And when matched up with his spiritually searching lyrics, his voice can cut straight through the thick layers of pounding rock music surrounding it.

Right away when I first plunked the CD into the car radio I heard similarities of bands like DecembeRadio and Third Day that have this same southern rock sound and straightforward Gospel message.

Mix the charisma and strong melodic sensibilities of MercyMe with the rock swagger of Third Day and the grit of Needtobreathe and DecembeRadio and you have your next favorite act.

"[4] Christianity Today's Andy Argyrakis wrote that "there's a vertical element to some of these songs, but the guitar slinger mostly sings about grace and rising above demons.

"[5] Cross Rhythms' Matthew Griggs said that "this debut release from the Tennessee-based rockers will, of course, be compared to a Third Day record, partially because of the similarities of Rhett Walker's voice to that of Mac Powell and the band's undeniable Southern rock approach.

"[8] Jesus Freak Hideout's Alex "Tincan" Caldwell said that "Rhett Walker Band's debut album traffics in the kind of sincere, honest southern rock and roll that you know is made by four guys playing together in a room somewhere.

There is certainly room for improvement in subject matter and lyrics (a few songs lean on clichés for answers), but overall Rhett Walker Band has a bright future.

With Third Day and Needtobreathe releasing excellent albums recently and the center of the CCM world being in Nashville, it just makes sense that there would be a wave of southern music like Come To The River.

"[10] Worship Leader's Jay Akins said "this album feels and sounds like an honest southern rock record with straightforward lyrics and strong musicianship.