TobyMac’s ninth studio album, “Heaven On My Mind,” feels like a deep, freeing exhale. In 2019, unimaginable tragedy struck the McKeehan household when the singer’s oldest son passed away in his early 20s. Since then, it’s felt like the husband and father of five has been holding his breath indefinitely.
Even on 2022’s career-defining release, “Life After Death,” which scored the hitmaker an additional five No. 1s, glimpses of hope fleetingly appeared on tracks like “The Goodness (feat. Blessing Offor),” but on the whole, the LP was largely one of lament.
Conversely, its successor feels lighter. Marked by more life than death, “Heaven On My Mind” is littered with questions that might not have succinct answers. Yet, TobyMac seems to find his solace — over and over again — in Jesus. Drawing a firm line in the sand, the four-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner confidently affirms the cornerstone he’s chosen to build his life on is, indeed, a firm foundation.
“‘Heaven On My Mind’ is this journey of going from total ashes to crawling to walking to standing up strong. It was me figuring out how to relate to God again, and it led to all these questions, but it also led to this beautiful thing,” Toby reflects. “I’ve got a deeper relationship with God than I’ve ever had, because I went through the valley with Him, and I decided I trusted Him.”
Nowhere is this more overt than on the haunting, one-two punch of “Can’t Stop Me,” where he acknowledges that even though he’s walked through the valley of the shadow of death, he still believes in the power and the presence of God.
While fragments of his personal tragedy can be traced in various lyrics across the project’s dozen originals, “Heaven On My Mind” doesn’t marinate in a dark place. Instead, from the jump, it’s flavored with pure joy. In fact, the title cut is evidence TobyMac has found a way to work through the grief and move forward, despite the wound he will always carry. Perhaps the thought of those pearly gates and golden streets helps him keep his perspective in check.
Tracks like the R&B-tinged “Lord It Feels Good” and lead pop confection “Nothin’ Sweeter” maintain a sunny disposition while spotlighting God’s infinite love — a common theme that crops up across the new collection.
While his infectious pop is as accessible as it’s ever been, Toby also gives OG fans a treat or two, burying his signature rap into story-fueled selection “God Did It” and the aforementioned standout “Can’t Stop Me.”
Always an innovator, he moves into subtle Gospel territory on second radio single “a lil Church (nobody’s too lost),” worship faire on “Oh My Soul (Psalm 103)” and even surprising folk terrain on “Campfire (That Very Love).”
Despite some nuanced sonic textures, “Heaven On My Mind” presents a very cohesive set, poised for immediate arena singalongs on future tour dates. And while TobyMac has never been hailed as a powerhouse vocalist, his honest, rich vocal work across this record should be commended as some of the best of his career.
Although he leaned on a host of guests to help him carry the weight of “Life After Death,” this time around, he stands a little steadier on his own feet with only two features: singer-songwriter Juan Winans on the rhythmic “Rearview” and former Diverse City member Terrian on the full-throttle “Resist (Keep the Devil Away).”
Unfortunately, his son’s passing isn’t the only death TobyMac has endured over the course of the past six years. The album’s final selection is lovingly dedicated to his longtime bandmate and dear friend, Gabe Patillo, who lost his battle with cancer last year. The upbeat, smile-inducing “Goodbye (for Gabe)” might be familiar to discerning listeners as the then unreleased track quietly debuted during a tribute to both Patillo and Mandisa during the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards.
For anyone who finds themselves in the midst of grief, TobyMac is a few steps ahead of you. “Heaven On My Mind” is proof that, by the grace of God, you will survive the worst life can throw at you. He’s standing on the other side, scarred but alive, and radiating a joy that can only be experienced when we know this Earth isn’t our home.
