Underdog

UNDERDOG was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album.

Modern rock bands are finding it easier to present a Christian message without losing their hipness. Audio Adrenaline's fifth studio release, UNDERDOG, manages to achieve this delicate balance, with God-loving lyrics that never sound pedantic and hook-laden instrumental work on par with the best pop-rock acts.

The up-tempo synth-rock of the poppy opener, "Mighty Good Leader," proves the band to be more Jesus than Jones. One almost doesn't recognize Pete Townshend's classic "Let My Love Open the Door" until the band reaches the chorus, but the Hootie-meets-Cowboy Mouth arrangement proves to be a winning tribute. The Latin-flavored trumpet and acoustic guitar of "Jesus Movement" favorably bring to mind Sugar Ray and Cake. Audio Adrenaline switches musical gears even more drastically to do its best Stray Cats impression in "DC-10." A Beatles-influenced production style echoes in "This Day," which features a memorable chorus that's hard to shake. Deep feelings of faith are at the very heart of UNDERDOG, and the fitting title song metaphorically describes the underdog status of outspoken Christian beliefs in a secular society. While an obvious spiritual thread connects UNDERDOG, the album also proves Audio Adrenaline's ability to shuffle through a range of genres and influences like musical chameleons.