Friday Favorites: Review of Third Day’s, “Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship” – By Craig Adams

Artist: Third Day

Album: Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship

Label: Provident Label Group

From the creative team at Provident Label Group emerges an artful and soulful worship album, Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship, featuring the veteran Christian artists band, Third Day. Long-time fans of the band will love the soulful southern rock center of this project. The same hearts and minds that brought us God of Wonders, Your Love, Oh Lord,  and Sing a Song have delivered another group of great songs of praise and worship for the Church to sing.

This album is very reminiscent of the earliest days of the band’s creative endeavors.The soulful acoustic of Third Day has always been what sets them apart. Their definitive sound is just as compelling today as it ever was. Sitting front and center of the sonic landscape is the truly remarkable voice of Mac Powell. As a bonus, the band is joined by guest artists, All Sons and Daughters, Harvest, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, and Michael Tait.

Third Day has always been a group of guys who are devoted to the Church. These new songs continue such commitment. The melodies are singable and accessible for congregations everywhere. Much of the music being released on worship albums these days is not easily reproducible by local church musicians. The simplicity and approachability of this album is certain to help churches far and wide fall in love with these songs and easily adopt them into their weekly corporate worship gatherings. Whereas the entire album is rich in solid new songs, there are a few that grabbed me in unique and significant ways: Soul On Fire, Your Words, Our Deliverer, In Jesus’ Name, and Victorious.

It has been over a decade since Third Day offered a worship album, and I can honestly say that it has been well worth the wait! It does not matter if you’ve been listening to Third Day for years, or if you’re just now discovering their unique and powerful ministry… you will love this project!

Craig Adams, a recipient of multiple Dove Awards, has produced and/or participated in more than 3,500 recordings for artists, record labels, music publishers, tv/film, and radio over the past 35 years. In addition, his vast experience in music production, local church worship ministry, and musical direction for live events, along with his work at LifeWay Worship, gives him the talent, experience, and credibility to not only listen, but really hear, what each album delivers to the listeners.