Singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan follows his critically-acclaimed album "The Medicine" with "Economy," a new 10-track album of spiritually-minded rock songs. Hailed by critics and fans alike, McMillan is the writer of the popular worship song "How He Loves."
A preacher’s kid from North Carolina, John is part storyteller, part poet. Drawing on the religious imagery of his upbringing, he crafts spiritually-minded, emotionally-packed songs set against a background of indie rock with a decidedly Folk/Americana bent.
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Unique| Posted November 20, 2012
John Mark Mcmillan has one of those voices that you just don't hear very often. It's the kind of voice I like to listen to. His songs are full of truth and are great to listen to in the car. I highly suggest him.
Bruce Cockburn meets the Dark Side of the Moon?| Posted October 29, 2011
Thank you new release tuesday for letting us preview entire albums for free online. We get to try out new musicians and all the songs on a CD -- not just those that make the cut to be singles.
The Economy might be one of those albums that need to be experienced on a whole. As some other reviewers have said, the style is hard to peg. The lyrics remind me of early Bruce Cockburn, when he was explicitly Christian, although without the social critique that I was expecting on a CD entitled "The Economy". Instead it is very personal, like Cockburn can be, and like Cockburn using unusual metaphors and images with a melancholy air -- one that is quite aware of one's sinfulness and potential for evil. Yet the music also celebrates the great and bloody gift of Christ our Savior -- the murdered Son and rises to crescendos of praise. In many ways I thought it was a CD that would be introduced before Lent and Easter rather than Christmas, because its themes fit that season better.
The music also provides some eerie effects and creative sound images, thus my reference to "The Dark Side of the Moon". Not just Pink Floyd, but the music vaguely recalls some Moody Blues and others of the creative edge of rock. Its a CD that invites us to listen to it again and again.
I'm looking forward to listening to John Mark McMillen & band more.
Economy| Posted October 26, 2011
I really enjoy the unique sound and approach of John's music and the fact that I can't think of who he sounds "like". Overall though, this release didn't catch my attention as much on first listen as "The Medicine" did. I will need to listen to it a little more this week on NRT to see if grows on me. It's definitely great to have Christian artists releasing music that explores new artistic paths.