The band’s Christian worldview and love for Jah (aka God) are obvious. P.O.D. reaches out to outcasts yet realizes the need for spiritual accountability (“On the Grind”). “Roots in Stereo” draws strength from above. “This Time” seems to be about fleeing temptation, while “Mistakes and Glories” is an attitude-laden challenge to live for something significant. Other songs call for sincerity (“Let You Down”), expose man’s sinful nature (“Say Hello”), determine to outlast pain (“Goodbye for Now”) and borrow apocalyptic imagery from the book of Revelation (“Mark My Words”). “Teachers” describes dying to self and being refined for godly service. Also intensely spiritual, “Strength of My Life” echoes the fearlessness of the Psalms and Romans 8:31 (“Whom shall I dread? … If Jah is for me, tell me whom I gon’ fear”). “Sounds Like War” desires peace, love and harmony.
Aggressive songs about street warfare don’t always identify enemies as supernatural. An unfortunate metaphor compares hearing P.O.D. for the first time to a girl losing her virginity (“On the Grind”).
“We know what we do is inspiration,” says one band member. Minor issues, but this genre-blurring CD gives lovers of hard-edged music ample reason to rock.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
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