Payable on Death (by P.O.D., Rock)

PAYABLE ON DEATH by P.O.D. was among the most surprising and impressive offerings of 2003. Despite the slightly pretentious goth-influenced, pseudo-Egyptian graphic design, despite the slightly creepy title, and despite the bonus DVD that refused to play in no less than five different machines, the songs are not only completely inoffensive, but poetic and personal.

There's a refreshingly idealistic social consciousness throughout. The multi-million-selling group boasts guitar player, Jason Truby, whose hard-hitting style complements the band's reggae-influenced songwriting and eclectic musical arrangements. The vocal performances are raw and passionate, but not overdone. There are so many intense elements and influences at work that it would be easy for the whole thing to sound like confusing mush, but veteran producer Howard Benson somehow brings it all home tastefully without restraining the group's intensity.

A bit pompous perhaps, but here's some good music with a positive message.