Third Day:: "Offerings II: All I Have To Give"
Title: Offerings II: All I Have To Give
Category: Praise & Worship
Artist/Group: Third Day
Rating: 5 / 4.9
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I think the measure of a great band—any band, Christian or not—aside from great music and solid lyrical work, is that through the years, whatever they do musically, thematically, or otherwise—be it taking risks or returning to roots—somehow, someway, they take you along for the ride. You don’t get left behind wondering what happened, but you’re right there with them in the midst of what they’re experiencing and trying to communicate. And certainly with Third Day’s sixth full length album, Offerings II: All I Have to Give, we continue to journey with them. More than that, the measure of a great Christian band is not their communication with you, but your communication with God—and with Offerings II, you somehow, someway, get to join the band’s experience of God not simply because of their musical/lyrical encounter with you, but because of God’s spiritual encounter with you.
With that opening paragraph, I think it would be safe to say that I endorse, recommend, whatever else, this album wholeheartedly, partly because I know the music is great, the songs are well done, and the band rocks, but also because I know that God is great and that this album reminds you of that fact.
Third Day, while classified as an alternative rock group, has quite obvious Southern Rock roots. While the combination of the words Southern and music often offput many a Northeasterner, if you haven’t already become enamored with this group, I’ll urge you to let this album be your Third Day gateway.
As in each previous album, Mac Powell again delivers in Offerings II, powerful and engrossing vocals—he is the distinctive sound of Third Day. More and more, however, the band is distinguishing their groove from the myriad of Christian rock groups out there. Their Southern rock roots are becoming increasingly prominent in their playing and arrangement, and that gives the music a close-to-home feel, and lest you forget that fact, we again hear Mac Powell’s heavily drawn Southern speaking voice and words. That’s not to say that there’s a twang and fiddle to every song, so breathe easy, country-phobes. Guitar-driven, with solid beats and grooves, the album rings with a definite energy and drive. Not to be overshadowed, however, are some interesting and delicate electronic sequencing parts in certain songs that will raise eyebrows and goose-bumps alike. Third Day, already quite strong musically, is improving and polishing its chops with each project. But this album is ultimately a purist affair, with soaring guitar solos that rip you from here and take you to the throne of worship, piano/organ foundations that speak quietly and firmly, and vocals that are not only sung, but delivered. Furthermore, the album is recorded live, which lends it authentic energy and an ambient relatability. Plus, isn’t it so inspiring to hear how people are moved to sing for our God?
Offerings II has five new songs, beginning with Sing A Song—a simple melodic tune about the desire to give God life and song, and the end of which we’re reminded of God’s holiness in an enthusiastic tag. The song really sets the tone for the record—that the songs to follow are about God, not us. Offering was written expressly for this album. Dramatic and honest, we confess we have nothing to give, but we give it with all of our hearts, and a sweeping electric solo seals this worship with passion and sincerity. Anything, a folky and catchy tune, shows some solid contemplation of the fact that we can’t do anything, but it’s God who enables us to do all we need to do in order to worship, so we sing, ‘Hallelujah.’ May Your Wonders Never Cease reflects upon the unending relationship God’s people have with him. With no extraneous musical elements, you get the sense that this is just honest confession, filled with grit and surrender and most of all, awe that a God could continue to love us while we were still sinners. Everlasting is a tender portrait of our knowledge and devotion to God. Here we find the aforementioned interesting/delicate sequencing. A lot of artists use this technique simply because it sounds good, and in this case it most assuredly does sound terrific, but try listening to it in stereo or in surround sound. The notes surround you as God surrounds time and everything in our lives, as an everlasting Father.
In addition, this album offers really splendid covers and new versions of previously recorded Third Day songs. Listeners will find Medly:Give/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/With or Without You/Your Love Oh Lord a special treat. While there is no direct thematic connection in the medley, the quartet of songs takes you on a progression of worship, moving you between devotion and desire for God and the knowledge of who He is, that we might know to ask him. In the midst of this worship, they cleverly weave a little Rich Mullins fans, and any music fan for that matter, will surely dig the rockin’ version of Creed. It’s Rich Mullins, it’s Third day; it’s powerful, it’s rockin’; it’s the apostle’s creed! Can’t be let down with that combination! Also covered is a Waterdeep tune called You Are So Good To Me, which grooves and vibes with the best of songs. The live versions of other Third Day songs are solid and often different than the original versions, and together make the album familiar.
As a whole, the album really fits its title, All I Have to Give, as each of the songs really do have to do with offering ourselves, our knowledge, our devotion, our songs, our lives to God above. This is what in my mind, makes this album a ‘worship’ album: it makes your stereo or headphones a sanctuary, and then carries you, ministers to you, in a logical and thematic way. It doesn’t jump from idea to idea. The songs are thematically tight and efficient. The music is appropriate and inspiring. You can get a sense of where this album heads song to song, and what it wants communicate to you.
I don’t normally shower exaggerated praise upon a band or album or experience, and indeed, I tried to tone down the language of this review, but I must speak strongly about that which God uses to so powerfully move upon my own heart and walk. This album accomplished its purpose of worship—more than just being a captured worship experience, God uses it to capture your worship. I’m recommending this album because God is good to give us such music that makes us think of him, come to him, offer to him.
ONE MORE NOTE: Mp3 downloaders, you’re missing out. The album liner notes give spectacular information regarding the bands reasoning/history of each track. They not only explain the worship experience, they testify to God, which is the whole point, right?
4.9 out of 5 (gotta save some for heaven)
Woonny
Kim
04.20.03
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