The North Carolinian whose music has been described as "gutsy poetic rock 'n' roll" has already built a faithful following, drawn unparalleled praise for his three independent releases, and his major label signing has been greatly anticipated.
In July, Integrity will release The Medicine as an exclusive limited edition CD with four bonus tracks and live video performances. Among the bonus material is a moody performance of McMillan's modern classic, "How He Loves" and the swaggering, raucous "Carolina Tide," an allegorical narrative of resurrection told from the perspective of a second chance love, admittedly inspired by Springsteen's "Thunder Road" and the Biblical story of Ruth.
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The Medicine| Posted July 09, 2010
The Medicine is a rare album, but then again singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan is a rare artist, at least in mainstream Christian music. His lyrics are universally relatable yet intimate, organic yet eloquent, simple yet profound. But if there was only one word to describe John Mark’s lyrics it would be “real.” These aren’t the lyrically polished, sugarcoated message type of songs that you hear on the radio (and this is, unfortunately, the reason why many of these songs will not get the radio exposure they deserve). Take the title-track, “When you said you weren’t afraid to die/I don’t think you brave for it/I just think you’re more afraid of being alive” or “Between the Cracks,” “He’s singing when are you gonna come out from behind these paper thin walls of your cardboard box reality.” Few artists write with such audacity and honesty. The instrumentation that carries John Mark’s songs is just icing on the cake. From indie rock to folk, the music on this record is therapeutic.
Top tracks: “Skeleton Bones,” “Carbon Ribs,” “Ten Thousand,” “How He Loves”
The Medicine| Posted October 26, 2011
I immediately liked the unique sound of John's music. I also liked the fact that I couldn't think of any other artist that he sounded "like". His music struck me as very original and down to earth. This release has a good mix of variety that keeps each song feeling fresh and was one that I added to my collection. My favorite track is "Skeleton Bones".
Pay attention| Posted July 07, 2010
John Mark's official reemergence has to be the greatest thing ever for Christian music. What JMM offers is a fresh, raw, and honest sound. It is very rare we are blessed with such talent, and a storyteller such as JMM. As for "The Medicine;" this is southern maple syrup to your ears. Finally, an artist puts out music that is as imaginative as it is powerful. From the worshipful "Skeleton Bones" (one of my favorites) to the metaphoric "Ten Thousand." This is gusty rock-n-roll in the step of Springsteen. After seeing JMM at Creation, I officially declare him an artist to pay attention to. This CD is definetely a must buy. My favorites: "Skeleton Bones," "Reckoning Day," "The Medicine," "Carbon Ribs," "Death in His Grave," "Belly of the Lion," and "How He Loves." While I have favorites, this whole album is worthy of its 5 star rating.
Pretty Good| Posted July 07, 2010
I caught him out at Creation and he played a lot of songs off of this album. They kept advertising it out there so I checked it out for myself. I recommend this to anyone with a taste for softer more methodical music.
A New Sound| Posted June 29, 2010
This album has a nice country/rock sound. I really like the acoustic sound. On some of the tracks, I hear more of the country twang, on others it has a distinct rock sound, on others it is a nice mix. I think that I would enjoy many of the tracks in an instrumental format as well.
I enjoy the way John Mark expresses his thoughts, it feels like I am walking down a dusty road and feeling or sensing the presence of Jesus. I am feeling the neediness of our flesh and the yearning for Jesus to answer as He walks among us. I feel the honesty of human experience,and the beauty of our Lord, even as He dwells among us. There are lamentations, and celebration in overcoming by the blood of the Lamb.
This artist reminds me a little of Bruce Coburn, whom I enjoy very much. I think this is a very nice first album, and will watch this artist as he continues to create and perform. In the meantime I will be looking for this album to add to my collection.
true indie| Posted June 29, 2010
this album is pure indie worship music. with amazing lyrics and melodies, everyone should go and get this album. being re-released by integrity music, john mark mcmillan hopes to reach a wider audience and will no doubt do so as people have been anxiously awaiting the re-release, people like myself, who heard of him after he left his first record label and the album was pulled from stores. not to worry though, july 9th amazing songs like "skeleton bones," "how he loves," "death in his grave," and "carbon ribs" will be on the re-released medicine album!
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