Third Day

by

Third Day

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Third Day have won many Dove Awards, both as a band and individually, and this album is where it all started. They've messed with a few different sounds over the years, from near-pop to hard rock, but this, their first release, is 100% pure southern-fried-stompin' good. Not only are they one of the best Christian bands in circulation; they're one of the best southern-rock bands I've ever heard. There isn't a song on this album I'd dare to skip. Not only that; as with all of their other songs, there's enlightenment and storytelling savoir-faire from start to finish. There's a lesson in each song, as Mac Powell waxes poetic about the lengths one would go to for pure love ('Just To Be with You') and the crucifixion (from one of the thieves' point of view...very stirring) ('Who Is This Man'). Third Day also takes a jab at secular music (namely, the Black Crowes) on 'Black Bird', one of my personal faves. They even take it up a notch and sprinkle the song with titles from early Black Crowes tunes. Clev-ver! The true southern-fried grit is in their straight-up praise songs; it always has been. The last track is the best example, with easy lyrics to pick up and sing along with, and it's one of the most memorable on any of their albums (mostly because of the happily jingling instruments in the background).

Third Day's self-titled debut is a feel-great mix of southern rock, campfire stories, and uplifting worship...and it only gets better from there, as you've probably no doubt heard. Don't pass this one up, and if you get the chance, definitely go see them live! They're one of the few bands who're just as good, if not better, in person. (See their "Offerings" DVD for proof on film! Not that that's a plug or anything...)