John Mark McMillan

Item: HopeAnthologyVolumeOne
Author: Brian A. Smith

HopeAnthologyVolumeOne

(2003)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

blues rock folk rock indie rock lo-fi

This album works for two reasons: the depth of the lyrics and the raw, almost desperate feel of the music behind them. John Mark McMillan has a versatile voice, drifting from lo-fi indie rock to blues to some elements of jazz fusion.

"7:30" is a chance encounter with an angel, or is it God? Seemingly a depiction of Jacob's wrestling match, this song describes the quest of pursuing God relentlessly:

I will chase you through the darkness
Caverns in the night
I will find your secret hiding place
and lay down in the light
I will wrestle for the blessing
though you render me this wound
Still I won't let go of you..

"Hey Won't You Come Around" describes how a mood can be elevated in the presence of the right person. "Ominous" portrays the danger within ourselves, the secret nature that keeps us on the verge of tragedy. Several songs here seem to have been composed in the middle of the night, perhaps while confronting the demons that keep us awake - "7:30," "Ominous," "Job 38," "I Need You in the Morning," and "Between the Cracks (3:00am)" all mention the early hours of the day.

"I Will Trust" sheds a light on Christ's sacrifice, and his time on Earth. "Job 38" is maybe the most powerful track, begging God to show Himself through the life of the singer:

I will be Your lamp,
if You will pour the oil
If You will light the incense
I will be Your censer
I will be Your tabernacle
If you will be the ark
I will be Your body
If You will be the heart.

McMillan achingly demonstrates the weaknesses of the human condition, and tips his hat to the saving grace of God, acknowledging the need for God to do the changing in lives, to make them complete. HopeAnthologyVolumeOne would fit seamlessly with David Gray or Pete Yorn in your CD changer.

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