Underdog (Audio Adrenaline album)

Concept and development

According to guitarist/songwriter Bob Herdman, 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/keyboardist 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.

Recording

The album was recorded on several studios in Nashville, 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.

Promotion

Audio Adrenaline performed songs from Underdog during the Underdog Tour, the Diverse City Worldwide Tour, the Until My Heart Caves In Tour and the Kings & Queens Tours.

Critical reception

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 Hideout, 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.

Commercial performance

Underdog peaked at No. 76 on Billboard 200.

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 Jungle in Panama with some local native tribes.

Track listing

All tracks written by Mark Stuart, Bob Herdman, Will McGinniss and Tyler Burkum, except where noted..

Notes

Personnel

Audio Adrenaline

Additional musicians

Production