The Elements of a Great Album
Posted October 26, 2018
By JakeFrederick_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know:
On the Jesus Freak Cruise in 2017, TobyMac opened up about the season he went through after dcTalk announced their intermission. He wasn't sure if he was going to continue his career as a recording artist until he was approached to write the song "Extreme Days" for the movie with the same title. That song started the journey to the 2001 Momentum album.
Fast forward to 2018, and the Momentum album title has become prophetic. In the years since the album's release, TobyMac has been one of the biggest names in Christian Music. He has won numerous awards, and six of his studio albums have been RIAA gold certified. In October, TobyMac released his much-anticipated eigth studio album, The Elements.
What it Sounds Like:
While TobyMac has his own signature style, every TobyMac album has a fresh sound, and The Elements is no exception. In addition to the high-energy anthems you would expect, TobyMac has infused a blend of dance, soul, and hip-hop into this record.
The title track leads off the album with a strong rock/hip-hop hybrid anthem. The songs "I just need U.," "Everything," and "Edge of My Seat" are exactly what you would expect from a TobyMac album: high-energy dance grooves that get you on your feet and moving. Songs like "Scars," "Starts With Me," and "It's You" change it up with bit of soul over hip-hop beats.
Spiritual Highlights:
I picked out two strong themes from this album - a deep reliance on God and overcoming the past for a strong future. Through several of the songs, TobyMac preaches that whether we're up or we're down, we need God. When we put our lives and our sitations in God's hands, everything falls in line; when we keep our eyes on God, we see Him in everything around us and life is brighter.
TobyMac also reminds us that no matter where we came from or what we've done, there's a better day on the horizon with Christ. You're not the only one who's been where you are. You are no more loved by God just because you have scars, because we all have scars. It's part of living.
Best Song on the Record:
I'm going off of the beaten path and choosing "Starts with Me" as the best song on the record. I'm loving the smooth groove and the collaboration with Aaron Cole, and the message of the song resonates with me. It doesn't matter how you were raised or what circumstances are around you, change starts from within you. Whether it's breaking a cycle of addiction or unhealthy family traditions, you hold the keys to setting yourself free.
For Fans Of:
Aaron Cole, Newsboys
Final Word:
This is another solid album from TobyMac. After eight studio albums, he is showing no signs of slowing down and is continuing to raise the bar for Christian music. His faith in God is on full display with this album and it's contagious.
Buy it on Apple Music or stream it on Spotify.
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