Entertainment

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Revelation

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THE SECOND PHASE: Atlanta-based Christian rockers Third Day enter the second decade of their careers with unbridled conviction. Armed with producer Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, P.O.D.), lead singer Mac Powell and his three bandmates sound potent and passionate. They are committed to all 13 songs, so much so that it almost obliterates their previous work.

MESSAGE AND MUSCLE: Faith hasn't been tempered, not a bit. In fact, on the disc's best cuts – the propulsive "This Is Who I Am," the anthemlike rock ballad "Call My Name," the swirling rocker "Otherside" and the majestic, uplifting "Born Again" – there's no doubt these guys remain as fervent as ever. What's different is they've made their argument much more compelling through lyrics, music and production.

BOTTOM LINE: No coasting allowed. Third Day stepped up its game a few powerful notches to create music that rocks convincingly enough even for nonbelievers.

Mario Tarradell