Capitol Christian Music Group

Release Date: June 7th 2024

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

TobyMac– Nothin’ Sweeter (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Nothin’ Sweeter

TobyMac, one third of the revolutionary CCM rock band dcTalk, branched out on his own since the early 2000’s- and the rest is history. Sometimes I think that TobyMac isn’t even human. Maybe he’s an alien or a robot? How else could he accomplish so much in the CCM industry (multiple Grammy and Dove awards, plenty of number 1 singles, and tons more relatable and inspiring melodies) and also still stay so grounded in a music market that is becoming more and more cutthroat and fickle-minded, while at the same time having a constant sound and relevant material for people of all ages and all belief systems? On a more serious note, TobyMac is only 59, and with many recognisable songs such as “City On Our Knees”, “Made To Love”, “Lose My Soul”, “Tonight”, “Me Without You”, “Get Back Up”, “Speak Life”, “Love Broke Thru”, “Feel It”, “Beyond Me”, “Move (Keep Walkin’)”, “Burn For You”, “Gone”, “Atmosphere”, “Everything” and “i just need u.”; the pop/rap extraordinaire recently unveiled his most ambitious and daring project yet. After recording a plethora of singles in 2020 and 2021, in “21 Years”, “I’m Sorry (A Lament)”, “Help Is On The Way”, and “Promised Land”, Toby has unveiled to us Life After Death, an album inspired by his son’s death, and with plenty of guest vocalists as Toby and friends remind us of the transient nature of life and also about the everlasting hope and peace and joy we can find in Jesus, who will make us whole in His own timing.

A cathartic and therapeutic album in every sense of the word, Toby released Life After Death to critical acclaim, with the album being nominated for a Grammy Award last year. Jon reviewed the explosive and refreshing album here; and so you can peruse the review at your own leisure if you want to. Toby also released a Christmas single in 2023 with Tasha Layton, called “Christmas Hits Different”. But now, it’s time for us to revisit Toby’s music, as “Nothin’ Sweeter” has arrived.

I’ve had some of the most amazing times that one could ever have on this Earth, and I’ve also walked through some things that have hit me very hard. I don’t think we’re that different from one another in that we all experience some beauty and some things that leave us utterly confused and deeply hurting. I wrote ‘Nothin’ Sweeter’ because I have been uptown and downtown; I have seen the good of this life and the sorrow by the bitter graveside; and I’ve landed on this: There is nothin’ sweeter in this life than the love of God. It’s what I want to wake up to and what I go to bed to — there’s nothin’ sweeter than His unfailing love.

With “Nothin’ Sweeter” being a reassurance to us that there isn’t actually anything else that is better in this life and in the next than Jesus’ unfailing love Toby reminds us of the beauty of God and the beauty of His many unending and unfathomable qualities which defy logic. The fact that He died for us and rose again is proof of His love; and though we may face hardship and trials, we are presented with a song that places Jesus’ love for us front and centre of our lives, and a promise that eventually in His timing, all things will be made right by Him. Toby and his family are still hurting because of his son’s death. But as they know that all will be made right in the end, and that Tru is in heaven right now; so too can they proclaim and declare that there isn’t anything sweeter than the faithful love of Jesus.

Even though TobyMac has time and time again released plenty of high-quality albums- with Life After Death, The Elements, This Is Not A Test, Eye On It, Tonight, and Portable Sounds being the projects that have made it big for him – not to mention the live recordings of Alive & Transported and Hits Deep Live as well; calls for TobyMac to stop doing solo music and reunite formally with dc Talk remain, and become louder by the day. Especially since dc talk reunited for their cruise in 2017 and in 2019- however as of this point, I believe Toby is doing what God has called him to do, and right now that’s solo music. In fact, I reckon Toby will keep doing music for the foreseeable future, and maybe longer. Musicians and artists do not retire, as each person still has much more to say; but rather they keep going until they feel and believe that they have said enough and don’t need to say anything else. For Toby though, this new single reminds us that Toby has so much left to say, and that his best probably hasn’t even been made yet. As long as he still inspires and encourages us with his music, I daresay TobyMac will continue for a while yet. So for the doubters… trust me- listen to Life After Death, and then listen to “Christmas Hits Different” and “Nothin’ Sweeter”. Then, be amazed at Toby’s song-writing and singing and performing prowess! Well done Toby- I can’t wait to hear more of what God is doing in your life.

Score: 5/5

RIYL: Switchfoot, Britt Nicole, Lecrae, GAWVI, Tauren Wells, Tenth Avenue North