Third Day Albums (12)
What The Critics Say
Live Revelations was packaged as a CD/DVD "all access pass" for fans, focusing on video footage from the band's 2008 tour. And indeed, the video portion is upfront and personal for fans of Third Day's prolific live shows. As a standalone piece, the audio disc runs a little short, including only nine tracks and offers little variation beyond the studio versions. What shines through in both parts is Mac Powell's immense comfort on-stage, a quality that has endeared the band to its fan base for over a decade. A highlight of the audio CD is a collaborative cover of the U2/B.B. King classic "When Loves Comes to Town" featuring members of Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, and Robert Randolph & the Family Band. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The pre-release hoopla surrounding Revelation, Third Day's eighth studio album, was eerily reminiscent of the hype behind 2004's Wire, the band's would-be crossover breakthrough. A breathless Billboard cover story even reported Revelation had all the makings of a disc poised for the big leagues, seemingly unaware that a similar machine pushed Wire to be a general market success four years earlier, to little avail. That album did go gold and cemented the foursome further in Christian circles, but a crossover it wasn't -- indeed, it was the same old Third Day, except rockier and with lyrics that were not as overtly spiritual. The particulars of Revelation are awfully similar. Produced by modern rock guru Howard Benson, recorded in Los Angeles, and boasting guests that would make the mainstream press stand at attention -- among them, Flyleaf's Lacey Mosley, American Idol's Chris Daughtry, and pedal steel maestro Robert Randolph -- Revelation finds Third Day trying new things, but not to the extent that they sound like a different band. If anything, it seems like the change of setting and the added star power intimidated them for the better, inciting them to not settle for the middle of the road or the pat-answer anthems that dogged them post-Offerings -- the turning point where the band went from a Southern rock powerhouse to an adult contemporary one. It's like the Atlanta natives are back to their good old selves, rocking out not because they're trying to appease corporate rock types, but because they've once again reconnected with the conviction and assurance that was prevalent in their first few albums -- even their faith is worn more proudly on their sleeves as a result. It's a muscular, anthemic sound -- unquestionably populist, yet the closest Third Day has come to replicating the Southern-fried goodness of Time, their master opus and one of the best Christian rock full-lengths of the '90s. Believe the hype: Revelation is the best album Third Day has released this decade, as well as a long overdue return to the unbridled fervor that characterized them in their early years. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'Christmas Offerings'
Release Date 10/10/2006
Tracks 13
Label Essential
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Third Day's Southern rock treatment of favorite Christmas melodies is a breath of fresh holiday air for rock enthusiasts. Despite the sometimes gritty riffs, it is surprising how delicately the album comes off. The quintet blends the energy of its six studio releases with the graceful spirit of carols like "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." The result is a collection of mostly midtempo drivers with plenty of buildups and cathartic climaxes. The guitars never roar louder than Mac Powell's earnest vocals as he belts out the well-known lyrics without pretense. For balance, the album includes live recordings of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "The First Noel." Overall, Third Day cement their sound further into the hearts of fans while whetting the appetite of those unfamiliar with their catalog. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Personal tragedies among the bandmembers' loved ones and a menacing year punctuated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita sparked an emotional, lighter rock sound on Wherever You Are. The message was that of God's concern for His children in all conditions. Mac Powell and crew musically stretched out their arms to the masses and offered a sanctuary from loss, despair, and hopelessness. It was a sincere gesture. A few uptempo tracks permeated the album, including the syncopated "I Can Feel It" and the cry against unrighteous judgment in "How Do You Know." Fans grabbed up the album, making it a Top Ten hit. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After a busy year that saw the group playing everywhere from The Tonight Show With Jay Leno to the Republican National Convention, Christian rockers Third Day released the two-disc live CD/DVD Live Wire. While heavy on material from the May 2004 release from which the collection derives its name, there are enough classics here ("Sing a Song," "Offering," "Consuming Fire"), as well as the previously unreleased "Thank You All," so that fans both new and old will find a firm place in their collections for this document of the 13-cut concert, recorded at the Palace Theater in Louisville, KY. The accompanying DVD is the real treat here. Featuring the video portion of the concert in its entirety, as well as photos, a documentary, and numerous other treats, Live Wire is a fully comprehensive look at one of CCM's most alluring acts. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's evident from the first riff of "Til the Day I Die" that Third Day has stripped away the shine and gotten back to the grittiness of being a rock & roll band. On its fifth studio disc, titled Wire, the band's sound pushes the rock envelope more than any of its predecessors. With guitars out front, cuts like "Come Back to Me'" and "Rockstar" find Third Day forging ahead with unabashed enthusiasm. This is the type of rock energy displayed on prior discs, but in limited doses. Leaning on southern heritage, the cut "I Believe" is reminiscent of the Atlanta Rhythm Section's "Homesick" and "Billy Brown" could have been lifted from any Molly Hatchet record. While the rockers are a pleasure, Third Day's knack for writing emotionally potent ballads is evidenced, as well. "It's a Shame" is a tune that finds the electrics lying back in the pocket while a string arrangement enlightens the song's feel. "You Are Mine" is the type of cut that the band has taken to number one several times throughout its career. The song offers lyrical worship while the acoustic guitars and country rhythm patterns excel. Sprinkled throughout Wire is some of the best work the band has produced over its career. The disc is a rock tour de force that may take the band to new places. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
'Offerings II: All I Have to Give'
Release Date 3/4/2003
Tracks 12
Label Brentwood
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Southern rock band Third Day did not anticipate critical acclaim and record-breaking tours following the release of their 2000 project Offerings: A Worship Album. Yet the band skyrocketed to a new level of success and increased audiences with the release. Birthed by the insistence of fans, it became the group's best-selling project as of 2002 and heralded a follow-up album. The second in the series, Offerings II: All I Have to Give was released in March 2003. The band stays true to the musical style of past projects, offering listeners the rock sound they have come to love, blended with frontman Mac Powell's vocals. Featuring six live and six studio recordings, the project consists of both new and previously recorded songs. Favorites such as "Show Me Your Glory," "God of Wonders," and "Take My Life" are interspersed with new tracks including "Sing a Song," "Offerings," and "May Your Wonders Never Cease." ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Little did the members of Dove Award-winning Southern rock band Third Day know how timely the title of their November 2001 album, Come Together, would be. A name chosen a year and a half prior to the release date, the five Georgia residents had no idea of the importance the United States would soon be placing on unity, the very theme that underlies the band's fourth studio project, Come Together. Recorded over an 18-month span of time in a makeshift studio transformed from a once loft-style office, Come Together features the band's trademark Southern rock sound supported by frontman Mac Powell's unmistakable vocals. When compared to the band's previous projects, Come Together most resembles the group's self-titled debut album. With this release, however, Third Day -- composed of members Powell, Mark Lee, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, and David Carr -- has created an innovative and edgy blend of Southern rock, pop, and CCM styles, resulting in a majority of tracks unlike any of the group's prior work. While a couple tracks such as "I Don't Know" do bring to mind pieces from Conspiracy Theory No. 5, Come Together overall is a well-loved sound set to a more finely detailed musical approach. Songs include "40 Days," "Still Listening," and "Nothing Compares." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
'Offerings: A Worship Album'
Release Date 7/11/2000
Tracks 11
Label Essential
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Third Day quickly draws a distinction between entertaining and leading worship on Offerings. "King of Kings" starts the release with a fervent longing to know God. "Who is this King of glory with strength and majesty, and wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings." Mac Powell raises the tune to a fervent pitch as the members from Atlanta's Cobb County Mass Choir join in to help the cut reach its pinnacle. "Agnus Dei/Worthy" was written by Michael W. Smith and has been a focal point at Third Day concerts over the past few years. It's easy to see why; the lyrics are inspiring, the energy level high. After distorted guitars and hard hitting drums the song becomes an acoustic sing along as thousands join the band in praise. "Your Everywhere" was written during the Conspiracy No. 5 sessions but the cut never made the release. The tune is a poignant ballad that displays the bands heartfelt passion. Both "Thief" and "Consuming Fire" have been live Third Day staples since the bands inception. "Thief" tells the account of the criminals crucified with Christ. This piano driven melody is emotionally potent. Equally engaging is "Consuming Fire," which was responsible for launching the band in 1996. You can feel the electricity as Tai Anderson's bass riffs reverberate throughout the arena. Closing Offerings is arguably the most requested Third Day song. "Love Song," and is an acoustic gem. The tune reveals the fragile nuances that make Third Day much more than entertainers, and the song is sung by the band's faithful word for word. ~ Steven Losey, All Music Guide
