Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Over the years even admirers of one of Christendom's most popular bands have tended to get blasé about Third Day's recorded output. The truth is their worship albums didn't quite deserve the huge sales they enjoyed while their standard rock albums have been critiqued as being too stylised and stuck in the formulaic straitjacket of southern rock. This I think misses the point. Agreed, the band never stray far from the bluesy raunch of an honest blue collar band yet their playing is impeccable, full of rhythmic nuances and a genuine feel for both ballads and rockers. Secondly, in Mac Powell they have one of the outstanding rock vocalists of this or any other era. What makes this album such a return to creative form is the strength of the songwriting. "Cry Out To Jesus", "Keep On Shinin'", "Mountain Of God" (with special guest Ashley Cleveland), "Love Heals The Heart" and "Rise Up" all display radio-friendly songwriting craft and all convey the spiritual message that, whatever you are going through, God is ready to meet with you right there. The three different sleeves available is a bit of an indulgence but as far as the music goes, this is Third Day's best album so far.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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