TobyMac: ‘This Is Not A Test’ album review

Even though he’s moved over 11 million albums, topped the entire Billboard album charts, swooped up six GRAMMY Awards and even more Doves, TobyMac sounds just as hungry as his DC Talk days on This Is Not A Test. That’s astoundingly impressive for a guy in his fifties, though the album repeatedly illustrates that [Toby] McKeehan continues to be a trendsetter while injecting meaningful messages. For instance, the title track explodes with electronic surges that could easily light up any dance club, but with lyrics that point to living life for a higher purpose beyond simply partying. And then there’s the soulful, mid-tempo masterpiece “Love Broke Thru,” a clear shout out to Christ’s redemption on the cross that basically meets in the middle of Sam Smith and Imagine Dragons. Special guests also abound, from Mr. TalkBox to Hollyn & Tru, Capital Kings and NF, though the first DC Talk reunion in ten years (“Love Feels Like”) is practically worth the entire price of admission, giving this record an additional full circle element that’s destined to once again reach the top spot.