I remember being a young teenager and hearing my first Christian rock album. I thought it was so cool that it sounded exactly like one of my favorite non-Christian bands but with Christian lyrics! Then as I grew older I learned that Christian bands imitating "secular" ones more often than not simply reinforced my unsaved friends' opinion that there is nothing genuine or original about Christianity. Third Day's new album throws me right back into those conflicting feelings. I actually don't mind derivative music if it's done well. And this album does it better than any I've ever heard, switching between Hootie and the Blowfish and Pearl Jam like the world's greatest cover band. It gives me chills to hear my favorite vocal style--that deep lung-powered cry--with words that give glory to the Almighty.
The lyrics are totally solid, mature, and very openly spiritual without resorting to cliche. The music is excellent, able to compete with the best of the best big rock bands, and yet I'm embarrassed by it. Conspiracy No. 5 drops the Southern rock influences of the first album (thank-you), and shoots for a straight-ahead post-grunge modern rock sound, but the vocalist is trying to exactly imitate Eddie Vedder especially (and succeeding). Why can't they do something original and creative? I suppose he has to use the voice God gave him, but he could at least experiment some. I'm definitely going to love this album, but it's going to be a painful pleasure. I'm sure tons of kids are stoked to hear the familiar sounds just as I was at that age, but I'm hoping for the next album to be something I can play proudly for Christian and non-Christian alike.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by James M. BranumWhile I am still somewhat new at reviewing albums, I feel that an album worthy of five stars has to be very special. The album must be musically and lyrically strong. It must flow well and have no songs that slip below the standard of excellence. Furthermore, the album must be creative, convey powerful emotions, and truly express the faith and beliefs of the artist. Conspiracy No. 5 earned this…The Lighthouse December 1997Reviewed by Bert GanglThe self-titled debut release by Atlanta's Third Day sold more than 200,000 copies, produced four number one singles, earned a Billboard Video Award, and even garnered a fair amount of airplay in the general market. With the success of the first album, the release of the follow-up project has been the source of both anticipation and curiosity among critics and fans alike. And, as almost always…7ball #14Reviewed by Beth BlinnFans of Third Day's self-titled debut on Reunion Records should prepare themselves for the growth that is displayed on the band's sophomore release, Conspiracy No. 5. The Atlanta-based band upped the aggression ante somewhat, while still retaining their penchant for melodic hooks. Of course, three years have passed since much of the material on the first album was recorded for the band's…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Mark J. AylorWell, well, well, what do we have here? Third Day is back with the follow-up to their self-titled debut, and this one smokes! Gone is most of the Little Feat flavor that kept me from raving about their first release. The band's musical sound is definitely alternative now, with the Black Crowes' southern rock leanings barely noticeable. These guys have really grown up. Their music has a much…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinPower pop Pearl Jam-esque praise music. To be fair, Pearl Jam isn't the only influence. Other sonic snippets arouse the reminiscence of many other bands, including such diverse inspirations as The Cure and Alabama. Despite the lack of uniqueness and anything spectacular by way of music or lyrics, they've created a captivating mesh of encouraging lyrics and mostly upbeat sounds. The underlying…Similar sounding releases
1999The Seventy SevensSeventy Sevens EP
1999Pete StewartPete Stewart
2000The Mustard SeedsRed
2000One Hundred DaysThe Super Terrific Happy Hour
1997Geoff Moore & The DistanceThreads
1997TreeOverflowMore from Third Day
2001Come Together
1996Third Day
2003Offerings II: All I Have to Give
1999Time
2000Offerings - A Worship Album
2002The Offerings Experience (Video)
