Satellite [Japan Bonus Tracks] - P.O.D.

Don't let anyone tell you different: The Fundamental Elements of Southtown was a promising major-label debut for POD, an album that deservedly thrust them into the early-2000s nu-metal spotlight. Plus, the fact that POD stands as one of the very few metal bands with a positive outlook and an undeniable good-natured attitude makes them even more promising for a genre that's long been plagued by the darker side of life. But there's a reason why second albums are often called "long awaited." And it looks like, in the case of POD, the wait wasn't worth it. Satellite is a revealing album, for sure; unfortunately, the word "revealing" has derogatory connotations in this case. What gets revealed on Satellite is not the rap-metal masterpiece that many were waiting for, but rather that POD aren't much more than rap-metal artifice. From the opening song, the album is overtly calculated. It's quite difficult to endure, actually, because every single member of the band has talent -- and you can hear it on the album, whether it's Sonny's rhyming ability or Traa's omnipresent basslines. But this talent is sadly compromised by clearly targeted songwriting. And, no, the songs aren't targeted at critics or old people, but rather the lucrative teen market -- you know, the same people who bought all those Limp Bizkit albums. This couldn't be more obvious than on "Youth of the Nation," which seems to be some sort of rallying call for all the youth of America. Of course, since this album is indeed so calculated and manufactured, it should appeal to a rather large demographic, which it indeed did. [The Japanese release includes one bonus track, the "RTP Remix" of "Rock the Party."] ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide