New P.O.D. album pleases
despite trite songwriting
 By
Alicia Swan
Staff Writer
"Satellite," P.O.D.'s follow up to its promising
debut album, "Fundamental Elements of Southtown" disappoints with its
commercial song writing and trite lyrics, yet still manages to please.
P.O.D., short for Payable on Death, is different
from other alternative metal bands through the group's uncharacteristically
optimistic attitude and subtle Christian undertones.
Following P.O.D.'s 1992 formation in San Diego
orchestrated by vocalist Sonny Sandoval, the group released three albums
under Rescue Records before signing with Atlantic in 1998.
In 1999, the release of the major-label debut gave
the band deserved recognition and Top 40 airtime.
The band's sophomore effort finds P.O.D. vying
for commercial popularity through generalized lyrics and themes. "Satellite"
feels like a potpourri of bands present and past. P.O.D. is slowly finding
a musical tone all its own.
The first single, "Alive," found itself on MTV's
Total Request Live shortly after the album's release. The song is not
only energetic and invigorating but also trendy, occupying a slot on
TRL every day since its release.
"Youth of the Nation" is a song also obviously
aimed at the teen-age masses. It sounds eerily like Limp Bizkit and
the Miami Sound Machine hooked up for a jam session.
The ditty "Boom" is another generic alternative
song that poses the over-used and abused question and response —
"Is that all you got?/ I'll take your best shot."
Songs like "Without Jah, Nothin'" and "Ridiculous"
parade the group's affinity for all styles of music, particularly reggae.
The most redeeming song on the album is "Thinking
about Forever." This sweet, acoustic song finds the band switching gears,
and tackling the hefty issues of love and emotion in a musical genre
that is more suited to the degradation of those ideas.
In terms of versatility, P.O.D. should be highly
regarded. From pop ballad to hard-rock anthem, the group proves that
it can meld to any style with ease.
Although it is disappointing to see a potentially
outstanding group take the commercial route, P.O.D.'s songs are still
well put together.
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