Third Day might have something to be proud of. The song "Call My Name" has spent most of the summer at No. 1 on the radio charts and helped land the guys a spot on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
However, anyone who checks the lyrics on the band's new album, "Revelation," will quickly realize that pride's a problem. Mac Powell spends a good part of the album explaining how pride — and other issues — need to be broken down before God can be seen clearly.
The band's 10th studio project follows the "Chronology" albums — a pair of highly successful retrospectives. In "Revelation," fans will notice something different, but also will notice a strengthening of the Southern rock that has propelled the band to three Grammys and 23 Dove Awards.
The guys from Atlanta had done most of their previous recording in their hometown. However, for this disc, they turned to Los Angeles and Howard Benson, who has worked with Chris Daughtry, POD and Flyleaf. The results are a disc that feels more raw and powerful.
"Call My Name" opens as a ballad but builds into a triumphant rocker. It looks at a relationship with God, but from a divine point of view. It's one of several tracks that would be called love songs from God.
The title track is a ballad that reflects on being "broken, trying to find my way, trying to find the faith that's gone." It asks God for a revelation of what to do — a recurring theme on the appropriately title album.
One of the edgiest tracks is "Run to You," which features vocals from Flyleaf's Lacey Mosely. The song depicts someone who's confused and lost and asks: "If I run to you will you hold me in your arms forevermore?" Mosely also offers assistance on the slow and thankful "Born Again."
Daughtry lends vocals to "Slow Down," an anthemic rocker that asks God: "Tell me slow down if you know that I'm going too fast for my own good."
Overall, "Revelation" is an album that recognizes weakness, seeks a connection with God and asks for help. It also delivers unapologetic rock energized by Powell's excellent vocals. You'll definitely want to crank up the volume.
On the Web: www.thirdday.com
Christian karaokeThink you have what it takes to sing along with your favorite Christian artist? Find out with the computer game "Heavenly Harmony Karaoke."
The game uses techniques similar to those in mainstream karaoke games. You sing into a mic while reading the lyrics from the screen. The computer tracks whether you can hit and sustain the appropriate notes.
You can start with "vocal lessons" or dive right into your career — singing in your garage in Bartlesville, Okla.
The standard game focuses on familiar hymns and praise songs — ranging from the traditional "Amazing Grace" to MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" and lots of great material from Phillips, Craig & Dean.
However, if you really want to rock, you can turn to one of the expansion packs. The second expansion includes songs form Sanctus Real, Kutless, Jeremy Camp and This Beautiful Republic.
Be warned that the game isn't friendly to the vocally challenged. If it were up to my abilities alone, I'd still be in the garage in Oklahoma. It would be nice if the game were a bit more forgiving and if the type size for the lyrics to be a little bigger.
However, it's still a fun way to test whether you should consider a career beyond the choir.
On the Web: www.cloud9games.com
Today's Praise is a roundup of news and reviews from the contemporary Christian music industry.
