Tracy Darlington

Tonight by Tobymac

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...sure to resonate with listeners from all walks of life, and it will take them to a new level with Toby's unique style of music."

Ever since Tobymac ventured out on his own solo career in 2001 he's made an effort to surround himself with talent. The result will take you on a journey full of energy and a positive message. Just last year alone Toby's CDs sold over two million. His latest release, Tonight, is sure to please both teens and the young at heart.

As always, Toby brings to the table a well rounded mix of musical style, never being afraid to share the mic with other groups/artists. For example, John Cooper of Skillet offers his vocal talent on the title track, "Tonight". His generosity is evident in the songs he does as duets, as they always seem to take on more of the other artist's flavor. “Tonight”, the song, is no exception, a heavily “Skilletized” track. The two have collaborated this spring of 2010 on the Awake Tonight Tour (Awake being Skillet's latest project) with House of Heroes as the opening the act. Relient K's Matthew Thiessen also contributes on the song “Wonderin'”.

Tobymac mixes his style with an 80's vibe in “Hey Devil”, giving it an almost Family Force Five feel. Son Truett has a habit of taking the mic on several CDs, and he's become a pretty good rapper. He's joined by three year old little brother Judah McKeehan on “LoudNClear”. The duo will make you smile. Already a hit on the radio, prayerful “City on Our Knees” is slightly reminiscent of the DC Talk sound. There's even reggae on the cut, “Break Open the Sky”, with guest vocalist Israel Houghton. Toby married into a Jamaican family fifteen years ago, and the music suits him well.

Although it's a nice variety of musical styles, the theme of Tonight seems to be the need all of us have to God, all the time. Toby says, “I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I fight really hard to remain unjaded--to keep believing that you can actually walk into a studio and write a song that breathes life. That's the hardest fight for a guy who's been doing this for awhile; it's easy to fall into the trap of just making it your job. But I still believe that songs matter.”

This is Toby's fourth studio album. Tonight is sure to resonate with listeners from all walks of life, and it will take them to a new level with Toby's unique style of music. I dare you to try and sit still when “Funky Jesus Music” plays.