If you've followed the worship scene for some time, the name John Mark McMillan should ring a bell. And if it doesn't, then I know for sure you have heard at least two of his songs. Ever heard of "How He Loves"? The 2005 song was a hit despite it being an independent release and has been covered by many artists, more notably by David Crowder*Band. And what about "King of My Heart"? This 2015 hit song was cowritten with his wife Sarah McMillan. It became an anthem for churches worldwide. This song was also covered by many artists as well.

Since "King of My Heart," I hadn't heard from McMillan and wasn't sure if he made music anymore. It's been great to find out that he still does, but his music isn't what I was expecting. The latest album by McMillan is titled Deep Magic. This album continues to challenge his artistry by embracing beautiful synth sounds, jumpy acoustic picking, echoey vocals and unique lyricism. Most of all, the album is an authentic look into McMillan and his personal feelings and beliefs. Highlights include "Deep Magic," "Roaring Thunder," "Has Been You," "Love with a Crown," and "Deliver Me." There are even two cool session takes on two of the tracks, featuring Owl City and Sleeping At Last.

Deep Magic opens with "Has It Been You." Enchanting with the beautiful vocal soundscapes, the song declares that within everything it has always been the Lord, "All this time, has it been you, all this time, yeah…" This song, by no means, is a "big" opener, but it doesn't need to be. The beautiful lyricism does all the work. And that idea seems to be the consistent factor with this project.

From there, the album begins to open up in the next track, "Roaring Thunder," and gets deep with the title track, "Deep Magic," as we hear a vulnerable side of John Mark McMillan. "Love With A Crown" might be my favorite track because it paints a picture of what McMillan sees. It's almost as if he's having these visions, and within each one, he's reminded of Jesus being the symbol of love, yet like we all do, we get stuck and we plead with the Father to always see love THROUGH Him. In the chorus, he pleas "Jesus, Jesus, save me from the tyranny of the familiar. Jesus, Jesus show me the face of God in every human creature."

"Deliver Me" (which could is also a favorite) is the driving, hard-hitting track of the album. McMillan continues with his deep and very thought-provoking lyricism. Within the song, we see chaos, but there seems to be some sort of hope from up above, "When the day changes at midnight, But you don't know it until the morning light, And the footsteps of the midwife, Are already in motion, and in motion we sing… Oh, deliver me Oh, deliver me, yeah The sun is leaning on the darkness again and we sing, 'Oh, deliver me'". Did you catch that scripture reference in the pre-chorus? McMillan refers to Romans 8:22, which says "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." This line refers to the future glory we all long for. This passage lines up with the line "But you don't know it until the morning light, And the footsteps of the midwife, Are already in motion." How cool is that? Deliver me Oh Lord, for I know what is to come.

Overall, this album is great. You hear John Mark McMillan's full heart in each track and I'm glad I got to rediscover this artist and hear this record. McMillan is authentic, bold and not afraid to challenge the listener and himself as an artist. That's why this album works. It's set apart in the coolest way ever. It's poetic. It's simply Deep Magic.