The latest offering from the veteran Southern rockers sees renowned producer Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen amongst countless others) in the driving seat and the band in top form. Proceedings kick off with the explosive "Hit Me Like A Bomb" and the lighter pop of "Kicking And Screaming" which set the scene for a varied album chock full of the kind of quality songs you would expect from a band of Third Day's calibre. As ever, it is lead singer and chief lyricist Mac Powell's unmistakable vocals that steal the show with tracks such as the tender "You Are My Everything" and the gutsy blues stomper "The Victory" showcasing the man's ability to sing at both ends of the vocal spectrum. Elsewhere, the rest of the band shine with the indie-tinged "Time's Running Out On Me" which contains a memorable contribution from guitarist Mark Lee whilst the '80s retro sound of "For The Rest Of My Life" confirms that Third Day are out to be creatively diverse whilst not forsaking their own distinctive sound. As ever, Powell's lyrics are God-centred and worshipful, numbers such as "Your Love Is Like A River" and "I Want To Believe In You" point to Jesus as the rock amidst troubled waters and typify an album of songs that portray the struggles and rewards of having faith in Christ with refreshing realism. The band bravely close with an augmented version of the Sunday School favourite "Morning Has Broken" - pleasingly containing more than a nod to Cat Stevens' definitive version - to wrap up an exemplary release from one of CCM's premier bands.

By - Lins Honeyman

Cross Rhythms [1]