Testify

P.O.D.

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: January 24, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000BGH0OC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,404 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Five albums into its career P.O.D. stands at a critical juncture. The youthful nation that made this band of California Christians into what it is today has grown older and its tastes have grown more refined, meaning that P.O.D. may have to follow suite. Testify's first act suggests that the band has moved in that direction--there's enough heaviness throughout to please those who've joined the P.O.D. posse within the last two years while the group's appreciation for both hip-hop and reggae--deepens. Hasidic MC Matisyahu guests on two tracks ("Roots In Stereo," "Strength Of My Life"), while "Sounds Like War" and "On The Grind" are noble attempts at attracting more diverse audiences. Although the material remains accessible throughout, both the listener and band both grow weary just after the album's halfway point; the final tracks prove largely indistinguishable from each other, even when tempos and attitudes appear to shift. Testify will please the faithful but despite its best intentions P.O.D. may have some trouble finding new converts.--Jedd Beaudoin

Product Description

Since their release of their first Atlantic album just six years ago, P.O.D. has earned global acclaim and multi-platinum sales for their trademark brand of uplifting power rock. The aptly titled Testify displays the band at their fiery best. Longtime followers of P.O.D.-aka "the Warriors"-will rejoice in many of the band's trademark sonics, from the full-on energy of "This Time" to the "Boom"-esque refrain of the ferocious "Lights Out" and "Say Hello" to the ulitmately inspiring message of the poignant first single, "Goodbye for Now."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clever mix of music genres, February 14, 2006

By	Amanda Richards "Modest to the extreme" (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars P.O.D. Return To Form, February 9, 2006

By	Mr. Censored (Maine) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good but no Satellite, January 24, 2006

By	Jah Warrior - See all my reviews

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.