TobyMac, formerly part of dc Talk, is a seasoned artist who has become a household name in Christian music. The artist was one of the first Christian artists I ever heard of, and it was my first concert 25 years ago. Back then, I was seven, so I can honestly say I’ve been listening to TobyMac my whole life.
We grew up in the same state and even went to the same university. On a more serious note, he lost his firstborn son the same year I lost mine. The way he weaves his grief and pain into his music, and his openness about his relationship with God since his son’s death, has been inspiring.
From high-energy songs to more emotional and vulnerable tracks, if you’ve never listened to TobyMac before, you’re in for a treat. With over 20 years of music, it was difficult to narrow it down to just a few. After listening to these, I encourage you to explore his other music and, if the opportunity arises, attend one of his concerts. TobyMac and his band Diverse City deliver one of the most energetic and fun shows you’ll ever experience.
“The Goodness”
This song is from Life after Death, TobyMac's first album released after his son Truett’s death. There was a shift in his music with this album. Despite going through one of the hardest things imaginable, the shift focused on God’s goodness amid trials.
“Through the good, the bad, and the ugly I can still see the sunshine above me Lord, I love all the ways that You love me You're the good, You're the good, You're the goodness.”
“Heaven on My Mind”
As Christians, we eagerly await the day when we’re face-to-face with Jesus and loved ones who have finished the race before us. “Heaven on My Mind” beautifully paints this picture. What a joy it is to know that the trials and tears of this life are temporary and one day everything will be perfect in heaven.
“I got heaven on my mind I got people waitin' by Close my eyes, and I can see Dancin' on them golden streets Got me dreamin' of the day Never leave, we get to stay 'Til I see that welcome sign I ain't even gonna lie I've got heaven on my mind, on my mind.”
“I Just Need U”
This song focuses on our need for God in every circumstance. I love how part of Psalm 23 is incorporated into the lyrics. Through the good and bad times, we will always need God.
“On my darkest days When I'm losing faith No, it ain't gon' change I just need, I just need You Lord, I need You Yeah, I just need you.”
“Lose My Soul”
Matthew 16:26 says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" It’s easy to be caught up in our successes and the material things in life, but our souls are the one thing that is eternal. There’s nothing wrong with being successful during our time on earth, but it should never come before our relationship with God.
“Lord, forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world, That fight for our love, and our passion, As our eyes are open wide and on you. Grant us the privilege of your worldview, And may your kingdom be what wakes us up and lays us down.”
“Speak Life”
Proverbs 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. “Speak Life” reminds us of how important it is to lift one another up with our words rather than tear people down. As Christians, we should be using our words to encourage and point others to God.
“Well, it's crazy to imagine Words from my lips as the arms of compassion Mountains crumble with every syllable Hope can live or die.”
“Love Broke Thru”
“Love Broke Thru” describes the moment Toby gave his life to God. Even though we all have different stories about that moment in our lives, this song is still relatable to believers as we remember when love broke through and changed our lives forever.
“I was a hopeless fool Now I’m hopelessly devoted My chains are broken And it all began with You When love broke through.”
“God Did It”
This song paints the picture of how God can change our lives, and the only explanation for the change is God. He can move in our lives in ways bigger and better than we could ever imagine. It can be hard to explain and even leave us speechless, but three words sum it up: “God did it.”
“Said nobody but God did it Showered me in love When it looked like it was over He went and did just what he does God did it.”
“Made to Love”
This is one of my favorites of Toby’s older music. “Made to Love” perfectly sums up why we were created. We were made to love God and be loved by Him.
“I was made to love You, I was made to find You I was made just for You, made to adore You I was made to love and be loved by you.”
“Cornerstone”
TobyMac has many fun songs that will get you on your feet, but this is one that makes you want to lift your hands in praise of who God is. The Bible refers to God as our cornerstone, or our foundation. He is our rock, and all other ground is shifting sand.
“Seasons come, seasons go I’ve been high, and I’ve been low But I’m standing on the only rock I know You’re my cornerstone.”
“Faithfully”
“Faithfully” is one of Toby’s more emotional and vulnerable songs. I love the lyric where he says, “I may never be the same man, but I’m a man who still believes.” Grief changes a person forever, but he still acknowledges that God was faithful through it all.
“’Cause when my world broke into pieces You were there faithfully When I cried out to you, Jesus You made a way for me.”
Felicia Holt has been writing for NRT since 2024. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children. She is a lifelong fan of Christian music and enjoys attending concerts and spending time outdoors with a good book.
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