Third Day – Revelation – review

Artist: Third Day

Title: Revelation

Label: Sony

Rating: 6.5/10

Corporate line:
With the release of its 11th studio album “Revelation,” Third Day’s Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee and David Carr have hit new heights as Christian music’s premiere rock band. Recorded in Los Angeles, the first time Third Day has worked on a project outside of the South, Third Day’s signature rock sounds gets an infusion of new energy thanks to the band’s new collaboration with producer by Howard Benson (Daughtry, Flyleaf, Hoobastank, P.O.D.).

With his heart on his sleeve, frontman and principal lyricist Mac Powell gives voice to the emotions all believers feel as they attempt to reconcile everyday struggles with the hope born of salvation. Songs like “Run To You,” “Born Again,” “This Is Who I Am,” and the first single, “Call My Name” are like musical stepping stones on the band’s creative journey. The result is a new chapter in Third Day’s story; it is truly a musical revelation.

The good:
“Slow Down” f/Chris Daughtry) – A very good song–even if you don’t care that they have a message.
“This Is Who I Am” – If Their name wasn’t Third Day and was Three Doors Down this would be a huge hit. So it could and should be a hit for Third Day.
“Call My Name” – Another solid release.

The rest:
“Run to You” – Lacks the big gusto of the previous songs.
“Revelation” – The title track is way over the top for someone like me who isn’t invested in the message.
“Born Again” – This song reminds me of the corny Time-Life series commercials for Christian rock albums that comes off as sappy–it definitely gives these kinds of bands a bad reputation (or a good one depending who’s side you are on).

Finally:
Yes, Third Day is a Christian rock band. The truth is I didn’t even know that until I had to write this and put in the Corporate line. I don’t care what their beliefs are–although admittedly the sappiness on a few of the songs did start to wear me out. With how much people invest in music and lyrics its not hard to imagine some people avoiding Third Day because of their Christian tone. I might be counted in that as well–but the songs are good and if you have no personal feelings about the angle you’d be hard pressed not to just sit back and enjoy it.