By the time
4 Him made
Obvious in 1998, they were pretty much set in their ways, but instead of getting complacent, the group was refining their sound and getting better. So while there are no real surprises on
Obvious, the band's craftsmanship has increased. That means the record isn't as immediate or fresh as their early recordings, but the sturdy songs and performances make it worth repeated listens. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine