Underdog (Audio Adrenaline album)
Encyclopedia
Underdog is the fifth full-length album
released by Audio Adrenaline
. The album's lyrics are a slight departure from Some Kind of Zombie
, as they focus more on missions and the word of God being spread, as shown in "Hands and Feet" and "Jesus Movement"; a theme that would reappear in Worldwide
. Other songs, such as "Get Down" and "Good Life", reflect on God's influence in a Christian life.
The album also contains a more upbeat rerecording of "DC-10" (which had originally appeared on the band's debut album
), a cover
of "Let My Love Open the Door
" by Pete Townshend
, and a recording of "It Is Well With My Soul
", the only recording of a traditional worship song on any of the band's albums.
, the idea for the album was to "have more fun — not take this music so seriously — and just make songs that people like". The title of the album comes from the belief that Christians are usually seen as "underdogs
" or "weak . . . but we're not. We're just the opposite. God's empowered us because we've become less for Him," says Herdman.
The album includes two unoriginal songs and a new version of a song previously recorded by the band. The song "Let My Love Open the Door
" was written and recorded by Pete Townshend
in 1980. The album also features the band's version of the popular hymn "It Is Well with My Soul
", which features the guest vocals of Jennifer Knapp
. The band also decided to record a new version of one of their first songs, "DC-10". The song, which was featured on the band's debut album
, was a live staple of the band and is considered one of their most popular songs. According to Herdman, they "wanted to do something that kinda touched back with our roots, our very beginning. We were gonna do it like the Beastie Boys
— more modern stuff … we were just goofin' around and the swing thing came around. Swing's such a big thing and we thought we would just make a joke of it. And do our song swing."
One of the songs, "The Houseplant Song", features guitarist Bob Herdman
on the lead vocals. The lyrics were inspired by a story Herdman read on the Internet
about the effects of music on plants. It features a number of pop culture references, including a line that says "the second one you play that Petra
or that Megadeth
", and the closing line which says "we listen to Audio Adrenaline, cranked to eleven
", in reference to a line from the film This Is Spinal Tap
.
, Tennessee
: Tejas Studios, Dark Horse Studio, The Battery, 16 Ave Sound, and The House of Insomnia. Most of the recording was handled by Aaron Swihart at Tejas. However, recording at Dark Horse was handled by Shane D. Wilson and Richie Biggs, while recording at The House of Insomnia was handled by F. Reid Shippen
and Todd Collins. Strings were also recorded by Swihart at Sound Stage Studio, in Nashville, and mixed at Castle Recordings.
Most of the mastering was done by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound Studio, while digital edition was done by Paul Angelli. Mixing
was done at East Iris Studio, Castle Recording Studios, and Masterphonics in Nashville. Shippen, Collins, and David Leonard where in charge of mixing.
in Panama
with some local native tribes.
, gave the album 4.5 stars out of 5, and claimed it was the best album from the band since Don't Censor Me
. He also wrote that Underdog surpasses "each album in talent, song craftmanship, tightness, bold message, and overall greatness."
Both "Get Down" and "Hands and Feet" were later featured in WOW 2000
and WOW Hits 2001
respectively, which features chart-topping and/or critically acclaimed Christian songs. Also, "Mighty Good Leader" was sampled by rapper Aceyalone
for his song "Superstar", which was featured heavily in the 2004 video game ESPN NFL 2K5
.
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
released by Audio Adrenaline
Audio Adrenaline
Audio Adrenaline was a Christian rock band that formed in the late 1980s at Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. During the band's 17-year existence, they were awarded two Grammy awards, multiple Dove Awards and they released 17 number one singles. They were regular performers at the...
. The album's lyrics are a slight departure from Some Kind of Zombie
Some Kind of Zombie
-Concept:According to Audio Adrenaline, the album concept and its title song are based on the Scripture, specifically Colossians, Chapter 3, where it talks about "giving life over to God". The inspiration came from singer Mark Stuart's experience living with his missionary parents in Haiti, where...
, as they focus more on missions and the word of God being spread, as shown in "Hands and Feet" and "Jesus Movement"; a theme that would reappear in Worldwide
Worldwide (Audio Adrenaline album)
-Track listing:All songs written by Tyler Burkum, Ben Cissell, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss, and Mark Stuart, except where noted.#"Worldwide One" - 3:23#"Church Punks" - 1:45#"Dirty" - 3:00...
. Other songs, such as "Get Down" and "Good Life", reflect on God's influence in a Christian life.
The album also contains a more upbeat rerecording of "DC-10" (which had originally appeared on the band's debut album
Audio Adrenaline (album)
Audio Adrenaline is the first full-length album by the Christian rock band of the same name. "My God" was one of the first songs recorded by the band, which caught the attention of ForeFront Records.- Development :...
), a cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of "Let My Love Open the Door
Let My Love Open the Door
"Let My Love Open the Door" is a song written and performed by Pete Townshend from his 1980 album Empty Glass. It reached the top ten in America in that same year, reaching number nine....
" by Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
, and a recording of "It Is Well With My Soul
It Is Well with My Soul
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Let this blest assurance control,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,And hath shed His own blood for my soul....
", the only recording of a traditional worship song on any of the band's albums.
Concept and development
According to guitarist/songwriter Bob HerdmanBob Herdman
Bob Mortimer Herdman is a Christian musician, songwriter and producer more known for being a member of the band Audio Adrenaline.-Biography:...
, the idea for the album was to "have more fun — not take this music so seriously — and just make songs that people like". The title of the album comes from the belief that Christians are usually seen as "underdogs
Underdog (competition)
An underdog is a person or group in a competition, frequently in electoral politics, sports and creative works, who is popularly expected to lose. The party, team or individual expected to win is called the favorite or top dog. In the rare case where an underdog wins, the outcome is an upset. These...
" or "weak . . . but we're not. We're just the opposite. God's empowered us because we've become less for Him," says Herdman.
The album includes two unoriginal songs and a new version of a song previously recorded by the band. The song "Let My Love Open the Door
Let My Love Open the Door
"Let My Love Open the Door" is a song written and performed by Pete Townshend from his 1980 album Empty Glass. It reached the top ten in America in that same year, reaching number nine....
" was written and recorded by Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
in 1980. The album also features the band's version of the popular hymn "It Is Well with My Soul
It Is Well with My Soul
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Let this blest assurance control,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,And hath shed His own blood for my soul....
", which features the guest vocals of Jennifer Knapp
Jennifer Knapp
Jennifer Lynn Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock, and formerly contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album Kansas , and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It Down . The Way I Am , was also nominated...
. The band also decided to record a new version of one of their first songs, "DC-10". The song, which was featured on the band's debut album
Audio Adrenaline (album)
Audio Adrenaline is the first full-length album by the Christian rock band of the same name. "My God" was one of the first songs recorded by the band, which caught the attention of ForeFront Records.- Development :...
, was a live staple of the band and is considered one of their most popular songs. According to Herdman, they "wanted to do something that kinda touched back with our roots, our very beginning. We were gonna do it like the Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
— more modern stuff … we were just goofin' around and the swing thing came around. Swing's such a big thing and we thought we would just make a joke of it. And do our song swing."
One of the songs, "The Houseplant Song", features guitarist Bob Herdman
Bob Herdman
Bob Mortimer Herdman is a Christian musician, songwriter and producer more known for being a member of the band Audio Adrenaline.-Biography:...
on the lead vocals. The lyrics were inspired by a story Herdman read on the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
about the effects of music on plants. It features a number of pop culture references, including a line that says "the second one you play that Petra
Petra (band)
Petra is a music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres. Formed in 1972, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock"...
or that Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
", and the closing line which says "we listen to Audio Adrenaline, cranked to eleven
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap is an American 1984 rock musical mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner about the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap...
", in reference to a line from the film This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap
This Is Spinal Tap is an American 1984 rock musical mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner about the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap...
.
Recording
The album was recorded on several studios in NashvilleNashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
, Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
: Tejas Studios, Dark Horse Studio, The Battery, 16 Ave Sound, and The House of Insomnia. Most of the recording was handled by Aaron Swihart at Tejas. However, recording at Dark Horse was handled by Shane D. Wilson and Richie Biggs, while recording at The House of Insomnia was handled by F. Reid Shippen
F. Reid Shippen
F. Reid Shippen is a six-time Grammy Award-winning music mixer, engineer, and producer, currently based in Nashville, TN.-Biography:Growing up in Fair Haven, NJ, F. Reid Shippen performed in bands and eventually decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music. He attended , where he graduated...
and Todd Collins. Strings were also recorded by Swihart at Sound Stage Studio, in Nashville, and mixed at Castle Recordings.
Most of the mastering was done by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound Studio, while digital edition was done by Paul Angelli. Mixing
Audio mixing (recorded music)
In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
was done at East Iris Studio, Castle Recording Studios, and Masterphonics in Nashville. Shippen, Collins, and David Leonard where in charge of mixing.
Track listing
All songs written by Mark Stuart, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss, and Tyler Burkum, except where noted.- "Mighty Good Leader" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, Burkum, Ben Cissell) - 3:15
- "Underdog" - 3:30
- "Get Down" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, Burkum, Ben Cissell) - 3:16
- "Good Life" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, Charlie PeacockCharlie PeacockCharlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California Peacock was inspired by John Coltrane and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Peacock formed a band and began a career as a professional...
) - 3:53 - "Let My Love Open the DoorLet My Love Open the Door"Let My Love Open the Door" is a song written and performed by Pete Townshend from his 1980 album Empty Glass. It reached the top ten in America in that same year, reaching number nine....
" (Pete TownshendPete TownshendPeter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
) - 2:35 - "Hands and Feet" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, Burkum, Peacock) - 4:08
- "Jesus Movement" - 3:18
- "DC-10" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, Barry Blair) - 2:26
- "It Is Well with My SoulIt Is Well with My SoulIt is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Let this blest assurance control,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,And hath shed His own blood for my soul....
" (featuring Jennifer KnappJennifer KnappJennifer Lynn Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock, and formerly contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album Kansas , and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It Down . The Way I Am , was also nominated...
) (Horatio SpaffordHoratio SpaffordHoratio Gates Spafford was a prominent American lawyer, best known for penning the Christian hymn It Is Well With My Soul, following a family tragedy in which four of his daughters died....
, Philip BlissPhilip BlissPhilip Paul Bliss was an American composer, conductor, bass-baritone writer of hymns and a Gospel singer. He wrote many well-known hymns, including Almost Persuaded, Hallelujah, What a Saviour!, Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, Wonderful Words of Life, and the tune for Horatio Spafford's It Is...
, arranged by Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss, and Burkum) - 5:12 - "This Day" - 3:25
- "It's Over" - 3:57
- "The Houseplant Song" (Stuart, Herdman, McGinniss) - 4:04
- appears on Hit ParadeHit Parade (Audio Adrenaline album)Hit Parade is Audio Adrenaline's first greatest hits album. It features fifteen hits from the band's previous albums, plus two new songs: "Will Not Fade" and "One Like You".-Track listing:#"Will Not Fade"* - 3:49#"I'm Not the King" - 3:52...
- appears on Adios: The Greatest HitsAdios: The Greatest HitsAdios: The Greatest Hits is the final album released by Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline, and their second Greatest Hits album.- Overview :...
Band members
- Mark StuartMark Stuart (musician)Mark Allen Stuart is a Christian rock musician, and is best known for being the vocalist for the now-retired Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline.-Early life:...
- lead vocals, harp on "Jesus Movement" - Bob HerdmanBob HerdmanBob Mortimer Herdman is a Christian musician, songwriter and producer more known for being a member of the band Audio Adrenaline.-Biography:...
- keyboards, guitars, acoustic guitar and lead vocals on "The Houseplant Song" - Will McGinniss - bass
- Tyler BurkumTyler BurkumTyler Burkum is an American guitarist and songwriter most known for his work with singer/songwriter Mat Kearney. Burkum's solo album, "Darling Maybe Someday", was released May 1, 2008, while his new band, Leagues, released a 3-song EP on June 28, 2011....
- lead guitars - Ben Cissell - drums
Additional musicians
- Jennifer KnappJennifer KnappJennifer Lynn Knapp is an American-Australian folk rock, and formerly contemporary Christian musician. She is best known for her first single "Undo Me" from her debut album Kansas , and the song "A Little More" from her Grammy Award-nominated album Lay It Down . The Way I Am , was also nominated...
- guest vocals on "It Is Well with My Soul" - Mike Owsley - organ, piano, vocals
- Tony Miracle - programming synths
- Charlie PeacockCharlie PeacockCharlie Peacock is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, record producer, session musician and author. While growing up in California Peacock was inspired by John Coltrane and began playing the piano. After completing his education, Peacock formed a band and began a career as a professional...
- vocals - Dan Spencer (of The O.C. SupertonesThe O.C. SupertonesThe Orange County Supertones is a Christian ska band hailing from Orange County, California. The band was signed to Tooth & Nail Records before becoming an independent band for its final tour...
) - bone on "Jesus Movement" - Darren Mettler (of The O.C. Supertones) - trumpet on "Jesus Movement"
- Mark Nicholas - accordionAccordionThe accordion is a box-shaped musical instrument of the bellows-driven free-reed aerophone family, sometimes referred to as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist....
- Claudia Tapia - Spanish vocals on "Jesus Movement"
- Todd Collins - additional bass and instruments, vocals
- F. Reid ShippenF. Reid ShippenF. Reid Shippen is a six-time Grammy Award-winning music mixer, engineer, and producer, currently based in Nashville, TN.-Biography:Growing up in Fair Haven, NJ, F. Reid Shippen performed in bands and eventually decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music. He attended , where he graduated...
- additional instruments - Dave Davidson - strings arrangement on "It Is Well with My Soul"
- Nashville String MachineNashville String MachineNashville String Machine is a musical collective comprising session musicians and has been credited on recordings as far back as 1974. The Nashville String Machine's composition varies from project to project. It has appeared as large as an orchestra, or as small as a duo.-Notable members:Being a...
- strings on "It Is Well with My Soul"
Production and recording
- Charlie Peacock - producer
- Todd Collins (for the Gotee Brothers) - producer, mixerAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
, recording, programming - Eddie DeGarmoEddie DeGarmoEddie DeGarmo is an American Contemporary Christian music recording artist, keyboardist, producer and singer. Became best friends with guitarist/lead vocalist Dana Key since the first grade, DeGarmo co-founded the Christian rock group DeGarmo and Key in 1978...
- executive producer - Dan R. Brock - executive producer
- Aaron Swihart - recording, string recording
- Shane D. Wilson - recording
- Richie Biggs - recording
- Ted Jensen - mastering
- Paul Angelli - digital editing
- Gil Gowing - digital editing
- David Leonard - mixer
- F. Reid Shippen - mixer, programming
- Charlie Brocco - assistant mixer
- Dan Shike - assistant
- Brad Burke - assistant
- Mark Nicholas - A&R
- Mandy Galyean - A&R administration
- Molly Nicholas - project administration
- Susannah Parrish - creative coordinator
- Kerri McKeehan Stuart - photography
- David Maxwell - photography
Music videos
Music videos were made for the songs "Get Down" and "Hands and Feet". The video for "Hands and Feet" was recorded in the Darién JungleDarién Gap
The Darién Gap is a large swath of undeveloped swampland and forest separating Panama's Darién Province in Central America from Colombia in South America. It measures just over long and about wide. Roadbuilding through this area is expensive, and the environmental toll is steep. Political...
in Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
with some local native tribes.
Reception
Critical
Underdog was generally well received by critics. Steve Huey, of AllMusic, gave the album 3 stars out of 5, writing that overall, the album would please especially fans of the band. However, he writes that "the funk riffs still sometimes feel grafted onto the songs, which are melodic AOR at heart, and there are a few musically awkward moments here and there". John DiBiase, of Jesus Freak HideoutJesus Freak Hideout
Jesus Freak Hideout is a Christian music website. The website specializes in reviewing, previewing, and selling Christian albums. The website is known for its album reviews, independent music, artist interviews, concert dates and ministry through devotionals and prayer...
, gave the album 4.5 stars out of 5, and claimed it was the best album from the band since Don't Censor Me
Don't Censor Me
Don't Censor Me is the second studio album released by Audio Adrenaline. The album features the song "Big House", which is considered the most popular song of the band.-Background and concept:...
. He also wrote that Underdog surpasses "each album in talent, song craftmanship, tightness, bold message, and overall greatness."
Both "Get Down" and "Hands and Feet" were later featured in WOW 2000
WOW 2000
WOW 2000 is a compilation album of 30 Contemporary Christian music hits and four bonus tracks that was released on October 26, 1999. The album hit #29 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1999, and #1 on the Top Contemporary Christian chart in both 1999 and 2000. It was certified as double platinum in...
and WOW Hits 2001
WOW Hits 2001
WOW Hits 2001 is a Canadian compilation album of thirty Contemporary Christian music hits and three bonus tracks that was released on October 24, 2000. It included some music video content accessible with a CD-ROM drive. The album reached #36 on the Billboard 200 chart, and #1 on the Top...
respectively, which features chart-topping and/or critically acclaimed Christian songs. Also, "Mighty Good Leader" was sampled by rapper Aceyalone
Aceyalone
Eddie Hayes, better known by his stage name Aceyalone, is an American rapper.He is a founding member of the Freestyle Fellowship. Apart from his role in Freestyle Fellowship, Aceyalone is also a member of Haiku D'Etat and The A-Team , and he is a co-founder of Project Blowed.After releasing a...
for his song "Superstar", which was featured heavily in the 2004 video game ESPN NFL 2K5
ESPN NFL 2K5
ESPN NFL 2K5 is an American football video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports and the Sega Corporation. It is a part of the NFL 2K series. The game was originally released on July 20, 2004, for both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game consoles.- Features :The game...
.