Main Review
This marks my first review of a Third Day album in nearly three years. My former writer, Mike Strubie took on the task of
writing reviews for Chronology 1 & 2, but I was excited to write another review for this group after a long wait. A lot has
changed within the band in those short three years as well. 2008 marks some changes with the group, some good and
some sad, but changes nonetheless.
In February 2008, the Third Day message boards reported that long-time guitarist; Brad Avery had left the band. Why? No
one really knows for sure, other then to pursue other avenues. Many were shocked about this, as was I. I mean how
could Third Day be Third Day without Brad Avery? They have and they will. I know the Lord has plans for this group.
Never thought any of the original members would leave the group, but hey, changes are needed at times. The band even
has a new management outfit. The only thing that hasn’t changed? The group’s heart for ministry and glorifying God with
their music.
Revelation is the start of something new for this band whose music has uplifted and encouraged hundreds of thousands
of fans for well over a decade. Producing this time around is Howard Benson. Benson is best known for his work with
such mainstream bands as Hoobastank, Seether & Theory of a Deadman, just to name a few. He also produced such
successful Christian artists’ projects as Flyleaf’s and Chris Daughtry’s debut albums as well. Mac Powell talks about the
band working with Benson in the June 7, 2008 edition of Billboard magazine, which the band is also featured on the
cover. Powell says “We really wanted to shake things up. We chose to work with Howard because of the past music he
had done. We loved those records and the vision he had for those albums. At the time, they weren’t easy decisions—to
go somewhere else and the record with somebody different—but in hindsight I’m so glad we did.” You can tell the
difference after your first listen through to the new album. It rocks.
For those of you who are asking, “Is this going to be the same as Third Day’s post-Time projects?” No, it’s different and
better. I love TD’s early stuff, but I could never understand why such criticism of their latter albums. I loved Wire and
Wherever You Are; I just couldn’t understand the negative views. Sounds like Metallica of the mainstream with their
changes made after the release of their 1991 album, know as the ‘Black’ album. These guys haven’t sold out. They are
still in it for the right reasons.
Revelation gets revved up with “This Is Who I Am”. The track sounded similar musically to some of the rock tracks found
on 2004's Wire. I found the message refreshing, and invigorating. Not being afraid of what God’s molded you into. I think
as Christians we always strive for the Lord to ‘make us better then what we were before’. The song points this out as
being something we should ask God of in our lives. We could always use some positive change, reinforced into what the
Lord has made us into.
“Slow Down” reminded me of some of TD’s earlier stuff. The track also features BGVs provided by American Idol finalist
(fifth season), Chris Daughtry. I really liked the harmony of Powell and Daughtry’s voice throughout the song. One sad
thing I noticed was Brad’s signature guitar solos. They’re not bad, but I am going to miss his unique style. The chorus
really seems to touch on the changes going on in the band, although I know that the song’s not about that in particular,
but the chorus almost seems to use that as an example. “Oh, I don’t want to let go / Of all the things that I know / Are
keeping me away from my life / Oh, I don’t want to slow down”. Strange, but made me think of it.
“Call My Name” once again proves that Third Day can bring forth uplifting and ministering singles that speak out blatantly
about the love and mercy God shows us everyday. First there was “Cry Out To Jesus” from Wherever You Are and now
“Call My Name”. I remember the first time I heard the single on the radio and I’m like, “Wow, this is the new Third Day
huh?” The song grew on me quickly, and I find myself singing the chorus while I am walking around. The message is
the same as some of the bands past songs, speaking from the Savior’s point-of-view like, “Love Song”, “Come On Back
To Me” and “Cry Out To Jesus”. I really liked it and it seems to be doing well in radio with its ‘rely-solely-on-Jesus’
encouraging message. “You just call My name and I’ll be there”
“Run To You” is one of two songs on the album that features hard-rock band Flyleaf’s lead-singer, Lacey Mosley. I have to
say that I was shocked to see that the band had Lacey guest vocal not only on one track, but two. I quickly fell in love with
the song though. I think Lacey’s voice really adds something to the song that really compliments Mac Powell’s voice. I
mean Ashley Cleveland was pretty decent on “Mountain of God” (from 2005's Wherever You Are), but it didn’t strike me in
the same way as Lacey’s contributions on “Run To You”. The song’s message once again, to me, points out the
dependence a believer should have with having a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Lord & Savior. The
second verse really spoke to me personally. When I have been in that ‘prodigal’ state of mind, it’s then the Lord reminds
me, “Jay, it’s time to turn back”. Amen? “Now I got a feeling / That I’ve got to leave and / Find a way back to where I came
from / Though I don’t deserve it / I know it’s unheard but / Living here without you, my life is done
I confess that I shouldn’t have run from you / Now I know I was wrong”
I really enjoyed both the message and music of the album’s title track, “Revelation”. It certainly got me thinking about a lot
of things. I think there are a lot of us that question God daily with the usual questions like, “What do you want me to do
God?” I ask this all the time. “Lord, can’t you just tell me exactly what it is that You want me to be doing?” I think the
chorus really touches on the reality of our situations in life as Christians. Give me a revelation / Show me what to do /
‘Cause I’ve been trying to find my way / I haven’t got a clue”. We just have to continue to allow the Lord to show us the way
and to pray that His will be done in our lives. A revelation would be nice though!
Yet another amazing guest contribution can be found on the next track, “The Other Side”. Robert Randolph. A name not
that many people have heard, but I can guarantee you that that won’t be the case for long. I had the opportunity to see
Robert Randolph & the Family Band open for one of my all-time favorite guitarists, Eric Clapton recently and I was very
impressed with his talents on the guitar. Randolph’s guitar work is not what most would view as traditional either. He
doesn’t play guitar standing up, but rather sitting down tearin it up on a steel guitar! Great track!
Skipping ahead to “Born Again”, another track which features Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosley. The track really allows the listener a
chance to hear Mosley’s vocals in a different light. I thought it was much different then her work with her band, Flyleaf.
The song got me thinking about the day that I gave my life to Christ. June 25, 2003. It’s like my entire world opened up,
letting light in for the first time. I was a new creation, I was born again. I know I am not the only one who could relate to
the message here. “It feels like I’m living / For the very first time”. As cheesy as this may sound to some, this describes
exactly how I felt when I was born-again. I felt different, and for a very good reason.
I wasn’t expecting a country-sounding song on this album honestly, but you know what? Third Day is a southern-rock
style band, so it’s only fitting that they throw a country/bluegrass laced track on here. “Give Love” is the track I mention.
“Listen very closely as I sing this song / And please believe that I mean every word / When I say I love you / I mean it with
all my heart / Let it be the best thing that you’ve ever heard”. Imagine Christ saying this to you. Well, He is. He’s speaking
this love to your heart. Do you hear Him?
“Thank God for mercy / Thank God for His grace / Thank God for everything you’ve got / Before it’s too late”. Man, this is
something that I say in my prayers everyday! “Caught Up In Yourself” talks about this very subject. I may not have
everything that I have ever wanted in my life, but one thing that God has given me that is more valuable then anything in the
world is His mercy, His grace and the salvation He gave me, made possible only through the sacrifice of His only
Begotten Son, who gave His life on the cross for me. I could never thank God enough for what He’s done for me. I’m
happy and content with not being a millionaire baseball player like I envisioned when I was a kid and I’m thankful for that
too. I have so much more to offer the world that Christ has given me then being caught up in myself. I don’t need those
kinds of headaches. Boy, the Lord knew what He was doing when He allowed my bad depth perception to keep me from
being successful in baseball!
I could go on an on about Revelation, but I will close with this. I think Third Day fans out there will be impressed with what
the band has to offer on the new record. Is it good? I think so. But I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Closing Thoughts
Third Day will always hold a special place in my heart. Their music was the first in the Christian genre that I really got to
listening to after getting saved. I was encouraged and strengthened in my faith by listening to their records. I am thankful
that the Lord is working in groups like this. Revelation is sure to be a shining diamond that’s ministering glare will shine
on for years to come. Third Day has done it once again. Bringing forth some good southern-fried rock with huge helpings
of ministering messages. Mac, Mark, David and Tai … I commend you for a job well done!
Review Written By: Jay Heilman [jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org] on 7/9/2008
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