John Mark McMillan // Borderland

Artist: John Mark McMillan
Album: Borderland
Release: March 4, 2014
Label: Independent Release

I think it is safe to say that John Mark McMillan is a household name amongst worship leaders and worship songwriters. John Mark is responsible for bringing the church his song “How He Loves”, a song that has become a staple in many churches and has been covered by countless recording artists. In his fourth studio album, John Mark McMillan released Borderland on March 4, 2014. This is his first album released independently; his previous three albums were released through Integrity Music.

In this review I will look at stand out songs that may be suitable for a small group or congregation setting.

Love At The End // My favorite song on the album. Will this song fit within a Sunday morning? Probably not. But this could be a nice fit in a college group or a song to learn as a group. The themes are strong and as you read through the metaphors in the lyrics, you can see the biblical inspiration.

Future/Past // This is the first single released from the album and the most accessible from a congregational worship style song. With a bridge that builds over “You are the beginning and the end” and a chorus that sings “You are my first, You are my last; You are my future and my past”…..it is really hard to not sing along with this.

Heart Runs // A beautiful song of longing. I suggest reading though the lyrics a few times with this song. It has a place in a small group or possibly played over a form of media. I found the song speaking towards being lifted up and running to God when we are at our most vulnerable.

Like much of John Mark McMillan’s work this is not a “congregational” worship record. It takes time to listen each song, there are very specific themes and some songs take several listens to grasp. While I do not see another “How He Loves” on this album, I do see a handful of very sweet songs that could work in a worship setting(see above).  This is an album for one to listen to as a prayer, it is a journey through beautiful music and poetic lyrics that speak directly to the journey of our Christian faith. Well done John Mark, well done.