Audio Adrenaline was legitimate A-tier rockers in the 1990s and early 2000s. If you grew up listening to Christian music during those decades, they likely offered some contribution to the soundtrack of your childhood. Whether you were into their funkier rock side or soaring Christian radio ballads, they left an impression on many young listeners.
The band’s famous album, Worldwide, turns 20 this year. So, let’s take a walk on memory lane to reflect on the album's most notable cuts.
"Church Punks"
This quick rock number is a call to action for Christian youth. It showcases the band's energetic side and may surprise those who are only familiar with their radio hits.
"Miracle"
This upbeat rocker balances the band's high energy and signature accessible melodic approach, resulting in a surefire hit. Originally titled "You Ruined My Life," the song employs ironic lyrics to illustrate how Christ can disrupt our expectations and plans, ultimately creating something better. The track is an album standout, with strong vocal performances from frontman Mark Stuart and guitarist Tyler Burkham.
"Pierced"
Despite being tragically overlooked in the band's catalog, I remember hearing this song when it was first released. The track carries a worshipful feeling while also serving as a desperate plea for God to make a broken man whole. It centers on Christ's sacrifice for us and truly resonates with listeners.
"Ocean Floor (Radio Mix)"
“Ocean Floor,” a song that helped define contemporary Christian music, was initially included on the band's previous album, Lift. While some argue that the original version had a stronger, guitar-driven mix, this radio mix is still worth a mention. The song's message is incredibly comforting, as it portrays Christ taking our sins so far away that they might as well be at the bottom of the ocean. The song's soaring melody will get stuck in your head for days.
"Leaving 99"
Easily one of the standout ballads on the album, this track follows nicely in the tradition of "Ocean Floor" by passionately reminding listeners of how far Christ would go to find us. Like many other songs on the album, guitarist Tyler Burkham takes over lead vocal duties from Mark Stuart, resulting in a seamless transition for these softer tracks, even if Burkham's voice lacks the edge of Stuart's. While his vocal prominence on the album foreshadows the unfortunate vocal issues that would eventually lead to the band's initial conclusion a few years later, this era of shared vocals allows a new, softer side of the band to shine, and it helped make songs like this one instant classics.
What song from the album do you remember most fondly?
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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