When Offerings released in 1999, people thought that Third Day was going to be the next modern praise and worship band. Well, they sort of are and they sort of aren't. Over the past five years or so I've watched the path Third Day has taken, being they're one of my most favorite artists. On Come Together, I have reasons to love them even more as I get used to yet another musical transformation.

Before I start on the actual review (this is just a disclaimer), I want to mention that the CD is really good. However, there are a lot of changes that some of you may not be ready for. One thing that Third Day is noted for especially is Mac and his powerful, flawless voice. He still has it, but he tends to use it a little differently at times.

The album is entitled Come Together and, as some of you know from seeing them live, one of their big focuses is breaking down denominational walls. This is a huge issue in the church and Third Day makes it a focus on this album. I'm glad they're addressing it because it needs to be addressed. Also if you've seen them in concert you'll know that they like to have fun. Come Together clearly reflects this.

The CD opens with the title track, which if you're a big fan of Third Day, you'll notice right away the difference: the beeps. The song is a great fast-paced pop rock song and is very melodious. It carries the same feel Time did but with a little less of a raw edge. The next song is "40 Days," a definite album highlight, with the third song, "Show Me Your Glory" standing out the most. The song starts off slow, but then picks up about a minute into the track. "Get On," the next song, continues the "Come Together" theme, talking about unity and those trying to deceive the church into believing that it's ok to be dis-unified. The song is reminiscent of something you'd find off of Time with guitars similar to those found on the band's 1997 project, Conspiracy No.5. "My Heart" throws the listener a curve ball, changing things up a bit from the norm of the band. Mac Powell throws his vocals around a lot more on this. It shows more versatility and proves he can do practically anything with his voice. The song has a funky bass line and jazz guitar feel and is supported by an electronic drum beat unusual to typical Third Day offerings. "My Heart" shows where the fun aspect comes into play.

The next two songs, "It's Alright" and "I'm Still Listening" are pretty similar to some of their older material. "I'm Still Listening" opens with more of a western feel at first, but then blends very well with the band's signature southern rock. 3D rounds the song off with some nicely arranged strings.

"I Got You" joins "My Heart" as being some of the first Third Day songs to experiment with digital beats, beeps and sounds. "I Don't Know" changes the mood back over to typical 3D styles, featuring a great string arrangement. The next three songs vary with paces from slow, but nice with "When the Rain Comes" (with an odd John Denver feel - but better), to the fast paced jungle beat chorus of "Sing Praises," to closing things out with "Nothing Compares," a shorter ballad, reminiscent of the band's work on Time.

Lyrically, Come Together is awesome. As I mentioned earlier, they have become one of the new modern worship bands. The CD wasn't as passionate as Offering's "King of Glory," (except for "Show Me Your Glory"), and "These Thousand Hills." The songs deal with issues ranging from the unification of the church to the grace of Christ ("I Don't Know") and being open to Him ("I'm Still Listening"). Other songs like "40 Days" talk about relying on Christ during trials. A different, but good album, I highly recommend this album to Third Day fans and non alike. While its style may seem schizophrenic at times, it's nice to hear the band experimenting a bit. Come together and check it out.

- Review date: 10/19/01, written by Kevin Chamberlin of Jesusfreakhideout.com