Third Day: Pioneers of American Christian Rock

Third Day is a Grammy-winning American rock band that became a cornerstone of the contemporary Christian music scene. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the group achieved mainstream crossover success with multiple gold and platinum certifications, selling over seven million albums in the United States.

Early career

Third Day formed in Marietta, Georgia, in 1991, built around the core duo of vocalist Mac Powell and guitarist Mark Lee. The band's early sound blended Southern rock with heartfelt lyricism, leading to a self-titled independent debut in 1996. Their grassroots appeal quickly attracted major label attention within the Christian music industry.

Breakthrough

The band's national breakthrough arrived with their 1999 album Time, which earned them their first Grammy Award. This success was solidified by the 2001 release Come Together, which debuted at No. 44 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold. These albums established Third Day as a dominant force capable of filling large secular venues.

Key tracks

Consuming Fire — This early hit from their debut album became a signature anthem and a staple of their live performances.

Show Me Your Glory — A powerful worship rock ballad from Offerings II: All I Have to Give that highlighted their spiritual depth.

Cry Out to Jesus — A major crossover single from 2005's Wherever You Are that reached adult contemporary radio formats.

Call My Name — This Grammy-winning track from 2008's Revelation showcased their polished, arena-ready rock sound.

I Need a Miracle — A later-career hit that demonstrated their enduring ability to craft compelling modern rock songs.

Throughout the 2000s, Third Day maintained a prolific output, releasing a series of successful studio and live worship albums. They collaborated with artists like Chris Daughtry and toured extensively, including with the mainstream festival Winter Jam. The band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of over two decades.

Fans of Third Day's brand of uplifting Southern rock should also explore Casting Crowns. This group similarly merges accessible rock with clear lyrical themes. MercyMe shares their crossover success and anthemic songwriting style. Needtobreathe offers a comparable blend of rock energy and Southern musical roots. Switchfoot parallels their journey from the Christian market to broader alternative rock recognition.

Third Day's catalog remains a fixture on many radio formats, from dedicated Christian rock stations to mainstream classic rock FM stations that feature their biggest hits. Their music is frequently played on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations seeking quality faith-based rock.

You can hear the powerful music of Third Day on radio stations featured on our website. Discover their influential catalog and listen to their hits through the variety of rock and Christian radio stations available on onairium.com.