By Lindsay Williams, contributing writer, gmclife.com

Third Day’s last studio release, Revelation (Essential), was regarded as such a return to form that the Atlanta-based foursome was going to be hard pressed to top its previous work. While Move, the band’s 11th studio project, doesn’t quite top its former predecessor, it doesn’t disappoint. Move answers all the questions Revelation asked. The title track to Revelation posed, “Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move?” The answer? MOVE!

That’s the band’s battle cry with its latest effort, urging listeners to put their faith in action. Longtime fans will appreciate Move, as the band travels back to its southern rock roots on much of the 12-song set, instantly recalling memories of early Third Day (think Time and Conspiracy No. 5). Lead single “Lift Up Your Face” (featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama) provides a glimpse of the grittiness of this album, though there are stronger songs that would have made for better “out of the box” singles.

Nevertheless, the down-home goodness served up in the lead single carries over into the title track, “Make Your Move,” where frontman Mac Powell’s smoky vocals take on a muffled effect that is both modern and vintage at the same time. The band has a knack for creating progressive music while never forgetting where they came from.

Immediate standouts include middle tracks “Follow Me There” and “Everywhere You Go.” Both are filled with irresistible hooks that remind listeners this little rock band from Georgia has become masterful at crafting three-minute pop songs. And while “Children of God” (featuring a children’s choir) is equally as catchy, it’s the refrain on this song that’s memorable: “We are the saints/We are the children/We’ve been redeemed/We’ve been forgiven/We are the sons and the daughters of our God.”

A few cuts sound like previous Third Day songs repurposed. “Trust in Jesus” is a dead ringer for “Cry Out to Jesus,” and “Sound of Your Voice” is a repeat of “Mountain of God” (complete with a female vocal compliments of newcomer Kerrie Roberts).

Hands-down the best track is “Surrender” – the perfect blend of classic Third Day southern rock, with a pop twist and a full-on crescendo that transforms the song from respectable to epic.

Move may not be Third Day’s best effort in their large discography, but it’s certainly a treasure trove of hooky rock. After more than 15 years, this band still has something to say, and they say it well. Get ready to move!