Review: P.O.D. "Testify"

As a fan of MELODIC rock, it should be obvious that bands infusing rap with rock (rapcore, as the kids call it now) just don't do it for me. However, there are some I not only tolerate, but enjoy very much, such as Saliva and Chronic Future. I enjoyed P.O.D.'s single "Alive" when it was popular a few years ago, so thought I'd check out their 2006 effort, "Testify."

By and large, the CD is uneven, with genres from rap, rock, and even reggae clashing. However, there are a couple of stand out tracks that appeal to those of us who champion something called melody. "If You Could See Me Now" and "This Time" are highlights. I also enjoyed "Let You Down," which sounds like something Tears for Fears would do if they grew testicles.

Incidentally, "Testify" is the last record the band made for Atlantic. They put out a Greatest Hits record with Rhino and now have signed to Columbia. It will be interesting to see how the changes in labels shapes the band in the upcoming year.

P.O.D. on MySpace. Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 3, 4, 7, 9

Check out the single from this CD, "Goodbye for Now", which almost cracked the Billboard Top 40 (stalled at #47):