THIS GENERATION

In 2000 Sonicflood won a Dove Award for their self-titled album.  It was for their debut and for ‘Praise and Worship’ album.  Fast forward to 2005 and they put out THIS GENERATION (INO Records), their sixth album overall.  The group’s roster was: Rick Heil (vocals, guitars), Bryan Willard (bass guitar), Trey Hill (guitars), Jordan Jameson (guitars), and Ben Showalter (drums).

First up is the title track, ‘This Generation’, penned by Kevin McDougal and Rick Heil.  Brandon Heath is a backing vocalist on this great rock song that reaches out to one’s peers: “This is a call to worship/This is a call to sing/This is a call to fall down on our knees before the Risen King/This is a call to shout out/This is a call to praise/This is a call to lift our hearts and hands and voices”.  An invitation to God is also extended: “Make every heart a new creation/Come into this generation”.  ‘All I’ve Failed to Be’ is a ballad of spiritual surrender: “I’m praying Lord break me/I’m praying Lord take me/I’m praying Lord make me/All I’ve failed to be/God above/I’m in awe of Your perfect love/Humbly I come to Your throne of grace/For a taste of You”.

Chad Cates, Jim Cooper, and Rick Heil wrote ‘You Are’.  Tony Palacios and Paul Moak play guitars on this pop/worship song: “You are the great I AM/You are the Prince of Life/You are the Spotless Lamb/My Risen King/The reason why I sing/I want to live for You/You are worthy/Boldly I’ll speak Your truth and lay down my life/And I will give You glory/For everything You are”.  ‘Everlasting’ is a beautiful song that uses strings and is about how reliable our God is: “The sky will fall/The ground will give/Through it all You will be faithful/Friends may leave/They come and go/This I know/You will be faithful (2X).../When all around is falling into waste/When the earth is dying/You cannot be erased/And I don’t have to be afraid”.

Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong of The Choir wrote ‘More than Anything’, an adult contemporary track that cries out to God: “More than anything in my life/More than anything my soul desires/Holy fire in the dark of my heart of hearts/How I need You/How I love You/More than anything/How sweet the rain that falls on barren land/So much more I need You/Divine the grace that heals a broken man/Precious Lord, I love You”.  Joey Canaday plays bass on ‘Prodigal’, a rock song that places total trust in God: “So here is my life/I give it all/I’m placing it in Your hands/Mold me and make me/Let me fall into Your arms of love again/Where I should have always been/My sin You remember no more/Your mercy has covered my scars/Your healing has welcomed me home/I am new in You”.

Jamie Rowe of Guardian sings backing vocals on ‘Your Love Goes On Forever’ which was written by Marc Byrd, Christine-Glass Byrd, Rick Heil, and Andrew Thompson.  It’s a pretty pop/worship tune: “Heaven and all the universe/Proclaim Your power and Your worth/Hallelujah/Your love goes on forever/God of life and Lord of love/Who was and is and is to come/Hallelujah/Your love goes on forever/All you creatures of the sea/And children of the Savior/Yearning hearts and oceans deep/Praise the Lord/For the mercy in His hands/For the healing in His scars/For the grace in His commands/Praise the Lord!”  ‘Never Forget You (Psalm 103)’ is a rock/worship testimonial: “Praise You Lord/With all my heart/I know You satisfy/Praise You Lord/Lord most high/For how You’ve changed my life/I’ll never forget that You forgive my sin/Redeem my life/From the pit/Forevermore/I’ll never forget You Lord/Your love surrounds me”.

‘Moment of Glory’ has Pete Kipley as one of the co-writers and is a pleasant song of wonder: “There’s something radical about this revelation/There’s something magical about the cloud formations/I see Your glory in this place/I feel the mystery of Your grace/There’s something wonderful about this transformation/Just like the stars shining at night/You are the sun that gives me light”.  Last up is Lara Martin’s ‘God is Here’, a light rock song with these words for a chorus: “God is here, let the broken-hearted rejoice/God is here, let the sick say I am well/God is here, let the weak say I am strong/God is here”.

THIS GENERATION is a fantastic album that blends pop and rock music sounds with modern worship lyrics.  It is an album full of spiritual passion and vitality.  God is presented as our ever present hope and true life-giver and mender of broken hearts and lives.  These ten songs express a sincere desire to know, love, and serve God wholeheartedly.  That is what life should truly be all about even if it goes against the popular flow.  We need not be ashamed to proclaim the goodness of our God.  At times the sounds on this album remind me of the CCM group PFR.  Youth and young adults who desire to glorify the Lord will appreciate THIS GENERATION which I’m rating a perfect 100%.  For more info visit Sonicflood or Rick Heil on Facebook.

STILL HAPPY

Goodman Revival is: Michael Sykes, Tanya Goodman Sykes, and Johnny Minick.  They are carrying on the musical legacy of The Happy Goodman family who are legends in Southern Gospel music.  Goodman Revival’s first recording was 2014’s SONGS IN THE KEY OF HAPPY.  Here, I will be reviewing their second album, STILL HAPPY (2017, Gaither Music Group).

First up is the toe-tapping ‘When they Ring the Bells of Heaven’.  It offers something grand for believers to look forward to: “He’ll be there to welcome all the ransomed and free/When they ring the bells of Heaven on that day/Oh, when they ring the bells of heaven/Ring the bells of glory/When redeemed are gathered on that day/Oh, the hallelujah morning/Everybody singing, shouting/What a happy meeting/When they ring the bells of Heaven on that day”.  Isaiah G. Martin’s classic ballad of hope ‘The Eastern Gate’ is next: “If you hasten off to glory/Just linger near the Eastern Gate/For I’m coming in the morning/And you’ll not have long to wait/I will meet you in the morning (2X)/Just inside the Eastern Gate over there.”  Tanya’s Dad Rusty Goodman wrote ‘Had it Not Been’, a great Easter song: “Had it not been for a place called Mount Calvary/Had it not been for the old rugged cross/Had it not been for a man called Jesus/Then forever my soul would be lost”.

Aaron Wilburn and Phil Johnson wrote ‘The Word is Mercy’, an easy listening ballad about ultimate healing: “If you could just imagine a bird without a song/Fallen to the barren earth, wounded, left alone/And then with just a motion of the kind and loving hand/The broken wing is mended, the song restored again/The word is mercy (2X)/Nothing else describes what He did for me/On a hill called Calvary/He cast in the sea all I used to be/The word is mercy”.  ‘There’s Been A Lot of Changes’ offers testimony and is upbeat Southern Gospel: “Well, this old house was filled with sin from ceiling to the floor/And Satan had me wrecked within till I could stand no more/But the great Repairman from above, He knew just what to do/He filled my soul with His great love and made me over new/There’s been a lot of changes in this heart of mine/I’ve got a born again experience and now I’m feelin’ fine”.

Suzanne Jennings and Michael Sykes wrote ‘Knowing You’ll Be There’, a sentimental country ballad: “Knowing we can spend a lifetime reminiscing on the past/Knowing I will see your face again where tender moments last/It makes me wanna go there knowing I won’t be alone/Knowing you’ll be there makes it easy to go home”.  Rusty Goodman wrote the fun ‘The Answer’s on the Way’.  It’s a song of positivity: “Oh yes, the answer’s on the way, this I know/Jesus said it, I believe it and it’s so/Our Heavenly Father knows the need before we pray/And we can rest assured/The answer’s on the way”.

Johnny Minick and Tim Hill wrote ‘I’m Dying to Tell You’, which is a country ballad that finds Jesus speaking from the cross: “He said ‘I’m dying to tell you I love you/Dying to bring you life anew/I want to show you what grace can do/So I’m dying to tell you I love you’”.  Ronnie Hinson’s ‘The Lighthouse’ is an inspirational classic with a nautical theme and a spiritual meaning: “There’s a lighthouse on a hillside that overlooks life’s sea/When I’m tossed it sends out a light that I might see/And the light that shines in darkness now will safely lead me o’er/If it wasn’t for that lighthouse/My ship would sail no more.../And I thank God for the lighthouse/I owe my life to Him/For Jesus is the lighthouse and from the rocks of sin/He has shone the light around me/That I might clearly see/If it wasn’t for the lighthouse/Where would this ship be?”

Next is Bill Gaither’s intimate praise and worship gem ‘The Longer I Serve Him’.  It begins: “Since I started for the Kingdom/Since my life He controls/Since I gave my heart to Jesus/The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows/The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows/The more that I love Him, more love He bestows/Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows/The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows”.  Last up is Charles Wycuff’s ‘I’m Too Near Home’.  It’ll get your feet a dancin’ and is a song of spiritual determination: “I’m too near home with my Lord/To miss sweet heaven’s reward/I’m not returning to sin/I’ve made my vow/There’s nothing to go back to/Oh ‘Praise God! Heaven’s in view!’/I’m too near Heaven my home/I’ll not turn back now”.

I became a fan of the last incarnation of the Happy Goodman’s (Howard, Vestal, and Johnny Minick) via the Gaither Homecoming video series.  On STILL HAPPY Goodman Revival keep the musical and lyrical vibe of the group going with several cover songs and a couple dandy originals that fit in well.  The main theme presented is that of anticipating Heaven where we will see God and loved ones who have gone before us.  It will be a place of complete joy.  Gratitude for Calvary is another main theme.  Through the sacrificial work of Christ we can obtain mercy, grace, love, healing, forgiveness, and salvation.  We can become new creations.  Other topics explored include prayer and serving Jesus.  Intimacy with God is desired.  Seven of the eleven songs are on the slower side of things, but the four fast ones are really good and celebratory.  Tambourine, harmonica, steel guitar, mandolin, and dobro are just some of the instruments used on this record of Southern Gospel and country sounds.  All three group members take turns singing lead, with Tanya and Johnny being most prominent.  I’m rating STILL HAPPY 95%.  For more info visit: www.goodmanrevival.com.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Robert Mason ‘Bob’ Carlisle was born on September 29, 1956.  Early on he was part of the Jesus music groups Good News and Psalm 150.  I first knew him as the lead singer of Christian rock band Allies who put out six studio albums between 1985 and 1992.  He would go on to release a handful of solo albums beginning in 1993.  In 1997 he took the music world by storm with his crossover hit ‘Butterfly Kisses’, co-written with Randy Thomas.  It won a Dove for ‘Inspirational Song of the Year’ and was all over the airwaves.  With its father-daughter heart-tugging theme it became a wedding favorite.  Fast forward to 2000 and he put out the album NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (Diadem).

Randy Thomas and Rick Crawford wrote the soulful pop song ‘Forgiveness’ on which Kim Keyes is a backing vocalist.  It’s about not holding grudges: “Every time I throw that stone/The fate I’m sealing is my own/Do you know how much I need forgiveness, forgiveness?/I can’t live without forgiveness, forgiveness/That’s what love’s about.../Nobody wins when the bridges start burning/Can’t you hear my cry?”  Darwin Hobbs and Tabitha Fair are two of the backing vocalists on ‘Lay Your Hands on Me’, a gospel pop song about ultimate healing: “So, I’ve come before the Great Physician/Where I know the medicine is strong and free/Only You can cure this crossed up condition/Yeah, You know the very thing I need.../Lay Your hands on me/I want Your touch/Lay Your hands on me/You’ve got the power/Lord, You know I’ve got the need”.  Bob and Randy Thomas wrote ‘Heaven’, a sentimental ballad: “There are moments in this life when it’s hard to carry on/When I think about my father and all the loved ones that are gone/Friends and close relation/Somewhere on the other side/They’ve passed into forever but the love has never died.../I want to see heaven where the faithful carry on”.

‘First, Last & Always’ is a very slow song on which Kirk ‘Jellyroll’ Johnson plays harmonica.  It encourages us to focus on God: “So much that glitters and shines/In this world, wild and wonderful/So much that captures my mind/Still all my thoughts turn to You/You should know I think of You/First, last and always (2X)/You gave my life back to me/And forever you’ll be/First, last and always”.  ‘The Truth (La Verdad)’ is one of three songs on the album penned by Bob and Regie Hamm.  It’s a fun, tropical sounding, autobiographical track: “I never really listened much to rock-n-roll/Grew up on James Brown, Motown and Latin soul and that’s the truth/See all my homies were of serious Latino persuasion/They taught me how to find the groove despite my sole lack of pigmentation/They took a little white boy with shiny shoes/And they anointed me with salsa and rhythm and blues”.

‘River of Peace’ is an adult contemporary ballad featuring The Nashville String Machine.  It admits to having times of doubt: “You said we’re all Your precious children/But I must admit sometimes we feel so small/We wonder if You’re there or if You really care at all/Ours is not to question why/Ours is just to live and try/To settle for the answer/Whatever it might be”.  Next up is a cover of the Todd Rundgren co-write ‘Love is the Answer’.  Here, Bryan Duncan is Bob’s perfect duet partner.  The chorus of the upbeat song goes: “Light of the world shine on me/Love is the answer/Shine on us all, set us free/Love is the answer”.

Bob and Tom Hemby wrote ‘Watched by an Angel’.  It’s a bit of a sappy mid-tempo song: “I’ve had it harder than some/But I was never one for sympathy/Even when it seemed like my vision was gone/There was someone looking out for me/And when it’s all been said and done/It’s so clear that I was not alone/I’ve got something to say/And I know it might sound crazy/But I swear I’m being watched by an angel/Somebody’s there/There’s no other way to say it”.  Amy Grant had a massive hit with ‘Baby Baby’, a co-write with Keith Thomas.  It was on top of the Billboard 100 for two straight weeks in April of 1991 and is from her album HEART IN MOTION.  The song was inspired by her young daughter Millie.  Carlisle’s cover of the song here is slower, longer, and by far inferior.  At any rate, it’s still about devotion: “My love for you is true and it will never/Stop for a minute/Baby, you’re mine/And ever since that day you put my heart in motion/Baby I realize that there just ain’t no getting over you”.

‘I Still Believe in You’ is a mellow R & B declaration of faith: “I still believe in You/I still believe what You say is true, yes I do/I still believe in You/My God is alive/I still believe in You/No matter what they say or do/I still believe in You/Lord, I still believe in You”.  CCM vet Randy Stonehill co-wrote ‘After All’, an easy listening ballad about God’s love: “After all the heartache and the pain/All the bridges I have crossed/And the ones I’ve left in flames/After all the sorrow and regret/All the times I’ve turned away when You’d call/You still love me after all”.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH was produced by Regie Hamm and executive produced by George King and Dean Diehl.  Bob Carlisle’s soulful vocals will appeal to fans of Michael English and Michael Bolton.  His voice is seasoned and mature.  Pop, adult contemporary, gospel, and R & B sounds can be heard on this record.  It is a very laid back offering and doesn’t really have a central theme so I found it to be disjointed.  Certainly Bob is singing about his Christian walk, but not in a cohesive manner.  The album is all over the place topically.  Sonically, I also found it somewhat boring.  I’m rating this one 73%.  For more info connect with Bob on Facebook.

WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE

In 1985 speed metal band Deliverance was formed in California, fronted by Jimmy P. Brown II.  In 1987 they contributed two songs to the compilation album CALIFORNIA METAL.  Other artists on that album included Guardian and Neon Cross.  In 1989 Deliverance released their self-titled debut album.  It included such songs as: ‘No Time’, ‘If You Will’, ‘The Call’, and ‘Jehovah Jireh’.  In 1990 the band released their most loved project ever to this day by many, WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE (Intense Records).  Members were: Jimmy P. Brown II (vocals, guitar), George Ochoa (lead and acoustic guitar), Brian Khairullah (bass), and Chris Hyde (drums).  Ochoa served as producer.

The opening track ‘Supplication’ doesn’t hit the two minute mark, but it’s a good one.  It includes these spoken words: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal/But mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.../And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”.  A nice acoustic, then electric guitar piece follows.  ‘This Present Darkness’ rocks hard and urges us to be spiritually alert: “Mighty are the weapons of God to combat this present darkness/Satan’s plan, complacency/Knowing not the fight for your soul/Don’t believe his lies, just unveil your eyes/Through prayer bring down the strongholds”.

Next up is the title track, ‘Weapons of Our Warfare’, which is one of my all time favorite Christian metal songs.  The video got airplay on MTV.  The song pulsates from beginning to end.  It begins with a warning: “Imaginations running wild/Innocent they seem/Polluting your mind/A formulated scheme/The battle it starts in your mind/A lesson to be learned/Provoking thoughts only cause the sin that provoking thoughts have earned”.  The song goes on to advise: “To take dominion over Satan’s own ground/Rise up with the sword of God and put your armor on”.  ‘Solitude’ is fast and heavy and Jimmy again screams in falsetto when appropriate.  The song stresses the importance of the Bible: “A man’s fear is crushed when thoughts recall words heard so long ago/Search for an answer/A holy book upon a shelf/Words cutting deep inside/Speaks to my heart and to my soul.../I don’t have to be alone/No more solitude”.

The next track, ‘Flesh and Blood’, is the longest at about seven and a half minutes.  It’s blistering metal with bold lyrics: “This war is not for wimps, the emaciated, or the weak/It’s for those who bear their cross and believe the power of Jesus’ Name/Christianity, a reality/It’s a fight to let you know about a Man who gave His flesh and blood/To save your hellbound soul”.  ‘Bought By Blood’ begins with a warning: “The seductress that flatters with her tongue/Don’t be led astray by her deceit/Many are the victims she’s cast down/All her slain are a mighty host/Her house is the way to hell”.  The song goes on to remind us of our value to God: “You’ve been paid for at a price/You’ve been bought by blood/The precious blood of Christ”.

‘23’ is a slower metal song based on David’s most famous Psalm: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death/I will fear no evil/You are with me/Your rod and staff/They comfort me/You are with me/Oh Lord”.  ‘Slay the Wicked’ sizzles in fine metal fashion and empowers us: “Release the power/Not ours, not angels’/But God’s above/This is the hour/Demons your fate is sealed/Slay the wicked.../Resist the devil and he will flee from you/Don’t give place to his lies/Not being ignorant of any devices/Submit to God/Be a vicar of Christ”.

‘Greetings of Death’ is a headbanger with awesome electric guitar work and a serious message: “It has been appointed once for a man to die/But after this the judgment/Once the appointment has been made/Nothing can be done to change it.../Are you afraid to die?”  Last up is the energetic ‘If We Faint Not’.  It encourages the weary: “Life just seems so much harder/All the battles day by day/That’s when we must stand up and be bold, be bold!/So let us not grow weary in doing what is right/God shall renew our strength to fight someway/Remember, we reap what we sow/Flesh sows corruption/Spirit everlasting life/It’s yours/We shall reap/If we faint not”.

In order for this album to make any sense, one has to believe that there is a Creator God who has a wonderful plan for our lives and who wants us to spend eternity in heaven with Him.  One also has to believe that there is an evil Devil who wants to draw us away from God, destroy our lives, and wants us to spend eternity in hell with him.  Furthermore, one has to believe in the events of Easter-the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  God ultimately defeated Satan on our behalf.  In the meantime though, there is a battle going on for each individual human soul.  We must not be passive, but active participants in spiritual warfare.  Prayer, reading the Word, and putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) are vital weapons in our battle to draw nearer to God and away from the devil’s schemes.  We can live happy, victorious spiritual lives on planet earth as long as we answer the devil’s lies with God’s truths and accept the salvation Christ offers us.  On WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE these Christian messages are delivered via speed and thrash metal music, so granted, it won’t appeal to the masses.  That being said, those who enjoy bands like Vengeance Rising and Tourniquet will enjoy this album that is very lively.  I’m rating it 95%.  For more info connect with Deliverance or Jimmy P Brown II on Facebook.

REVIVAL

Formed in Georgia, Third Day has been a mainstay on the CCM stage since the release of their self-titled Reunion Records debut back in 1996.  Over the years they have performed adult contemporary, worship, and Southern rock music equally well.  Many Christian rock bands have came and went during this time with varying levels of success, but Third Day has remained a fan and radio favorite.  On their latest record REVIVAL (2017, Essential) Third Day is: Mac Powell (vocals), Mark Lee (guitars), and David Carr (drums).  Other instrumentalists used include: Scotty Willbanks, Tim Gibson, Trevor Morgan, and Ken Lewis.  Monroe Jones produced the album, while Terry Hemmings served as executive producer.  The band was blessed to record at the famed FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.  Mac Powell says REVIVAL is an old school gospel record.  The band still wants to use music to share their faith after all this time.

First up is the title track and lead single ‘Revival’.  It’s one of nine songs written by the three group members.  Cheryl Rogers, Alfreda Gerald, and Brittany Shewbridge provide backing vocals on this rousing song that sounds like it’s ripped right off of Bob Dylan’s SAVED (1980) which isn’t a bad thing!  Get your gospel toe-tapping shoes on for this song with an old school, but much needed message: “Anybody here looking for revival in our own hearts and across the land?/Anybody looking for a real revival?/Lift up your voice and say ‘Amen’ (2X)/Ain’t gonna find it in a politician/Not from the government or any law/Can’t get it going by your own religion/Only by the Spirit and the Word of God (2X)”.   ‘Gonna Be There With Me’ is one of two songs on which Trevor Morgan, Scotty Willbanks, and Tim Gibson are co-writers.  It has a bar room feel to it musically, complete with piano, and offers these words of comfort: “From the deepest part of the ocean to the farthest galaxy/Anywhere that I would roam/Lord, it’s always good to know/That You’re gonna be there with me”.

‘Leave this World Behind’ is a terrific Christian rock song with a great electric guitar part.  These lyrics anticipate heaven: “When I leave this world behind/Don’t worry for me/When I leave this world behind/Cause I’ll be in glory/Don’t you shed a tear for me/I’ll be doing fine.../All my tears and all my pain/Will be gone in Jesus’ Name/I’ll be free and I will sing forever”.  Chris Rodriguez sings background vocals on ‘Let there Be Light’, a modern worship number sure to become a favorite: “Let there be light where there is darkness/Let there be hope when there is none/Let there be peace in the midst of sorrow/Let there be love to bring us back home.../There is one light/There is one Savior of the world/There is one hope/His Name is Jesus, Jesus”.

‘Faithful and True’ is a laid back ballad that uses violins, viola, and cello.  It places full confidence in God: “There’s never been a reason not to believe You/There’s never been a season when You didn’t come through/In every situation You’ve been my salvation/Your love is faithful and true (2X)”.  Scat Springs provides backing vocals on ‘Gather Round Now’, a meaty and mighty modern spiritual: “Oh, I will sing about my Jesus/Oh, I will sing about my Lord/The King of all creation, of every tribe and nation/One day He’ll return to take us home”.

Solomon Olds, Rebecca Olds, Seth Philpott, and Mac Powell wrote ‘In Your Hands’, an adult contemporary song of testimony: “When I’m all dried up and I’m all worn out/You runneth over my cup/When You pour love down/When I’m lost and alone/All by myself, barely breathing, yet I find You there/You have always been there”.  It’s quite a pretty track.  Next up is Paul Simon’s 1973 composition ‘Loves Me Like a Rock’.  Here it is given the country gospel treatment with group claps and The Oak Ridge Boys contributing vocals.  It’s a catchy story song: “When I was a little boy and the Devil would call my name/I said ‘Now who do you who do you think you’re fooling?/I’m a consecrated boy/Singer in a Sunday choir/Oh my mama loves me, she loves me/She get down on her knees and hugs me/Oh, she loves me like a rock/She loves me like the Rock of Ages’”.

Tanya Smith is a backing vocalist on ‘New Creation’, a spirited Americana style song about conversion: “Well, if you’re sad and lonely, don’t know what to do/You give your heart to Jesus, He will get you through/And if you’re feeling tired, with nothing left to lose/You give your life to God/He’s gonna make everything new, yeah”.  ‘Nobody Loves Me Like Jesus’ sings His praises with a pleasant sound: “Nobody in this whole wide world gonna give what I’m looking for/Listen right now, gonna say it more/Nobody loves me like/Nobody else gonna to live that life or gonna make that sacrifice/The only thing I can’t deny/Nobody loves, nobody loves me like Jesus”.

‘Anything is Possible’ is an inspiring gospel number that’s upbeat: “We all have our troubles, we all have our trials/But I know that we can make it with a faith that’s like a child/When you see you’re outnumbered/And you’re feeling overwhelmed/Let the Spirit lead and just believe/That anything is possible”.  ‘Great God Almighty’ offers this advice in a funky, folksy musical style: “So if you think that you can’t make it/And you feel like no one cares/You just turn your eyes to Heaven/And you whisper out this prayer/You say ‘Great God Almighty won’t You save Your children?/Lord in Heaven won’t you lend a hand?/Ain’t no way we gonna do this without You/By Your Spirit I know we can”.  Last up is ‘Devotion’, a ballad that uses strings and is prayerful: “Lord, I really want to know You just as You are/To give You all that You deserve/Lord, fill me up till Your love surrounds me/Lord, give me grace for all those around me/Lord, give me faith that’s simple and true/Lord, make my life a devotion to You”.

REVIVAL is a folksy, rootsy gospel rock album that is very down to earth.  These songs will take you to church.  They make you feel you are at an old time camp meeting or sitting around a campfire singing about God.  These are Holy Ghost inspired songs.  Besides gospel, Southern rock and old country sounds can be found here.  Various instruments used to flavor this unique Third Day record include: B3, clavinet, melodica, Wurlitzer, and resonator.  Mac Powell’s vocals are full of feeling.  Themes include: a desire for revival and God’s presence, songs that testify about Christ’s power, love, and the peace He gives, heaven, prayers, and encouragement.  This is a flawless, unique, uplifting album which I’m rating 100%.  Young and old alike should enjoy this one.

The Deluxe Edition of REVIVAL includes five bonus tracks.  The first two are new songs.  ‘You Redeemed Me’ is an adult rock song that testifies: “My debts have all been cancelled/My ransom has been paid/You turned my fears and failures to a story of Your grace/You gave me a brand new life/Now I am forever changed”.  ‘The Return’ is a sobering song of sorts: “In the blink of an eye/Like a thief in the night/The sky will be torn open.../Are you ready for, ready for, ready for the return?”  Last up are three tracks collector’s will appreciate: ‘Revival (Radio Mix)’, ‘Let there Be Light (Original Cut)’, and ‘Faithful and True (First Take)’.  For more info visit: www.thirdday.com.