Christmas Offerings (CD - 2006)

It's hard to believe, but the beloved CCM group Third Day were together for over a decade before they released their first Christmas collection in 2006. For fans of the passionate vocal group--or anyone who appreciates fresh arrangements of holiday classics--it was worth the wait. Highlights include a barn-burning "Angels We Have Heard on High," a power-ballad take on "Joy to the World," and a lovely original (one of four) called "Born in Bethlehem." The joy and sincerity invested in these renditions is absolutely infectious.

Third Day's Southern rock treatment of favorite Christmas melodies is a breath of fresh holiday air for rock enthusiasts. Despite the sometimes gritty riffs, it is surprising how delicately the album comes off. The quintet blends the energy of its six studio releases with the graceful spirit of carols like "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Come All Ye Faithful." The result is a collection of mostly midtempo drivers with plenty of buildups and cathartic climaxes. The guitars never roar louder than Mac Powell's earnest vocals as he belts out the well-known lyrics without pretense. For balance, the album includes live recordings of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "The First Noel." Overall, Third Day cement their sound further into the hearts of fans while whetting the appetite of those unfamiliar with their catalog. ~ Jared Johnson minimize