What makes Southern Tracks by Third Day notable?

This album contributed to Third Day's rise within the Christian music genre, showcasing their ability to blend rock elements with spiritual themes. It received significant airplay on Christian radio and laid the groundwork for future commercial success and awards, including multiple Dove Awards in subsequent years. Southern Tracks was Third Day's third studio album, released in early 1999 following their breakthrough album, Conspiracy No. 5. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its position in the Christian rock scene, building on previous successes while also experimenting with a more polished sound.

How many songs are on Southern Tracks?

Southern Tracks has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Southern Tracks

Third Day · 1999

17 min · 4 tracks · Christian rock

A blend of heartfelt melodies and Southern rock rhythms that captures the spirit of faith and perseverance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Long Time Comin' — With its reflective lyrics and infectious chorus, this track encapsulates the band's ability to convey deep spiritual themes through accessible rock melodies. Its narrative speaks to personal growth and faith journeys.
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It's About Time — This song highlights Third Day's knack for combining anthemic choruses with thoughtful lyrics, emphasizing urgency in faith and action. The energetic instrumentation makes it a standout in live performances.
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She Sings in Riddles — A unique lyrical approach characterizes this track, inviting listeners into a poetic exploration of life's complexities and mysteries, showcasing the band's songwriting depth beyond typical genre conventions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP blends Southern rock rhythms with spiritual themes, showcasing solid songwriting and varied pacing.

What we noticed

The first track features a steady build-up with layered guitar riffs that set a Southern rock tone, while the second track shifts to a more upbeat tempo with prominent percussion.
The third track incorporates a softer melody with introspective lyrics, contrasting with the more energetic opening tracks.
The final track closes the EP with a slower pace and atmospheric instrumentation, creating a reflective mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog that showcases their sound without being a standout release.
Themes: Southern faith journeys· poetic life complexities· urgent spiritual action
Career context: Southern Tracks was Third Day's third studio album, released in early 1999 following their breakthrough album, Conspiracy No. 5. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying its position in the Christian rock scene, building on previous successes while also experimenting with a more polished sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Casting Crowns· MercyMe· Jeremy Camp