The aptly named
Revival, the group's 13th studio long-player, sees the venerable CCM unit returning to their Southern rock roots via a soulful and spirited set that was recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Bringing in producer Monroe Jones, who helmed six of their previous outings including career highlights like
Time and
Come Together, seems to have energized
Third Day as well, as
Revival is easily their most vibrant collection of new music in years. Bluesy gospel bangers like "Great God Almighty," "New Creation," and the boisterous title cut should induce a fan frenzy, especially in a live setting, but even the quieter moments resonate, due in large part to the compelling, but never fussy, arrangements, and the obvious reverence the band has for the Muscle Shoals legacy. It's still very much a
Third Day LP -- familiar, easy to digest, and impeccably crafted -- but it's got a little something that recent outings like
Miracle and
Move didn't: swagger. ~ James Christopher Monger