Few bands in Christian music carry the notoriety of dc Talk. Despite being on "hiatus" for over 20 years, they are true legends in the industry that almost everyone who knows Christian music is familiar with. Their 1995 smash hit "Jesus Freak" is iconic. Despite all three of their members remaining active in the industry, a proper reunion of the iconic band has never materialized as of this writing.
Following up the signature aforementioned album, the boys of dc Talk must've faced immense pressure. How do you follow up an industry defining release? Well, Supernatural is their answer. It would ultimately go on to become their final full length as a band. (Unless we are eventually gifted with a comeback album.) As it turns 25 years old, we take a look back.
Still Into Jesus
dc Talk tackled lyrics with a refreshing bluntness that is so rarely captured in the industry, and this album is no exception. Whether it's the proclamation of belief in the face of adversity of "Into Jesus" or the poetic approach to appreciating Christ's sacrifice of "Red Letters," dc Talk show that lyrics about Jesus can still pack quite the quality punch.
The proclamation of devotion in "Consume Me" remains a standout testament of faith in Christian music. Likewise the title track proclaims a faith that God is present in the midst of our struggles.
The band also gets frank about their own relationships with each other. "My Friend (So Long)" might be an upbeat ditty, but given the band's subsequent fracturing, it becomes a bit sadder to see some of the struggles that were going on in the band. Yet, their refreshing honesty to admit it in a song demonstrates a commendable maturity and vulnerability that helped make dc Talk legends.
Consumed
Musically, Supernatural continued in the direction of its predecessor in leaning more into the rock side of things, with the hiphop/rap influences taking a supporting role. "Consume Me" is a musical highlight with an epic and cinematic feel that manages to balance feeling like a dramatic musical experience without becoming cheesy. (Not to mention its atmospheric, dystopian-themed music video feels like an eerie prediction of what we went through under COVID.) The funky vocal performance of "My Friend (So Long)" showed that the dc Talk boys hadn't lost their upbeat touch.
Other radio-ready ballads like "Godsend" and "Into Jesus" would go on to cement the band's legacy as a powerhouse in the Contemporary Christian Music scene in addition to their more frenetic hits in songs like "Dive" and "It's Killing Me." "Red Letters" is a haunting and epic conclusion that opts for a slow-building and mysterious musical vibe, fitting well with some of the more ethereal musical moments on the record. While it would be unfair to call this a sequel to Jesus Freak, one can definitely feel the success of that album was a heavy influence on this album. And while the former will likely always remain their magnum opus, Supernatural's lyrical and musical triumphs succeed in earning their own rightful place in the top tier of 1990s Christian music releases.
An Intermission
While fans would get a few additional recordings from the band in the form of some compilation singles, this album marks the end of the band's full-length discography. Comebacks have been hoped for ever since. The band reunited for a series of cruises a few years back. There have been a few isolated collaborations on the projects of the individual members, most recently "Space" on Tobymac's Life After Death album featured the trio again showing the industry why dc Talk together is musical magic. Yet, for whatever reason, a full reunion still eludes fans.
Here's hoping the quarter century since their final album (feel old yet?) maybe spurs a more proper reunion of sorts. And if not, it's a good chance to revisit a truly standout album in Christian music history. If you somehow managed to never properly take a dive into the band's followup to the legendary Jesus Freak, maybe now's a good time to do just that.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
