This Is Not a Test (album)

Last updated

This Is Not a Test
This Is Not A Test (Official Album Cover) by TobyMac.png
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 7, 2015
Recorded2012–2015
Genre
Label
TobyMac chronology
Eye'm All Mixed Up
(2014)
This Is Not a Test
(2015)
The Elements
(2018)
Singles from This Is Not a Test
  1. "Beyond Me"
    Released: January 6, 2015
  2. "Feel It"
    Released: July 28, 2015
  3. "Move (Keep Walkin')"
    Released: February 1, 2016
  4. "Love Broke Thru [2] "
    Released: September 19, 2016
  5. "Lights Shine Bright"
    Released: September 8, 2017[ not verified in body ]

This Is Not a Test (stylized as ***THIS IS NOT A TEST***) is the seventh studio album by American recording artist TobyMac. The album was released on August 7, 2015. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. [3] In February 2016, it won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. [4] The standard edition was released with 11 tracks, including "Feel It", "Beyond Me", and "Move (Keep Walkin')". The deluxe edition was released with 15 tracks, including "Lift You Up" featuring Ryan Stevenson, "Fall", and "Beyond Me" and "Like A Match" remixes by Soul Glow Activatur and David Garcia respectively. McKeehan says he is leaning towards soul music in this album, but it will still have his signature mixture of pop, rock, hip hop, EDM, and funk. [5]

Contents

Singles

The lead single from the album, "Beyond Me" was released on January 6, 2015. [6] The song received positive critical reception.

"Feel It" was sent to Christian AC radio as the second single from the album on July 28, 2015. [7]

"Move (Keep Walkin')" was announced and released as the third single from the album on February 1, 2016. [8] [9]

"Love Broke Thru", the fourth single from the album, was released on September 19, 2016. [2]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
365 Days of Inspiring MediaStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
CCM Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [12]
The Christian ManifestoStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
CM AddictStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [14]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Cross Rhythms U+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svg [16]
Digital JournalStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [17]
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [19]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [20]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [21]
New Release TodayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [22]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [23]
PPCORN Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [24]
Worship LeaderStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [25]

James Christopher Monger, indicating in a three and a half star review at AllMusic, recognizes, "Five decades into his career, Toby McKeehan still sounds energized and youthful, and his breezy delivery and knack for crafting intact." [11] Awarding the album five stars from CCM Magazine , Andy Argyrakis states, "TobyMac sounds just as hungry as his dcTalk days on This Is Not A Test." [12] Sarah Fine, giving the album four stars for New Release Today, writes, "This Is Not A Test firmly solidifies Toby's place in the industry and proves that he isn't going anywhere anytime soon." [22] Signaling in a four and a half star review for New Release Today, Amanda Brogan-DeWilde responds, "Toby serves us some songs worthy of repeat and proves once again that he's got what it takes to top the charts." [23] Jessica Morris, awarding the album a 4.7 out of five star review from PPCORN, recognizes, "Positive, bold, riveting and eclectic, Toby Mac is unlike any artist you have ever heard, and that is why his music is so powerful." [24]

Markos Papadatos, specifying in a four and a half star review from Digital Journal, replies, "TobyMac is back stronger than ever with This Is Not a Test...It is very different than his previous studio efforts, but it is still remarkable nonetheless." [17] Rating the album four stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, Christopher Smith describes, "Toby's ability to dabble in a variety of styles and utilize several guest features, without sounding like a dilettante, is impressive...With catchy beats and Christ-centered lyrics, This Is Not A Test is another solid entry for this talented solo artist." [18] Roger Gelwicks, indicating in a four star review by Jesus Freak Hideout, says, "This is Not a Test shows no signs of the producer slowing down, and it could very well be Toby's most complete album this side of Diverse City." [19] Giving the album four stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, Mark Rice states, "this is a very welcome album to come around". [20] Jay Akins, awarding the album five stars from Worship Leader, says, "Toby is a true master craftsman—This Is Not a Test is a gospel-truth-infused party from top to bottom." [25] Giving the album a ten out of ten for Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings describes, "Another demonstration that Mr McKeehan continues to be able to blend timeless spiritual messaging to pop culture immediacy." [16]

Alex Caldwell, rating the album four stars from Jesus Freak Hideout, writes, "This Is Not A Test is a great, creative mix of uplifting sounds that proves that there is much more left in TobyMac's gas tank." [21] Specifying in a 4.4 out of five review at Christian Music Review, Brian Hunter realizes, "Toby delivers a diverse album". [1] Michael Tackett, awarding the album five stars from CM Addict, writes, "his most creative and personal record to date." [14] Giving the album four stars for CM Addict, Andrew Funderburk states, "***THIS IS NOT A TEST*** is yet another mark of his excellence in musical artistry." [15] Jonathan Andre, rating the album four and a half star at 365 Days of Inspiring Media, says, "it is Toby's eclectic and comprehensive range of musical genres and styles that further enhance my love for *THIS IS NOT A TEST*." [10] Awarding the album four stars for The Christian Manifesto, Calvin Moore says, "Toby Mac is a showman and he’s stepped up his game with this outing. This Is Not a Test is the title of the album, but if it were a test, Toby Mac passes with flying colors. This time." [13]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at No. 4 on Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart, selling 35,000 copies in its first week. [26] This is TobyMac's fourth No. 1 album on the Christian chart, It has sold 142,000 copies as of November 2016. [27]

Track listing

Standard edition [28]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Like a Match"Toby McKeehan, Bryan Fowler, Christopher StevensChristopher Stevens, Toby McKeehan3:07
2."Backseat Driver" (featuring Hollyn and TRU)McKeehan, Fowler, Rusty Varenkamp, Stevens, Holly Miller Stevens, McKeehan3:21
3."This Is Not A Test" (featuring Capital Kings)McKeehan, Cole Walowac, Jon White, Mike WoodsStevens, Capital Kings, McKeehan2:40
4."Lights Shine Bright" (featuring Hollyn)David Garcia, McKeehan, Solomon Olds, Truett McKeehanDavid Garcia, Olds, McKeehan4:35
5."Til the Day I Die" (featuring NF)McKeehan, Garcia, Nate FeuersteinGarcia, Stevens, McKeehan3:47
6."Feel It" (featuring Mr. Talkbox)McKeehan, Garcia, Cary BarloweGarcia, McKeehan4:39
7."Move (Keep Walkin')"McKeehan, Fowler, StevensStevens, McKeehan3:41
8."Love Broke Thru"McKeehan, Stevens, Bart Millard, FowlerStevens, McKeehan3:57
9."Beyond Me"McKeehan, GarciaGarcia, McKeehan3:13
10."Love Feels Like" (featuring dc Talk)McKeehan, Garcia, Ben Glover Garcia, McKeehan4:19
11."Undeniable"McKeehan, Jason Ingram, Gabriel Patillo, Charles ButlerStevens, McKeehan3:41
Total length:41:09
Deluxe edition [29]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."Lift You Up" (featuring Ryan Stevenson)White, Stevenson, McKeehanBryan Fowler, McKeehan3:30
13."Fall"Seth Mosley, McKeehanMosley, McKeehan3:53
14."Beyond Me" (Phenomenon Remix by Soul Glow Activatur)McKeehan, GarciaGarcia, McKeehan3:47
15."Like a Match" (Garcia's Remix)Fowler, McKeehan, StevensStevens, McKeehan3:35
Total length:55:54

Personnel

Singers

Additional musicians

Toby McKeehan and the "unofficial" New Hope Choir

Production

Charts

Chart (2015)Peak
position
Canadian Albums (Billboard) [30] 12
US Billboard 200 [31] 4
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [32] 1
US Digital Albums (Billboard) [33] 3

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [34] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DC Talk</span> American Christian rap band

DC Talk is a Christian rap and rock trio. The group was formed at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They released five major studio albums together: dc Talk (1989), Nu Thang (1990), Free at Last (1992), Jesus Freak (1995), and Supernatural (1998). In 2002, the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music called dc Talk "the most popular overtly Christian act of all time."

<i>Jesus Freak</i> (album) 1995 studio album by DC Talk

Jesus Freak is the fourth studio album by the American Christian rap and rock trio DC Talk, released on November 21, 1995, on ForeFront Records. The style was a marked departure from the group's previous releases, incorporating a heavier rock sound and elements of grunge that was popular at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TobyMac</span> American Christian rapper and singer

Kevin Michael McKeehan, better known by his stage name TobyMac, is an American contemporary Christian music singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. His road band is known as Diverse City. He was first known for being a member of the Christian rap and rock trio dc Talk, staying with them from 1987 until they went on hiatus in 2000. He has since continued a successful solo career with the release of ten studio albums: Momentum (2001), Welcome to Diverse City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight (2010), Christmas in Diverse City (2011), Eye on It (2012), This Is Not a Test (2015), The Elements (2018), Life After Death (2022), as well as five remixed albums: Re:Mix Momentum (2003), Renovating Diverse City (2005), Dubbed and Freq'd: A Remix Project (2012), Eye'm All Mixed Up (2014) and The St. Nemele Collab Sessions (2019). He also has two full-length Christmas albums: Christmas in Diverse City (2011) and Light Of Christmas (2017). He became the third Christian artist to have a No. 1 debut on Billboard 200 chart with Eye on It.

<i>Momentum</i> (TobyMac album) 2001 studio album by TobyMac

Momentum is the debut studio album from American recording artist TobyMac. It was released on November 6, 2001, through ForeFront Records.

<i>Welcome to Diverse City</i> 2004 studio album by TobyMac

Welcome to Diverse City is the second full-length studio album released by Christian singer TobyMac. The songs on this album deal with racial tolerance in society and a desire to know God better. Several other Christian artists appear on this CD, including Bootsy Collins, Coffee from GRITS, DJ Maj, Papa San, Paul Wright, Superchick, and T-Bone . TobyMac also reunites dc Talk on vocals in a remix of his song "Atmosphere", the last track of the album. The album has sold over 600,000 copies in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gotee Records</span> American record label

Gotee Records is a record label of Christian hip-hop, based in Franklin, Tennessee in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesus Freak (song)</span> 1995 single by DC Talk

"Jesus Freak" is a song by the American contemporary Christian music group DC Talk. Released on August 1, 1995, it was the lead radio single from the group's fourth album. The song was written and produced by Toby McKeehan and Mark Heimermann. Lyrically, the song is about standing up for the belief in Jesus Christ in the midst of persecution. Musically, the song has been described as alternative rock and grunge. It received airplay on both contemporary Christian music and alternative rock stations, formats that rarely interact. "Jesus Freak" earned DC Talk three GMA Dove Awards.

<i>Portable Sounds</i> 2007 studio album by TobyMac

Portable Sounds (stylized as (portable sounds)) is the third full-length studio album from Christian hip hop artist tobyMac. Released on February 20, 2007, the album serves as a follow-up to his 2004 album, Welcome to Diverse City. The album debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. The album includes the singles "Lose My Soul", "Made to Love", "Boomin'", "I'm for You", and "One World (featuring Siti Monroe)". Portable Sounds took a slightly different direction than tobyMac's previous hip hop efforts, having more of a pop sound. When it was released on iTunes, users were able to download a behind-the-scenes making of the album video, a digital booklet, and an acoustic version of "Made to Love". "Ignition" was selected as the theme song to the WWE pay-per-view Elimination Chamber 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Between You and Me (DC Talk song)</span> 1996 single by DC Talk

"Between You and Me" is a song by the American contemporary Christian music group DC Talk. Released in 1996, it was the second radio and commercial single released from the group's fourth album, Jesus Freak. After the unexpected success of the grunge rock single "Jesus Freak", "Between You and Me" helped to bring DC Talk to a new level of success and solidify them as mainstream artists. The song later earned DC Talk a GMA Dove Award and is the only DC Talk single to have charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was also a Christian radio success and peaked at No. 1 on both the Christian adult contemporary and Christian Contemporary Hit Radio CCM Magazine charts.

<i>Alive and Transported</i> 2008 live album by tobyMac

Alive and Transported is a live album by Christian hip hop artist tobyMac. It was released on May 27, 2008 and debuted at No. 112 on the Billboard 200, and also placed at No. 4 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. It is currently sold as a CD/DVD combo. The live show recorded for the album was also played on Monday, June 9, 2008, in movie theaters. The film was filmed at the Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center in Cypress, Texas.

<i>Lay It Down</i> (Jennifer Knapp album) 2000 studio album by Jennifer Knapp

Lay It Down is the second studio album by Contemporary Christian musician Jennifer Knapp. It was released on February 29, 2000, by Gotee Records. The album was nominated for "Best Rock Gospel Album" at the 43rd Grammy Awards in 2001. It peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart on March 17, 2000 and No. 77 on the Billboard 200 chart.

<i>The Way I Am</i> (Jennifer Knapp album) 2001 studio album by Jennifer Knapp

The Way I Am is the third studio album from folk rock musician Jennifer Knapp, her fifth album overall and her final Christian rock album to date. It was released on November 20, 2001 through Gotee Records.

<i>Tonight</i> (TobyMac album) 2010 studio album by TobyMac

Tonight is the fourth full-length solo album by Christian hip hop artist TobyMac. It is the follow-up album to his 2007 release Portable Sounds, and was released on February 5, 2010. The Deluxe Version of the album contains a DVD with interviews with Toby about the songs on the record, the making of this record and an inside look at the Diverse City Band. The album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, selling 79,000 units in its first week. As of early November 2010, the album has sold over 315,000 copies.

<i>Eye on It</i> 2012 studio album by TobyMac

Eye on It is the sixth studio album by TobyMac, released on August 28, 2012. A deluxe version of the album was also released. The album experiments more with electronic music, primarily dubstep. "Me Without You" was released as the first single from the album on June 12, 2012. The album won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

<i>If Were Honest</i> 2014 studio album by Francesca Battistelli

If We're Honest is the third studio album by American Christian singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli that was released on April 22, 2014 by Word Entertainment and Fervent Records. The lead single from the album was "Write Your Story", which was released before the album on January 3, 2014 to radio and on January 14, 2014 as a commercially available single for download.

<i>Wait for the Siren</i> 2012 studio album by Project 86

Wait for the Siren marks the eighth album from Project 86. The band released the project independently on August 21, 2012. Project 86 worked with Andrew Schwab and Steve Wilson on the production of this album.

<i>Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship</i> 2015 studio album by Third Day

Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship is the twelfth studio album from Third Day. Essential Records released the project on March 3, 2015. The album was released in two versions: a single-CD version with a white cover, and a deluxe edition, two-CD set with a black cover.

<i>How Can It Be</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Lauren Daigle

How Can It Be is the debut studio album by American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle. The album was released on April 14, 2015, through Centricity Music. LifeWay Christian Bookstore was permitted to release the album on April 11, 2015. The lead single from the album, "How Can It Be", was released on July 8, 2014. A deluxe edition of the album was released on May 6, 2016.

<i>The Elements</i> (TobyMac album) 2018 studio album by TobyMac

The Elements is the eighth studio album by American recording artist TobyMac released on October 12, 2018, on ForeFront Records. It is his fifth album to top the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The album's lead single, "I Just Need U.", peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.

<i>Life After Death</i> (TobyMac album) 2022 studio album by TobyMac

Life After Death is the ninth studio album by American singer TobyMac, released on August 19, 2022, on ForeFront Records. It is his sixth album to top the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The album's third single, "Help Is On the Way ", peaked at number three on the Hot Christian Songs chart. It is his last album to feature his live musician and background singer Gabe Real before Real's death on April 12th, 2024, from cancer.

References

  1. 1 2 Hunter, Brian (August 7, 2015). "tobyMac '***This Is Not A Test***'". Christian Music Review. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Christian Songs: Top Christian Airplay Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
  3. Caulfield, Keith (August 16, 2015). "Luke Bryan Bows at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart, Dr. Dre Debuts at No. 2". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  4. Papadatos, Markos (February 15, 2016). "TobyMac wins Grammy for 'Best Contemporary Christian Album'". Digital Journal. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  5. TobyMac (August 7, 2015). ***THIS IS NOT A TEST*** - Story Behind the Album . Retrieved August 23, 2024 via YouTube.
  6. "iTunes (U.S.) - Music - TobyMac - Beyond Me - Single". iTunes (U.S.). January 6, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  7. "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Christian AC". Radio & Records . Retrieved August 19, 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. "Anybody hear my new single "Move (Keep Walkin')..." Facebook. February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  9. "Mediabase 24/7 Charts - Top Music Radio Song Chart Ratings - AllAccess.com". AllAccess. February 1, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  10. 1 2 Andre, Jonathan (August 16, 2015). "TobyMac – This is Not A Test". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  11. 1 2 Monger, James Christopher. "This Is Not a Test - tobyMac". AllMusic . Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  12. 1 2 Argyrakis, Andy (August 1, 2015). "TobyMac: This Is Not A Test". CCM Magazine . p. 28. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  13. 1 2 Moore, Calvin (August 19, 2015). "Toby Mac : This Is Not a Test". The Christian Manifesto. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  14. 1 2 Tackett, Michael (August 6, 2015). "TobyMac "This is Not A Test (Deluxe Version)" (Review)". CM Addict. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Funderburk, Andrew (August 6, 2015). "TobyMac "This is Not A Test (Deluxe Version) Second Opinion" (Review)". CM Addict. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  16. 1 2 Cummings, Tony (October 12, 2015). "Review: This Is Not a Test (Deluxe Edition) - TobyMac". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  17. 1 2 Papadatos, Markos (August 3, 2015). "Review: TobyMac superb on new studio album 'This is Not a Test'". Digital Journal. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  18. 1 2 Smith, Christopher (August 1, 2015). "TobyMac, "This Is Not A Test" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  19. 1 2 Gelwicks, Roger (August 2, 2015). "TobyMac, "This Is Not A Test" Review - Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  20. 1 2 Rice, Mark (August 8, 2015). "TobyMac, "This Is Not A Test" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  21. 1 2 Caldwell, Alex (August 11, 2015). "TobyMac, "This Is Not A Test" Review - JFH Staff's Additional 2 Cents". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  22. 1 2 Fine, Sarah (July 22, 2015). "Return of the Edge". New Release Today. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  23. 1 2 Brogan-DeWilde, Amanda (August 3, 2015). "Eclectic Innovation". New Release Today. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  24. 1 2 Morris, Jessica (August 7, 2015). "Toby Mac: 'Like A Match' Track-by-Track Album Review". PPCORN . Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  25. 1 2 Akins, Jay. "TOBYMAC: This Is Not a Test". Worship Leader. p. 94. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  26. Asker, Jim (August 19, 2015). "TobyMac Debuts at No. 1 on Top Christian Albums: 'I'm So Grateful to See My Music Resonating'". Billboard.
  27. "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on November 4, 2016.
  28. "iTunes (U.S.) - Music - TobyMac - This Is Not A Test". iTunes (U.S.). August 7, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  29. "iTunes (U.S.) - Music - TobyMac - This Is Not A Test (Deluxe Edition)". iTunes (U.S.). August 7, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  30. "tobyMac Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  31. "tobyMac Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  32. "tobyMac Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  33. "tobyMac Chart History (Digital Albums)".[ dead link ] Billboard. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  34. "American album certifications – tobyMac – This Is Not a Test". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved December 6, 2017.