Slanted Records' DecembeRadio made a name in both the Christian rock and adult contemporary realms with their hit songs "Dangerous" and "Drifter," respectively. Now after the customary re-release, the band comes back with a full set of new material. Satisfied, the band's sophomore release, picks up where the debut left off, offering more southern rock-twinged rock & roll.

Upon listening, Satisfied seems to be able to offer more of what DecembeRadio's debut did - songs that have potential to tear up the rock as well as the adult contemporary charts. Songs like "Better Man" and "Gasoline" rip it up and get the listener pumped. But when the album slows down for the MercyMe-esque sounds of "For Your Glory" or "Look For Me," you can just imagine hearing it non-stop on the AC airwaves. However, there isn't really a whole lot of greatness in any of the songs, sadly. Despite the driving guitars in the rockier tracks and the soul of the slower tracks, the songs at times feel somewhat repetitive from track to track - especially when the album takes a break from the rock and serves a few slow jams consecutively. Another setback is some of the lyrics. Sometimes it's hard to be blatant about your faith without sounding cheesy, and DecembeRadio seems to have a rough time finding a balance between the two. One example that comes to mind is in the song "Falling For You," whose chorus yells, "I'm falling for You, cause You are the truth." "Love Can" is also an example. It's very tranquil and meditative of God's love, and the first few lines are decent, but it doesn't stay up to par for very long, "What can move a mountain from the place where it stands/What can calm the greatest fear with a touch from its hand/What can turn an enemy to a brother and a friend/There's only one thing I know/Love can." Not terrible, really, but it probably could have been written a little better, particularly in the use of "love can," at its end.

DecembeRadio does a good job of offering up some decent songs. Satisfied may not make it onto the top ten albums of the year lists, but individually, all of its songs are good, whether it's for rocking out or reflecting on God's grace and love - unless of course you take into account the very last, bonus track: a boring and out of place musical interlude that seems to have already been in progress as the track itself starts. However, if you enjoyed their debut, you will likely enjoy this one as well, though you may want to give it a few listens before settling on buying it. For those who were captivated by DecembeRadio's debut, Satisfied should live up to its bold title indeed.

- Review date: 8/19/08, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com