Reviewed by Peter Timmis

McMillan is, of course, best known as composer of the 2005 oft covered classic "How He Loves" - surely one of the greatest worship songs of all time and included here as a bonus track. 'The Medicine' was originally released independently by the North Carolina native in 2008 and last year received a welcome record label re-release with four additional tracks. The album's Americana vibe may come as a surprise to those who only know of JMM through his worship hit but sceptics will soon be won over by the big choruses, gritty vocals and gripping lyrics on offer here. The title track in particular is a riotous slice of Springsteen-esque rock chock-full of tasty guitar licks. Other highlights include the dreamy "Carbon Ribs"; the tender and melodic "Death In His Grave" and "Dress Me Up" with its powerful repeated refrain of the line "His love is stronger (than the power of death)". If you're yet to catch onto this versatile songwriting talent then 'The Medicine' is a great place to start.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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From the writer of How He Loves - recorded most notably by Kim Walker of Jesus Culture – acclaimed independent artist John Mark McMillan brings a unique brand of “gutsy, poetic rock’n’roll” to the Integrity Worship roster.

“The Medicine explores the implications of resurrection in our everyday lives, even the dead places of our lives that need resurrecting,” John explains. “To his own hurt, Jesus, chose to be a part of our world... we don’t serve a God who is unacquainted with grief.

“That is what The Medicine is about and those are some of the conversations I want to help people have in worship,” he adds. “I want to write songs that give your heart language in the porch lights of your own reckoning; dangerous songs that give you permission to wear your heart on your sleeve before Jesus, unencumbered by the grave clothes of mindless tradition.”