album review

Third Day's Move to the Blues

By Chris Carpenter
Programming Director

CBN.com – I have long felt that Third Day would be best suited making records that fuse American roots music with the blues. Mac Powell's voice lends itself perfectly for such fare as his vocals are a unique blend of soul and grit, two essentials for this type of music.

With their eleventh studio release, Move, Third Day has done just that. The charismatic Powell, along with guitarist Mark Lee, bassist Tai Anderson, and drummer David Carr, have crafted a project that is as musically stimulating as it is lyrically diverse.

Produced by Paul Moak, the album opens with "Lift Up Your Face", a gospel-tinged blues track featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama. Gritty guitars provide the backdrop for Powell's soulful and sometimes dark vocals. Despite its shadowy feel, it is clearly a song of hope.

Other tracks that are especially strong include "Surrender", a celebration of the band's southern roots, and "Children of God", a track destined to be a new Third Day classic. Also, don't miss "Make Your Move", a foot-thumping rocker that will fuel any commute or long car ride.

Move is the album I have been waiting for Third Day to make for ten years. It's raw, passionate, and track after track is filled with uncompromising truth.

Third Day's "Life Up Your Face" (Move) - Official Music Video