Life After Death - Toby Mac

Album Review: Life After Death by TobyMac

Release Date: August 19, 2022
Label: ForeFront Records / Capitol CMG
Runtime: 15 Songs, 50 Minutes

1. Album Overview

TobyMac’s Life After Death is a deeply personal and powerful project, reflecting both the heartbreak of loss and the unwavering hope found in faith. This album marks a poignant chapter in Toby’s journey following the passing of his son, Truett Foster McKeehan, in 2019. The record showcases a mix of musical styles—hip-hop, pop, gospel, and worship—blended with TobyMac’s signature sound. Collaborations with artists like Zach Williams, Sheryl Crow, and dc Talk bring both nostalgia and fresh energy.

The title Life After Death speaks volumes, presenting a message of spiritual resilience and the promise of redemption. It’s an emotional, soul-baring work that resonates deeply with listeners navigating life’s valleys.

Score: 95/100 — Outstanding. Heartfelt and meaningful.

2. Technical Mastery

TobyMac’s production has always stood at the cutting edge, and Life After Death is no exception. The album effortlessly blends modern pop elements with organic instrumentation, giving it both energy and depth. Tracks like “Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)” and “Cornerstone” feature punchy rhythms and clean, dynamic mixes that elevate their message.

The vocal production, particularly on collaborative tracks like “The Goodness” with Blessing Offor, is stellar. TobyMac remains one of the few artists capable of weaving rap, soulful harmonies, and spoken word without losing cohesion. His ability to maintain sonic variety across 15 tracks while keeping the narrative unified is a testament to his decades of expertise.

Score: 92/100 — Exceptional production and execution.

3. Artistic Depth

This album goes beyond catchy choruses and hooks. It is TobyMac at his most vulnerable, openly grappling with grief and turning that pain into a testament of faith. Tracks like “21 Years” and “Faithfully” are particularly raw, delivering lyrical honesty about the heartbreak of losing a child. He doesn’t shy away from lament, yet he consistently points to God’s grace as the anchor in the storm.

The balance between lament and celebration is striking. Songs like “The Goodness” and “Everything About You” serve as joyful reminders that God’s goodness can coexist with suffering. This duality makes the album deeply relatable to anyone who has walked through loss and found hope on the other side.

Score: 97/100 — Deep, raw, and authentic artistry.

4. Audience Appeal

TobyMac has long been a bridge between generations of Christian music listeners. With tracks ranging from energetic anthems like “Help Is On The Way” to reflective ballads like “I’m Sorry (A Lament),” Life After Death appeals to both his long-time fans and new listeners.

The collaborations, including “Space” with his former dc Talk bandmates (Kevin Max and Michael Tait), will delight fans who have followed Toby’s journey since the ‘90s. Meanwhile, contemporary Christian radio-ready songs like “Cornerstone” featuring Zach Williams ensure the album’s accessibility to a wide audience.

Score: 94/100 — Broad, multi-generational appeal.

5. Standout Moments

• “Faithfully” – A raw, prayer-like ballad that highlights Toby’s trust in God’s faithfulness through pain.

• “Cornerstone” (feat. Zach Williams) – A powerful anthem that combines Zach’s deep vocals with Toby’s unmistakable style.

• “The Goodness” (feat. Blessing Offor) – Infectiously joyful and uplifting, this track is a beacon of hope.

• “21 Years” – A tear-jerking tribute that brings TobyMac’s grief into full focus.

• “Space” – The dc Talk reunion fans have been waiting for, blending nostalgia with a relevant message.

6. Final Verdict

TobyMac’s Life After Death is more than an album—it’s a testimony of faith forged through unimaginable pain. It seamlessly combines vulnerability with hope, packaged in masterful production and diverse musical styles. This is not just one of TobyMac’s best works but a landmark release in contemporary Christian music.

Overall Score: 95/100 — Legendary. A moving, faith-filled masterpiece that uplifts and inspires.

For Fans Of: Chris Tomlin, Lecrae, Zach Williams, Matthew West, dc Talk.

Key Tracks to Stream: “Faithfully,” “Cornerstone,” “The Goodness,” “21 Years.”