As one of the most prominent spearheads behind Christian music today, TobyMac has done more for the industry than you or I may ever know. His efforts include: being one of the members of the Grammy-winning DC Talk, aiding Christian radio stations (my home town included), co-writing the books “Jesus Freaks (I & II),” and starting a Gotee Records (Relient K, Family Force 5, Paul Wright, Grits). This Grammy-winner is just plain awesome, and is a Christian music hero of sorts.
His music, known for being both up-beat and enthusiastic, consists of a unique fusion of hip-hop and West coast rock. “Portable Sounds,” the most recent release from TobyMac, sticks with that same dance-evoking energy, while adding some fresh new twists. Where “Momentum” had a harder rock feel and “Welcome to Diverse City” was predominantly hip-hop, “Portable Sounds” brings an indie rock feel, without leaving the old sound entirely in the dust. “Portable Sounds” shouldn’t be anything unrecognizable for long-time TobyMac fans, and for those who love Tru-Dog, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
“Portable Sounds” opens with “One World,” a track that revisits phrases and sounds from older hits and makes for a great intro into the first single “Made to Love,” which has stayed strong at number one for three weeks straight on the radio station I listen to (and is still going).
Every song is excellently mixed, combining both old and new sounds. Also, the guitar work on “Made to Love” and “I’m for You” is slightly different than TobyMac’s older stuff. Always infections, TobyMac is a master in the studio and has made a habit of teaming up with some of the biggest names in Christian music (Superchic[k], Grits). Kirk Franklin and Mandisa (from American Idol) both make an appearance on “Lose My Soul,” which has some nice Spanish guitar riffs and which prays “Father God, I am clay in your hands/Help me to stay that way through all life's demands.” “No Ordinary Love” has a cool brass intro and features Nirva Dorsaint-Ready. “I’m For You” is one of my favorite tracks and will mostly likely get some radio play also. “Suddenly” reminds me a lot of “Gone” from “Welcome to Diverse City” (maybe too much), and “Ignition” is another strong track. Although I don’t think “Portable Sounds” will have as many hits as the last two, it is still excellent album in its own right, with its own unique sound.
TobyMac is a talented beat-boxer, singer, and emcee. His music exudes a combination of all three of these talents and is always thoroughly entertaining. He has, deservingly, been named in the top of almost every list of influential Christians, and the D.C. born musician has encourage many souls to be true “Jesus Freaks.” He always makes a point to comment on society and move for equality (“Lose My Soul” being the most notable example on this album), and he keeps God close at heart. “Portable Sounds” is great fun, and has me sitting and wondering what would happen if DC Talk ever got back together (I can dream can’t I?). Go out and get it!
Article by Brad Biggs, Music Faith Writer
