Given the unstoppable popularity of praise and worship music in Christian music today and the success of Third Day's first worship project Offerings in 2000, it only seems natural to see a follow-up to the original. Last year pop giant Michael W. Smith did just that with Worship Again following up his insanely huge Worship record. But Third Day is a different caliber of worship. Never backing away from their Atlanta-based southern-flavored roots, Third Day's worship sound is worship at its absolute best. Third Day worships not only in heart, soul, and voice, but musically as well. It's obvious, and it serves as a well-sharpened tool for worship. You'll find no dull edge to Offerings II.
The evolution of Third Day's sound has taken the band in many different directions during their ten-plus-year career. From southern acoustic pop/rock to more edgier and moodier rock to acoustic folk rock and even a blend of all of the above accompanied by electronically programmed beats. So where does Offerings II fit in? The sequel turns things up a notch and offers a more solid album that flows exceedingly better than its predecessor. Songs were brilliantly selected that work well collectively. The combination of live segments and studio cuts works better the second time around too (unless we're just used to it better now?). Layered vocals provided by frontman Mac Powell open the project and reveal a traditional Third Day rock tune. "Sing A Song" is followed by "You Are So Good To Me," a worship song complete with strings and an overly repetitious chorus that make this more of a traditional worship composition. Although the occasionally monotonous chorus might become overused to some, the song still works well as a whole and after multiple listenings starts to sound too good to be anything else but enjoyable to listen to (and worship along with).
A successful live cover of the renowned Rich Mullins tune "Creed" is a special treat on the record. The song works exceptionally well as a Third Day song and serves as a highlight on the record. Third Day returns to their roots at times with their third new track "Offering" which has the look and feel of a signature Third Day piano ballad. Live renditions of arguably the best tracks from the band's 2001 Grammy Award winning album Come Together fall back to back next with worthy live treatments. "Anything" is one of the more memorable new tracks on Offerings II, with its charm being it's infectious pulsating beat. Other highlights include the excellent live "Medley" which successfully blends "Give," "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," a regretfully short excerpt of U2's "With or Without You," and "Your Love Oh Lord." Finally, the album closes with a live run of the classic Third Day original "Take My Life" from their debut release.
Third Day steps up to the worship plate again with their second vertically-directed home run derby we know as Offerings II: All I Have To Give. It's a satisfying project for the 3D fans and an absolute must-have for those who can't get enough new worship music to quench their thirst. But be warned: It's so good, it may spoil your tastes for the "norm" in worship music. Third Day continues to raise the bar in this genre and it's an effor that deserves an especially warm welcome. Join us as we exclaim, "Bring on Offerings III!"
- Review written by John DiBiase
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