Forefront Records
Release Date: January 6th 2015
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
TobyMac– Beyond Me (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Beyond Me
- Beyond Me (Phenomenon Remix by Soul Glow Activatur)
- Beyond Me (Moodswing Remix)
14 years after his first solo CD after parting ways with the successful and popular 90’s band dc Talk (why people call for the band to reform time and time again is beyond me…see what I did there?); pop/CCM singer/songwriter TobyMac is back with a brand new single titled “Beyond Me”. Having released his most successful and highly charted album Eye On It in 2012, with hits like “Me Without You”, “Steal My Show” and “Speak Life” all garnering radio airplay, the only artist on Forefront Records (why doesn’t he move over to Gotee Records with Jamie Grace, Capital Kings, Finding Favour and Ryan Stevenson, each of them being artists he discovered?) has unveiled the first single from his untitled album releasing in May this year. And what a single it is. With the song being released on iTunes as well as a couple of remixes, let’s briefly dive into what the song means before you crank up the volume and jam out to a catchy and inspirational pop tune!
“Beyond Me” starts off with a captivating acoustic guitar riff, and poignantly speaks about how we as humans should understand what is beyond us, and what we can’t do in our own strength, so that it is in those times when we can rely on God and trust in His will and plan for our lives. As Toby eloquently relays that ‘…anything that I got the strength to do, in over my head keeps me countin’ on You, I’m leaving the sweet spot, sure shot, tradin’ it all for the plans You got…’; we are gently reminded of the faithfulness of God and the ease at which we can trust Him because of the promises He has told us, and the immense love He has for us, that never lets us go. What a superb single to start of 2015, and there is plus points for a groovy beat and the use of more and more instruments as the song progresses!
With two remixes rounding up the ‘EP’, Soul Glow Activatur formerly from Family Force 5, mixes the song beyond recognition, with plenty of electronic effects, and dubstep- the track is a high octane massively altered yet fun rendition; while the final mix “Moodswing Remix” is a laid back acoustic type rendition. And after all is said and done, after the 10 minutes of the same song, I can truly say that I am a fan of the new Tobymac single. My one nit-pick would be that this EP should have had another new song or two for variety.
Though I wasn’t a fan of TobyMac’s albums prior to his 2010 album Tonight (and I have since gone back and appreciated more of his earlier discography); this song has me very excited for the new album later on in 2015! Not knowing what to expect musically (would Toby go for the pop route like last album or more rap?); one thing is for certain on this album- that TobyMac’s new album is bound to change many lives. With “Beyond Me” showcasing Toby’s talents as a songwriter and as a worshipper, I am proud and pleased of the efforts! Well done TobyMac, you deserve all the praise and applaud!
3 songs to listen to: All of them!
Score: 3.5/5
RIYL: Jamie Grace, Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Royal Tailor, Group 1 Crew