmonies and soaring vocals, fans of 4HIM have come to respect the vulnerability and insightful lyrics found in Mark Harris' songwriting. With Mark (Harris) as co-writer on the albums 12 songs, it is easy to hear the nuances of personal revelations, struggles and victories of the last three years.

For Mark and Marty, the past three years have meant immersing themselves in the 'ordinary human life.' Like the lyrics of the title cut, life has been filled with the daily decisions we all have to "Walk On." From simple time spent with friends, to coaching T-ball teams and carpooling to dance classes. Spending time with their wives and being there to tuck the children into bed at night. Says Marty of the time at home, "There's nothing like when you open the door and your kids take off running down the hall screaming 'Daddy! Daddy!"

Witnessing God's faithfulness through the realization of a childhood dream-owning a recording studio, and establishing a home connection in Mobile, Ala. have been highlights for Kirk. With the new recording studio and more time in town, Kirk has been able to help in the production of several local artists' and churches' recordings, his favorite being a praise and worship record he recently worked on. Also, having more time at home allowed Kirk to strengthen relationships at his local church. "I've lived several places, and in Mobile for the last seven or eight years," says Kirk, "but over the last two years, it has come to feel like home-like I know this is where I am supposed to be. There's a real sense of 'home' here for me now."

The manifestation of faith has taken on a completely new meaning for Andy recently, as has the meaning of "The Waiting." Stemming from an early calling to lead worship, about two years ago Andy sensed that God was telling him to press in and seek Him for "more details" on this call. Thus began the two-year process of waiting on God and the stretching of Andy and his family's faith. Then, in late 2000, a pastor who has served on the 4HIM accountability board for the past 10 years approached Andy about joining him in planting a church in Orlando, Fla. as a pastor and music minister. "When he came to me," said Andy, "I immediately knew that this is what I had been searching for. The guys have been very supportive of me in this and they know that this helps fulfill a part of the call God has on my life."

From the madness to the mundane, Walk On is an album that deals with faith in every aspect--the choice to continue the journey through the waiting process, to the final result in a new knowledge of God. (We're finding new quote to tie this next sentence in) Faith…not as a "magic charm" but as the anchor that holds us steadfast in the storms. Walk On calls listeners to the heart of the "substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen," without which "it is impossible to please God."

Biblically sound, relevant lyrics. Music that holds God's interests at heart. This is the legacy of 4HIM and their desire for the future as they continue to Walk On in their own journey of faith, and beckon us to follow.