For the Love of the Game (CD - 2008)

With 2008's FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME, the Christian hard-rock act Pillar offers up more metallic anthems that sport themes of spiritual yearning. While those seeking crystal clear messages of faith may turn to other CCM bands, the Oklahoma-based group succeeds in appealing to a secular crowd, as evinced on "Turn It Up" and "Throwdown," which could fit seamlessly into the soundtrack of an NFL championship game.

While Pillar honed their trademark modern rock sound, the world changed around them. Rock fans in 2008 no longer sought the next Hoobastank, but instead had gravitated to the comfortable, family-friendly appeal of DAUGHTRY and Nickelback. As a result, real rock acts either found a new way to package themselves or became yesterday's trend. Thankfully, the four-man outfit from Tulsa found a way to be heard by millions of new listeners by marketing themselves at major sporting events, including Super Bowl XLII. The title track was picked up by ESPN for various promotions. The sound on For the Love of the Game varies little from Pillar's previous efforts, but a renewed focus gives it enough revitalization to pique some interest. These guys have always been comfortable in their own skin, and now they're apparently at home on SportsCenter as well. ~ Jared Johnson minimize