Revelation

Several years ago, Third Day tried something new. And failed. That something was the album "Wire," which was intended for mainstream crossover by writing more secular-esque songs. I for one did not like the move, but the album has held my attention due to it's musical quality, although in some places even that rubbed off as a bit too aggressive. They righted that ship with "Wherever You Are", but ended up back so far into the CCM stereotype that they (yet again) were limited in their reach to the non-Christian community.

Darned if you do, darned if you don't.

But Third Day has the uncanny ability to take what they've learned and apply it 100% to every successive album, from their debut until this album, "Revelation." Thus, "Revelation" strikes the perfect balance of all things Third Day: it has crossover appeal without actually being written and recorded around that goal.

So what's the album like, you ask? Everything old, nothing new; but when the band in question is Third Day, a "new sound" would grate against my ears with the force of a chainsaw. Songs such as the opener "This Is Who I Am," the rocker featuring Robert Randolph "Otherside," and fast-paced "Caught Up in Yourself" give the album the southern-rock flavor we all crave in a new Third Day record, without going overboard. And while some songs could just as easily be construed as relationship angst, "Call My Name," "Born Again," and "Run To You" should hardly be mistaken as "secularized" by anyone simply because they do not actually use words like "God" or "Jesus" -- they are blatently implied ("Call My Name" is sung directly from the perspective of God anyway). The enjoyable "Slow Down," sung by Mac Powell and Chris Daughtry, does make the solemn vow "So help me God" to underscore the band's point that the world offers no hope for those in need. "I Will Always Be True" is another incredible song from the perspective of God to soldiers serving for America, offering shelter and peace in the middle of such a trying time. In short, there's a lot of substance here for every Christian to love, and a lot for non-Christians to chew on and think about -- precisely what I'd want from a crossover project. In fact, there's far more here than I remember from "Time" or "Come Together."

Will it work? Only time will tell. But I can't think of a group more deserving of success than Third Day. And even if the "crossover" concept does somehow scare you, note that there are no decidedly secular songs (such as are found on Wire) nor is there one line on this album that will go against Scripture. There is a time and place for music written for church services or pastor's conferences, but Third Day are missionaries to the common man, and "Revelation" demonstrates that with style, grace, and polish.

This, by far, is Third Day's best album. I couldn't pick a single song on this album that I don't like. It's full of wonderful wisdom. Switching producer led to a richer, better sound, and outstanding harmonies. I can highly recommend this album to anyone liking contemporary music, rock, guitars, and/or good Christian music. Can't stop listening to it...

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2042
Here is a link to "Salvation Mountain", for those who think the band ripped off Radiohead's cover.
Fell in love with Third Day a little late, in 2002, when "Come Together" got me through a difficult period with an ailing elderly parent. Then I had to hear all of the other work. CT and "Time" will probably always be my favorites, but "Revelation" is right up there. I have played "Born Again" and "Run to You" over and over, because of the gorgeous male/female duet. Love how the producer got all the different types of vocals out of Mac, from rockin' to tender.

This is the BEST Third Day album. Some will only agree to disagree but I'll say it again this is the BEST work Third Day has ever done to date.
It's solid.

Third Day has been one of the premiere bands in Christian music for many years. In 'Revelation' they have put together another great album.

It is an album with great rock music, a solid Christian message, and superb vocals. Along with Mac Powell's trademark voice, this one features two songs that also contain the singing of Flyleaf's Lacey Moseley. Although they seem like an odd pairing at first due to such different styles, the combined effect certainly works well.

There are many very good songs on this CD. Some of my favorites include the following: Call My Name, Run To You, Revelation, Slow Down, Born Again, and Take It All. There are no bad songs in this collection.

I would srongly recommend this for any fan of rock and/or contemporary Christian music.