Customer Reviews

Testify (U.S. Standard Version)

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're new to nu-metal, but like rock, reggae and rap, then this San Diego group may be what you've been looking for. P.O.D. (Payable On Death) released two early albums before hitting mainstream with 1999's "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown", then went in to chart huge hits with follow up album "Satellite" in 2001.

When you think of P.O.D., chances are that two songs will jump to mind - "Youth of the Nation" and "Satellite" - "Sleeping Awake" was also a favorite of mine. Third album "Payable on Death" also had a couple of hits.

"Testify" starts with a driving reggae/rock track "Roots in Stereo" which sets the tone for the album, guaranteed to contribute to the wear and tear of your speakers. Second track "Lights Out" switches to rock/rap, and also sounds great LOUD. Just when you thought you've heard it all, third track "If You Could See Me Now" is practically a ballad, just warming you up for the excellent first single "Goodbye for Now", easily the best song on the album.

The clever switching between music genres continues down the track list, other picks being "On the Grind"; "This Time"; "Let You Down"; and "Strength of My Life".


Amanda Richards, February 14, 2006

After founding guitarist Marcos Curiel was booted from the band in early 2003, P.O.D. underwent some changes. Recruiting guitarist Jason Truby to fill in his place was the first step, after which they recorded and released their album "Payable On Death" later that year. The sound was a bit different, as expected, as Curiel was a crucial part of the group's sound. The results were mixed. What I got out of that album is the same old P.O.D. sound, but bogged down by boring riffs and "been there, done that" lyrics. So, for their next album, they switched producers from the reliable Howard Benson to the risky Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson, Alanis Morisette), took their time, and turned in an album that is up to par with their best material.

Those who discovered P.O.D. on "The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown" or "Satellite," rejoice. The old P.O.D. is back, but obviously sounding refreshed and a bit more updated. Gone are cheesy jock-rock anthems like "Boom" or "Rock The Party." "Testify" is home to some of the most mature and polished songs in the P.O.D. songbook. Songs like "This Time" and the first single, "Goodbye For Now" are classic melodic-rock from the group, and a perfect example of where this album takes them. "If You Could See Me Now" is another noteworthy track, it reminds me a lot of the title track from "Satellite," while "Sounds Like War" and "Lights Out" deliver the bottom-heavy rap-rock that helped P.O.D. rise above the competition before. Upcoming reggae star Matisyahu shows up on not one, but two tracks: "Strength Of My Life" and "Roots In Stereo" and shows off P.O.D.'s love for the genre, while putting their own mark on it.

"Testify" is easily one of P.O.D.'s strongest albums. In my opinion, it isn't perfect, but neither is any P.O.D. release. This may not be their ticket back to platinum status and MTV rotation, but "Testify" will definitely re-affirm a lot of fans' faith. The only person who could not like this album would be someone who never cared for the band in the first place. One last thing I can say is that Jason Truby has finally filled in the shows of Marcos. Marcos left a huge gap, but on this album, Jason fills it in. The bottom line is that P.O.D. are back, stronger than ever. It may be a gamble, seeing as their sound is one that is fading rapidly from the mainstream, but at the end of the day, "Testify" is just a good, honest effort.

This album has a little something for everyone. You have the hard rock feel the reggae feel and the strong messages in every song. Best message coming from "Strength of My Life". Thats what makes POD great they can rock out hard and deliver a positive message and this album definitely rocks out hard. My top three on this album are: "Strength of My Life", "Mark My Words" and "Roots in Stereo". A definite buy for any POD fan.

Mark My Words- Sounds a lot like some of the heavier stuff on Payable On Death, but with rap. Good song. 7/10

Say Hello- Very RATM-esque. Not bad. 6/10

Strength of my life- Very much like "Set you eyes to Zion". Sounds great. 8/10

Teachers- Very much like Payable On Death. No rapping, great singing and guitar playing. Some of that classic Sonny scream. One of the Best. 8/10

Let you down- Haunting guitar melodies, bass line, and vocals. No rap (definitely a plus on this one) A smooth, brooding, and eclectic track. Nice riffing. I like it. 9/10

Mistakes and Glories- Could have fit in well on Satellite. Growing on me. Nice licks. Marcos who? 8/10

This Time- The regae influences on in the music and Sonny's singing is really starting to blend well. This song comes off a little more pop than anything preceding it, but it works... and I hate pop too. 7/10

On The Grind- The jury is out on this song. It sounds like P.O.D. playing back up to the guest singers... It's not terrible, but it really lacks any trademarks of P.O.D. except for Sonny's brief rap. 5/10

Sounds Like War- Agressive, yet melodic. Another one that would have fit in well on Satellite. 7/10

Goodbye for now- A lot like "Youth of the Nation". Not near the same lyrical intensity, but the music and general vibe of the song is so catchy I can't help but like it. If MTV has to oveplay something, this is a good choice. 8/10

If you could see me now- Eclectic, good singing. A lot like the best of Payable On Death. Just has a great vibe that Truby's style seems to have inspired. 7/10

Lights Out- I keep hearing Kid Rock... I know P.O.D. was one of the original bands to create this sound, but I guess I've just grown out of it... 6/10

Roots in Stero- Another Satellite-like track, with a touch of the Payable On Death Vibe. Good closer 8/10.

Well I really enjoyed the last record even though many people hated on it. From the Warriors EP I knew this album would be good. I was not dissapointed when I heard it on MTV's The Leak. So I went and bought it. Awesome CD. Here's my review:

ROOTS IN STEREO - Good song with a good chorus. Matisyahu's part in the song is very good.

LIGHTS OUT - Not a big fan of the hip hop, but the song is o.k. Goes good with ESPN highlights.

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW - Soft mellow song. Great chorus and a great song.

GOODBYE FOR NOW - 1st single. Good song. Everybody has heard this one.

SOUNDS LIKE WAR - Good catchy song, but I like the version called YA MAMA on the Warriors EP better. On this version the chorus is too high pitched.

ON THE GRIND - Hip Hop sound to it. Chorus is sang by some rapper. I want to hear P.O.D. not some rapper. Probably the worst song on the album.

THIS TIME - One of my favorite songs. Sonny sings his ass off in this song. Very very catchy chorus. Sonny says they would probably not play it live. That sucks. It sounds like it would be hard to sing live.

MISTAKES AND GLORIES - Heavy song. Good message. "If you don't stand for something, then you don't stand for nothing." The part that says "YOU WORK FOR US" is awesome.

LET YOU DOWN - A softer sounding song, but incredible all around. Its about suicide.

TEACHERS - Really heavy song with great singing.

STRENGTH OF MY LIFE - Great reggea sound with a great message. Sonny and Matisyahu are both great on this song. Matisyahu's lyrics are from scripture.

SAY HELLO - o.k song. Not one of their greatest.

MARK MY WORDS - Another hip hop sounding song. Its o.k.

In my opinion you should get the Limited Edition because the commentary is cool and the extra songs are great. Songs like GENERATION, BRIDGE TO BURN, EVERYTIME I DIE, and the exclusive Walmart download IN YOUR EYES should have been on the record instead of SAY HELLO and MARK MY WORDS.

The general consensus among music critics and fans is that P.O.D.'s last LP was disappointing to say the least. Their Warriors EP II continued the tradition of lacking energy and focus. Fortunately, that is not the case with their latest LP. Their new release "Testify" offers the proverbial punch in the mouth that fans were hoping for.

Musically
+ The boys are back and in full effect. This album has tracks that rock hard, as well as tracks that groove smoothly. POD has returned to their roots by fusing aggressive hip-hop with edgy hard rock. This album goes further then previous albums in musical maturity, which is evident in the collaboration efforts with "Matisyahu" throughout the album, as well as the overall tone of the album.

- The song " On The Grind" has an addictive sound to it - but the erratic rapping of "Psycho" (Sick Jacken) offsets the groove.


Spiritually
+ POD boldly titled their new album Testify. When recently asked, "...So what are we testifying to with this album?" Sonny (P.O.D Front man) replied, "14 years P.O.D. has been around, we've been saying the same thing since we first started, that there is a God out there that loves you. We have that faith and I believe that keeps us strong..." The album proceeds to back that statement up with a spiritually attuned album. The albums spirituality comes to a pinnacle with the song "Strength of My Life" which is an adaptation of one of David's Psalms.

- Although P.O.D has made a bold statement of faith with this release, a healthy portion of the album is still what I call "Hardcore Gangsta" Propaganda.

Highlights: Roots In Stereo, Strength of My Life

One Word: Emerge

***For more reviews like this one visit- http://www.warzoneministries.com***

P.O.D. is back after a little over 2 years for their 4th major label full length album. Of those 4, this is their 2nd best, behind "Sattelite". With 13 songs you get the same formula they always have. Some upbeat hard songs, some slower deeper ones and a few raggae sounding joints. Of the 13, 1 is a classic, 1 is almost a classic, 6 are good , 4 are ok and 1 I skip. Guests do vocals on 3 songs, unlike most rock albums. Not their best but a solid album and one I'd recommend for fans of the San Diego band.

#1 - 7 (raggae like song -- f/ Matisyahu)
#2 - 9 (tight beat)
#3 - 7.5
#4 - 10 (CLASSIC --deeper song)
#5 - 7.5
#6 - 9.5 (f/ Boo Yaa Tribe, Sick Jacken, Amy Terrin -- tight beat)
#7 - 7
#8 - 9 (harder upbeat song)
#9 - 8.5 (nice beat)
#10 - 8
#11 - 5 (slower raggae type song -- f/ matisyahu)
#12 - 8.5 (another upbeat one)
#13 - 8.5 (nice beat)

Check all my reviews

Don't shy away. Not this time. P.O.D. has gone back to sounding like themselves, while taking a step forward in creating new layers and style.

Originally, I discovered P.O.D. with "The Fundamental Elements..." and went back to buy everything of theirs. Then "Satellite" came out, a seminal album and so timely. Song after song rocked with passion and style and lyrical creativity. After Marcos left, though, they knew they'd have to revise their sound. This resulted in P.O.D.'s last studio album, which left me wanting.

"Testify" is everything I was hoping the last would be. This album rocks hard, contains Jamaican flavors, Matisyahu raps, and gangsta vibes. None of the songs sound the same, but they have a cohesivenss that shows a band now fully united and running on all cylinders. If you didn't believe before, or if you lost your faith, now's the time to turn around and "Testify."

I was disappointed in this album, I must admit, on my first listen.
After giving it a few more tries, I changed my mind somewhat and decided it's a good effort, with several redeeming points. While their attempt at diversifying was not entirely successful, in my opinion, the new sound does have some appeal.

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Song by song:

Roots in Stereo- A good track to start the album. Matisyahu brings a fresh sound to the vocals which works very well.

Lights Out- Similar to Boom. Loud, catchy, and definitely fun, but due to the style, emphasizes self-promoting lyrics in favor of the more meaningful ones found in some other tracks.

If You Could See Me Now- A melodic, inspiring song that helps display how POD's artistry has grown and changed.

Goodbye for Now- This is the kind of song that got POD where they are and keeps them there. They do this very well. Solid lyrics and good melody.

Sounds like War- Another throw-down track like Lights Out, but with more meaningful lyrics.

On the Grind- Forgive me, but I hated this song.
"..you think that I'm a rapper your way off I'm a killer that be murderin' these tracks, so stay off." Do I really have to say anything else?

This Time- A solid track, showing off their evolving style but staying true to type.

Mistakes & Glories- I love the intro, music, and verses of this song, but the chorus feels repetitive and doesn't quite measure up.

Let You Down- A decent second-half-of-the-album track for POD. Solid music and lyrics, contributes to the overall value of the album without standing out.

Teachers- Similar, but a little heavier and aimed towards the "Warriors".

Strength of my Life- Another Matisyahu collaboration. There is definitely potential in this style, although whether it would work with artist is another question. Great almost Psalmic lyrics. Is this the birth of a new genre? Hassidic Rap/Reggae/Praise/Metal?

Say Hello- I was glad to hear another hard-hitting song this late on the album, which helps prevent the second half from blurring together as some have complained.

Mark my Words- Another song that shows the stylistic changes the band is undergoing. The lyrics were strange, though, possibly influenced by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? ("white witch", etc)
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Overall, another solid album, with just a few glitches.
A couple standout songs, some noteworthy attempts at diversification, some which worked very well, others less so. Also, the varying styles of the tracks helped keep the second half of the album from running together.

Not P.O.D's best, but a refreshing return to form in some ways, while continuing to experiment with new styles, and all the while keeping the signature sound that we all love.

After the release of the mediocre "Payable On Death" album, I had lost faith in this San Diego band. Then, in January 2006, they come back with a hot new album that sounds the way the last album should have. With special guests Matisyahu, Psycho Realm, and Boo-ya tribe, this album is hot!

1. Roots In Stereo- Boy, when Traa said that Matisyahu "spits red hot fire!" when he gets behind a mic, he wasn't lying! This song is rockin' and the lyric quality is also amazing. BOOM BIDDY BYE BYE!

2. Lights Out- Another hot song, perfect to mosh to!

3. If you could see me now- This is a song dedicated to lead vocalist Sonny Sandoval's mother and grandfather. WARNING: you may cry.

4. Goodbye for now- this song is the first single. While it isn't my favorite, it does have a good message.

5. Sounds Like War-The demo of this song was called "Ya Mama". It sounds even better than the first, and even has a piano playing near the end!

6. On The Grind- Although I despise rap, I have to give it up to P.O.D. for knowing what they were doing. This song is also a little sad, because it talks about the thug life that Sick Jackson went through growing up-including being shot over 10 times.

7. This Time- I also loved this song, which starts out soft and then explodes.

8. Mistakes and Glories- All I have to say about this song id: JASON CAN SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Let You Down- a song about a person's worth and that suicide is not the answer. "You mean more...you mean so much more...". It's a little soft, but just amazing,

10. Teachers- Not a favorite of mine, but it still is pretty loud and obnoxious.

11. Strength Of My Life- A reggae tune where Matisyahu once again appears.

12. Say Hello- This song is very rockin' and enjoyable. Jason sounds like he's been in the band for 14 years instead of just 3.

13. Mark My Words- Sonny does some rapping in this song. This is a song that rocks with no pause.

In conclusion, I believe that this is the peak album for P.O.D. I hope that they continue to make kick-butt music!