The Medicine

Integrity Music

A poetic resurrection. A rock-‘n’-roll-infused story of life out of death. A slice of Americana served over a foundation of faithfulness. A man wrestling with God and the reality in which we find ourselves.

To say I'm excited about this release by John Mark McMillan just won't cut it—it's the kind of album I keep thinking about, and keep thinking of people I need to buy it for.

I'll say from the outset, just in case you're already off to purchase it, that this might not be what everyone expects from an Integrity Music release. McMillan is not your typical worship writer. Though his track "How He Loves" was rerecorded by David Crowder*Band on their last release, don't come expecting a typical worship album.

McMillan released The Medicine in 2008, but this re-release by Integrity features four new recordings, one of which is a darker rendering of "How He Loves," originally featured on McMillan's The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down. The theme that runs throughout is that of resurrection, and how Jesus has conquered death. Though the title track deals with the struggle of losing someone to death and yearning to bring him or her back, even in such darker ballads we find the hope of One who has conquered the grave.

McMillan has clearly stated on his blog that he has a single-minded intention to infuse his music with the best creativity possible, and I appreciate that. In his own words: "Folks, it's time to write dangerous music. It's time to take risks. It's time to wear your heart on your sleeve, and sing about the things that actually matter to you. It's time to bury the shackles of religious expectation and stop trying to put new cloths on the dead."

The band featured on this release is clearly well versed in the tones and styles of rock, Americana and blues, lending subtlety where needed and grit when things get loud and wild. This album will rile you up, help you drift into reflective moments, and cause you to stand up while worshiping. Not everyone will “get” it, not everyone will love it, but those who do will find truth about God and have their hearts stirred to adoration. 

For the guitar players out there, I want to draw your attention to the work of James Duke on this release. The tones are perfect, the atmospheric flourishes full of class and poise; he's an amazing example of great guitar playing taking its place within a band and not being overbearing.

There are a few songs that could be utilized in a corporate setting: "Skeleton Bones," "Dress Us Up," "Death in His Grave" and "How He Loves.” I highly recommend this album for everyone, if only to enjoy the powerful, creative expression of faith McMillan has unleashed. I don't have enough thumbs to raise to this one!

How to get this resource

This CD is available at your local Christian bookstore, or at your favorite online CD retailer.

Reviewed by: Jonathan Griffiths, assistant pastor at Cornerstone Worship Center in Nampa, Idaho.