The ST. Nemele Collab Sessions - Toby Mac

Album Review: The St. Nemele Collab Sessions by TobyMac

Release Date: August 23, 2019
Label: ForeFront Records / Capitol CMG
Runtime: 11 Songs, 38 Minutes

1. Album Overview

The St. Nemele Collab Sessions is a vibrant remix album that breathes new life into tracks from TobyMac's 2018 release, The Elements. This project features a collection of collaborations and remixes with an impressive lineup of guest artists, producers, and DJs, including Ledger, Jordan Feliz, Matt Maher, Crowder, and more. Each track takes on a fresh sonic identity, blending TobyMac's uplifting messages with dance, EDM, and pop influences.

While remix albums often struggle to find cohesion, The St. Nemele Collab Sessions avoids this pitfall by preserving the core spirit of The Elements while adding layers of creativity and energy. It’s a high-energy celebration of faith, community, and creativity that doesn’t stray from TobyMac’s mission.

Score: 90/100 — Dynamic, uplifting, and creatively reimagined.

2. Technical Mastery

The production on this album is stellar. Each remix is meticulously crafted, transforming familiar songs into danceable, radio-ready hits without losing their original integrity. Tracks like “The Elements (Neon Feather Remix)” and “Scars (Come With Livin’) [Neon Feather Remix]” shine with infectious beats and polished electronic textures.

Collaborators like DJ Maj, Capital Kings, and Tide Electric infuse tracks with a club-like energy, balancing the heavy bass, layered synths, and TobyMac’s unmistakable vocal tone. Special mention goes to the “Horizon (A New Day) [Stereovision Remix],” which masterfully blends modern production with Toby’s original groove.

The remixes maintain clarity and balance, showcasing a technical brilliance that enhances the original songs.

Score: 92/100 — Exceptional production and remix creativity.

3. Artistic Depth

While remix albums don’t usually explore new lyrical territory, The St. Nemele Collab Sessions still manages to deliver powerful messages of faith, resilience, and hope. By collaborating with artists like Matt Maher (on “It’s You [Tide Electric Remix]”) and Bart Millard (on “Overflow [Willyecho Remix]”), TobyMac strengthens the emotional and spiritual depth of his music.

The remixes bring a new context to TobyMac’s lyrics, transforming slower songs into anthems of joy and high-energy praise. The dancefloor-ready beats amplify the celebratory spirit, while gentler remixes like “I just need U. (Tide Electric Remix)” retain their heartfelt sincerity.

Though the artistic risks aren’t groundbreaking, the album’s emotional authenticity makes it more than just a remix collection.

Score: 88/100 — A fun, fresh take with lyrical sincerity intact.

4. Audience Appeal

This album is tailor-made for listeners who enjoy faith-driven music with an upbeat, modern twist. It will particularly resonate with younger audiences and fans of EDM, pop, and dance music. TobyMac’s collaborations with well-known names in Christian music (Crowder, Ledger, Aaron Cole) ensure cross-generational appeal, while the innovative remixes make it accessible to fans of electronic and mainstream pop.

Standout tracks like “Everything (Capital Kings Remix)” and “Edge of My Seat (THUNDERBIRD Remix)” are prime examples of how faith-based music can blend seamlessly into popular music trends.

Score: 91/100 — Broad appeal, especially for fans of upbeat and remixed music.

5. Standout Moments

• “The Elements (Neon Feather Remix)” – A high-energy opener that sets the tone with bold beats and an electrifying remix.

• “Horizon (A New Day) [Stereovision Remix]” – A groovy, feel-good anthem perfect for uplifting moments.

• “Scars (Come With Livin’) [Neon Feather Remix]” – Emotional depth meets a driving, dance-ready beat.

• “I just need U. (Tide Electric Remix)” – A standout remix that balances faith-filled sincerity with smooth electronic production.

6. Final Verdict

The St. Nemele Collab Sessions is a joyous and innovative project that reimagines TobyMac’s already brilliant The Elements. By partnering with talented producers and artists, TobyMac delivers a collection that feels fresh, energetic, and relevant without losing its faith-based core. This is not just a remix album; it’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration that bridges the gap between worship and contemporary music.

Overall Score: 90/100 — A dynamic, high-energy celebration of faith and creativity.

For Fans Of: Capital Kings, for KING & COUNTRY, Crowder, Hillsong Young & Free

Key Tracks to Stream: “The Elements (Neon Feather Remix),” “Scars (Come With Livin’) [Neon Feather Remix],” “I just need U. (Tide Electric Remix).”