It's that time again to gear up for a new release from Atlanta's best: Third Day. These southern boys took a break from their touring to record their third installment, Time. With 9 No. 1 singles (and counting), these five guys have perfected the art of creating quality chart-toppers like "You Make Me Mad" and "Nothing At All." 3D continues their winning streak this summer with the much-anticipated release, Time, their first on Essential Records.

Time trails away from Conspiracy No.5, and is most comparable with their self-titled debut released in 1996. However, more southern influences are evident on this project, including incorporating a well-done southern groove. Oddly, the album kicks off with a rock ballad entitled "I've Always Loved You," a love song written from God's perspective to us. The sound is very different than Third Day's previous rocking album openers "Nothing At All" or "Peace." However, the new ballad (the sound is a little reminiscent of Big Tent Revival's "Two Sets of Jones'") does set the tone for the rest of the album, allowing many strong highlights to follow.

In fact, the southern groove-laced rocker "Believe," which follows, is one of the main standouts on the Time, and a guaranteed No. 1 single for the Christian rock charts. "Took My Place" continues the rock sound on the album, with a more upbeat, rootsy sound reminiscent of "Have Mercy," from their 1997 sophomore album, Conspiracy No. 5.

Another album highlight is "Never Bow Down," a song about the faithfulness of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the midst of a faithless nation. Some of the album's strongest faith-filled lyrics emerge with lines like the chorus, "I will never bow down / Though I know I will be free from the fire / I will never compromise / All that I have and everything I hold"

"Your Love, Oh Lord" slows down the tempo a bit with a sound different from that seen on any previous Third Day recording. The bass-filled percussion and organ lay down the background as Mac Powell's vocals come in, delivering a memorable praise song based on Psalm 36.

Time is an album of praise and encouragement. It's a 'feel good' album for any mood you're in. If you need to feel close to God, just meditate on songs like "Your Love, Oh Lord," "I've Always Loved You," "Can't Take the Pain" (a song about how Peter must have felt after he had betrayed Christ), "Sky Falls Down," (a song the band describes simply as "a happy little ditty about the end of the world"), and the album-closer, "Give." The latter is a phenomenal piece of musical composure. Another praise song to our Savior about accepting not only His love, but the hard times as well, "Give" is a well-crafted song, of over eight minutes in length, that will be a concert highlight for sure.

Third Day has produced and crafted yet another great record. Time is definitely one of the best albums of the year!

- Review date: 7/12/99, written by John DiBiase