Come Together
Third Day
Essential

Third Day fans have been waiting for the new release by this 5 time Dove Award winning band with 15 number one hit singles. But, the big question has been, will it live up to their previous powerful albums, "Time" and "Offerings--a Worship Album"? I can assure you the answer is an emphatic "Yes!" Third Day has created yet another earthy, eclectic experience that will satisfy their "old" fans and surely catch the attention of new ones. My favorite? "Get On," a rock and roll battle cry for times of temptation.

Even more amazing than the sustained quality of the album is the timeliness of it. If ever there was an album for this new, unsettling era, "Come Together" is it. You will find it hard to believe that it was recorded before the Sept. 11th tragedies. The title song challenges: "If we would all just come together and let the Lord lead our way there is nothing we can't do. There's nothing we can not face." And the encouraging "When the Rain Comes" reassures us of God's unfailing love in the stormy times. However, the Atlanta-based band came up with the theme of unity over a year-and-a-half ago. Since the band members had come from different denominations and backgrounds, and have themselves seen how God can use five "regular" guys who join in one united cause, they felt inspired to encourage others to see the power that comes from unity. Little did the band know the theme would become more profound than they had anticipated. They started recording Sept. 2000 in a loft styled office which they converted into their own makeshift recording studio. Freed from working under the pressure of ultra-expensive commercial studio time, the band now had ample time to experiment, create and capture their latest vision, bringing us closer to God and to each other.

This upbeat, seamless mix of music rocks, drives, worships and comforts like only Third Day can. My final recommendation? A "must have" for all rockers in this age.

-Sharon C.