Even though I enjoy many different types of music, seldom can a band really GET to me with their songs. Yeah, I've related to songs here and there over the years -- but up until a few years ago, no band had ever literally inspired me. The first band to ever actually tap into my emotions and make me feel something was California-based hard rockers P.O.D. I was 14 when I discovered them, and their optimistic, incredible music has always been a source of peace and inspiration for me.

P.O.D.'s biggest hit single is arguably "Alive". This song is featured on their 2001 multiplatinum release, Satellite, and its feel-good vibe and addictive chorus gave it mass appeal. P.O.D. even became a TRL favorite -- the video for "Alive" could be seen in frequent rotation. In a way, the song was an announcement to the music world that P.O.D. had made it big. Their hard work was finally paying off, and the exposure the band got for this song alone was massive.

So it seems that, by now, even P.O.D.'s biggest fans might be the tiniest bit sick of "Alive". I'll be the first one to tell you: that's definitely not the case with me. If anything, my appreciation for P.O.D.'s music only grows over time. Even if I go weeks without listening to them, once I get into their albums again -- all the memories come back, and it's quite refreshing. Ah, the ways of fantastic musicians.

P.O.D. fans are treated to 3 songs on this single. First up, "Alive" gets things going in all the right ways: its hammering drums and beautiful guitar work are especially remarkable, but they still don't hold a candle to Sonny Sandoval's fiercely passionate vocals. To this day, I still get chills as he adamantly cries out, "And now that I see you, I believe no matter what they say!" This chuggy song rocks just hard enough to interest the ear of a metal lover, but its appeal is so universal in all aspects. The lyrics and song structure are simple yet astonishingly powerful.

An early demo version of "Lie Down", a crushing standout track from P.O.D.'s 1999 record The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, can also be found here. I must say, I find this version nearly as intriguing. It has a scratchy, raw feel to it that the album version doesn't. This song's heavy guitars and undeniable energy makes it mosh-pit ready, but don't write off the possibility of melody. Traa Daniels creates a bassline that buzzes and whirs like no other, and Sonny's voice flows with untouchable expertise.

Familiar with the anthemic, bass-heavy P.O.D. song "Follow Me"? If so, then you may notice something interesting about "Sabbath". The core of this song is an instrumental version of "Follow Me", which creates all KINDS of ideas in a P.O.D. fan's head (k-a-r-a-o-k-e, my friend). Even without words, this instrumental conveys power and is an impressive showcase of what P.O.D. is all about. The music itself can be felt. Noah 'Wuv' Bernardo is on the top of his drumming game, throwing in some tribal, jungle-esque effects in the middle of the song. Close to this instrumental's end, the music comes to an abrupt stop and the soothing sound of rain takes over. This gives way to the sounds of rattling thunder as the rainfall pours harder -- this lasts for a couple of minutes, only for the song to end just as dramatically as it began.

This CD single is a great token for hardcore P.O.D. fans and casual fans alike. Even for people who already have access to "Alive" on Satellite, this single is a worthy purchase due to the other two stand-outs. Often, a CD single isn't what it should be, but here, P.O.D. offers three bold, excellent tracks that definitely should not be looked over. I would even encourage those who are unfamiliar with P.O.D. to seek this out -- their unique blend of crunchy, empowering hard rock is one of a kind.

This review is an entry to daumco's First Review Write-Off. For more information on how to enter and to see other entries, check out his profile.

Recommended: Yes