Wire (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Mac Powell (vocals, acoustic guitar); Mark "Anarchy" Lee, Brad Avery (guitar); Paul Ebersold (acoustic guitar, piano, organ, Mellotron, programming); Boyd Tinsley (violin); Richard Thomas (cello); Scotty Wilbanks (piano); David Carr (drums); Chrystine Lloree Fincher, Scott Hardin (background vocals).

Additional personnel: Paul Ebersold (Hammond b-3 organ); Boyd Tinsley.

Audio Mixer: Brendan O'Brien.

Recording information: 747 Studios, Memphis, TN; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA.

Photographer: Marina Chavez.

Perusing the lyrics of WIRE, it's apparent that the mammoth success of Third Day's praise-themed albums, OFFERINGS I: A WORSHIP ALBUM and OFFERINGS II: ALL I HAVE TO GIVE, has given lead singer/main songwriter Mac Powell plenty of literary fodder. On several tracks, the vocalist pairs his band's trademark Lynyrd Skynyrd-via-Live grunge-boogie with words focusing on the difficulty of reconciling financial gain and rabid fan worship with a sincere Christian ministry. These are big questions for any band to grapple with, but Powell treats the subject with an admirable humanity that steers clear of over-the-top preaching or blind faith. Throughout, Third Day offers tough, rugged backing in the best Southern rock tradition, but with a modern touch that will also please fans of Staind and 3 Doors Down. minimize