Mack Brock “This is Holy” Album Review

Prime Cuts: We Praise the Lord, The Best God (featuring Cyrus Brock), Christ Or Nothing

Overall Grade: 3/5

As the founding member of the GRAMMY Award-winning Elevation Worship, Brock co-wrote some of Elevation's earliest hits, like "O Come To The Altar," "Do It Again," and Resurrecting." As a solo artist, Brock has the radio hit "Greater Things." As a songwriter, he has contributed songs recorded by Phil Wickham, Jesus Culture, Passion, Pat Barrett, and Bryan & Katie Torwalt, among others. Brock has dropped his follow-up studio album "This is Holy" to "Greater Things." On the first few listens, this 10-track record sounds average without offering any track that jumps right out at you. If you like the standard CCM pop of ballads and radio-ready boppers, "This is Holy" presses all the right buttons.

While it's true that "This is Holy" may not have tracks that immediately stand out, it's important to note that the album has its strengths. The crisp percolating beat and the inviting melody of "We Praise the Lord" make it a great opener for any worship song-set. Another highlight is the powerful "The Best God." The song, which features his nine-year-old daughter, Cyrus, is also written by her completely on her own. The thumping pop-sounding "Christ Or nothing" may not charter any new territory lyrically, but its propulsive beat drives the message of discipleship in a compelling way.

The lead single, "Time and Time Again," is a faith-builder. Co-written by Brock, Josh Baldwin, and Hank Bentley, the lyrics remind us of Christ's trustworthiness: You'll come through now like You did back then/Time and time and time again/Almighty fortress, our defense/Time and time and time again. No less comforting is the gentle piano ballad "Be Near." The song finds Brock joining vocals with Elevation Worship member Jenna Barrientes. "Love Is," though pretty average in its melody and execution, thrives on its different ways of describing God's love as we face challenging situations.

Though there are good songs on the record, the major flaw lies in the fact that the songs don't rise above the level of mediocrity. The production is slick, but it lacks imagination. The songs may be theologically correct and relevant, but they don't say anything fresh. At the end of the day, this album rests on the platitude of the ordinary.

 

 

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