Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: March 22nd 2019
Reviewed by Joshua Andre
Mack Brock– Covered EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- I Am Loved
- After Me (feat. Lindsey Sweat)
- Still In Control
- King Of Heaven
- Covered (feat. London Gatch)
Having signed to Capitol Christian Music Group in early 2018, former Elevation Worship frontman Mack Brock, who served as music producer of Elevation Group as well (for more than a decade); has decided to step out on his own to record his debut full length solo album Greater Things; which released this past September. Venturing out into the great unknown to launch a solo career, one might surmise that perhaps there were disagreements between Mack and the rest of Elevation Worship- why would bands break up otherwise? Yet God could be calling each member to different areas, and one listen from the title track of Greater Things and the other 8 remaining worship anthems; and you’ll be convinced that Jesus still has something fantastic and wonderful for Mack to accomplish in the world of music in the coming years, as he brings more and more into the Kingdom of God through the gifts He has given to him. Fast forward to this week, and Mack has another batch of worship songs to unveil to us- as Covered EP drops today. Essentially Greater Things Part 2– Mack proceeds where he left off, continuing to give Jesus the praise and glorifying Him because He has saved us and because He is good.
Opening the tracklist is the EP’s lead single “I Am Loved”, standing tall at just over 7 minutes, and it is a glorious worship anthem- perfect as the first song. Usually with more than 5 minute songs, there’s the tendency for melodies and lyrics to drag and go on and on- but not here. As Mack fervently relays to us that we are so loved like we could never imagine, by the God who fashioned the universe in His hands; we are presented with a powerful, compelling worship melody that could be at home on Sunday mornings in church services everywhere soon; just listen to the bridge where Mack proclaims ‘…You are changing everything, You are changing everything, I believe it, I receive it…’, and try not to cry tears of joy that Jesus has set us free!
The rest of the tracks on this short but impacting EP are also inspiring and enjoyable. “After Me” is a stripped back acoustic guitar led ballad with Lindsey Sweat on backing vocals, as Mack ardently highlights that Jesus will always run after us and chase us down- even if we’ve run away like the Lost Son or get lost like the lost sheep; while one of my personal favourite songs of 2019 is “Still In Control” (an updated version of the hymn “It Is Well”!)- and as Mack enters into his eerily-like Bebo Norman vocal impression, we are met with a promise that Jesus Christ is in control of our destines and of the world, even if on the surface it seems otherwise, that ‘…though mountains will tremble and sea billows roll, I’ll sing it is well with my soul…’. “King Of Heaven” (no, not the Paul Baloche penned single!) is next, as the originally written new upbeat worship number has Mack ardently asking God to make His presence known here on Earth; and is a solid entry in an already stellar EP, and another song that could fit well in Sunday morning worship service settings. The final song (yep, this EP is indeed too short!) is “Covered”, the title track, and a beautiful duet with another ex-Elevation Worship frontman (or frontwoman in this case) in London Gatch- and the result is nothing short of extraordinary and magical in all senses of the word. Possibly the best song on the album, I am totally convinced now by Mack’s anointing by God to continue singing and delivering quality worship songs. I’m not sure what is next for him, but for sure, I’m going to be actively following Mack’s career, that’s for sure!
With Elevation Worship still going strong, and Mack Brock seemingly fitting right into the ‘solo artist set-up’, this could be a win-win situation for everyone, as both Greater Things and Covered remind us that there is something great happening soon that is waiting on the horizon for us. As Mack preps for the Hillsong UNITED Spring USA tour, I reckon this EP is sure to be in one of my top ‘favourite EP’s’ come the end of 2018. So, what are you guys waiting for? Listen to Covered (and for that matter Greater Things), then listen some more! Let me tell you, you will be blown away!
3 songs to listen to: Still In Control, King Of Heaven, Covered
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship, Israel Houghton, London Gatch, Matt Redman, Bebo Norman, All Sons And Daughters