The Fundamental Elements of Southtown is the third studio album and major label debut of Christian metal band P.O.D., released on August 24, 1999. It went on to become the band's first platinum album, peaking at No. 51 on the Billboard 200 chart in April 2000.[6] It was the 143rd best-selling album of 2000 in the United States.[7]
"Southtown" and "Rock the Party (Off the Hook)" became the album's singles, both of which were accompanied by music videos. The album also includes a cover of U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky".
The album's artwork was censored when sold in Christian bookstores, with retailers complaining about a cigar and also claiming the cover was "pagan".[8][9]
The Limited edition bonus EP was released by P.O.D. as a free CD given away with the purchase of their first mainstream album, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, in 1999. It contained a new version of the song "Draw the Line" (from the album Snuff the Punk) and the demo version of "Lie Down" (on The Fundamental Elements of Southtown). It also has the new track "It's About Time", the instrumental demo "Estrella", the intro "Warriors Come Out to Play...", and a track with "Messages for Your Answering Machine". Because of its limited release, it is now considered a collector's item.
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