Top 5 Albums of 2011: JOHN MARK McMILLAN – ECONOMY

HOW HE LOVES. It’s the one song that EVERYBODY knows. It’s the song that blew up in the church over the past two years; it spread like wildfire. Everyone knows it, but most people don’t know who wrote it (or they think Crowder wrote it cause his version is on Christian radio).

Ladies and gentlemen, meet John Mark McMillan. AKA: The guy who wrote How He Loves.

While How He Loves is an incredible song that has affected millions of people all over the world, I don’t think that it’s his best. JMM’s newest album, Economy, has been in my head for months. When I drove to Nashville with the TBR guys in November to record our album, it was one of two CDs we had in the car. This record is amazing.

Now, before I go any further, let me warn you. JMM isn’t always pretty. The tone of his voice fits perfectly with his folk-rock style and sounds best when it’s left alone without reverb or delay or any other effects. Lyrically, he is incredibly theological, sometimes without even trying to be. The thing that I think JMM did best was recruiting his band. He has surrounded himself with dudes that are 100% perfect for his sound, making his music that much better. Songs like “Economy” and “Who Is This” have incredible instrumental sections that showcase the talents of his band (most of whom also play in All The Bright Lights).

This album wasn’t a favorite of mine to begin with. I was expecting another album like “The Medicine,” but what I got was much different, but in a good way. After listening for a few months, I’ve become a huge fan of this album and I think it’s as good (if not better) than “The Medicine.” So, if you haven’t heard John Mark, you need to check him out! The entire album is great, just listen all the way through.

Here’s a video of us playing an arrangement of his song “Sins Are Stones” from last month. Enjoy!

Advertisement