“I’ve been chasing God.”
That’s how John Mark McMillan introduces his latest album Mercury and Lightning. It is, in one sense, a dramatic step away from his previous work, both musically and thematically. Ever since the beginning, John Mark McMillan has been known for his honest, faith-themed lyrics (sloppy wet kiss, anybody?). I’ve long appreciated his ability to express his faith in artistic elements that escape the rut of modern worship music cliches. His work is poetic and thought-provoking. That said, his first three studio albums follow the structure and themes of classic worship albums. The Medicine, The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down, and Economy all featured songs that fit best in the worship genre. His two latest studio albums, Borderland and Mercury and Lightning, have been subtle departures from that genre and moved John Mark further into the classic rock genre.
Furthermore, the themes of Mercury and Lightning are focused on issues such as doubt, restlessness, and searching. Perhaps John Mark’s disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the current state of his faith is best revealed in this line from the title track: “I need a new religion or a new lie.”
Musically, Mercury and Lightning is a step into novel territory for John Mark. Tracks like “Mercury and Lightning” and “Fumbling Towards the Light” feature heavier electronic effects and synth sounds than his previous work. The whole album has more of a dark and brooding feel to it compared to even Borderland. Take “Wilderlove” for example: it’s an anthem of restlessness set to a The National-esque dark rock track.
All that said, different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. I enjoy the album. It’s not necessarily what I would consider “classic” JMM but it is a step down a new fork in the road that I’m willing to follow. Liz Vice’s feature on “Body in Motion” is also a compelling collaboration which works incredibly well.
Let’s get back to themes for a moment. Although the majority of the album is about chasing mercury and lightning, and the inherent vanity of such an exercise, one can’t help entertaining the feeling that there is a divine shadow over the endeavor, proactively waiting with intentionality and patience for the fulfillment of the searching. The song “Fumbling Towards the Light” reminds me of Paul’s words in Acts 17:27 where he says “that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,”. The word picture of humanity groping in the dark for a God who is in the room is powerful. Jeremiah 23:23 further fortifies this point when God himself declares: “Am I a God at hand, declares the LORD, and not a God far away?”
Ultimately it’s appropriate that the album that began with “I’ve been chasing God” is brought to a close with the line: “You always find me in between the thunder and the lightning.” Mercury and Lightning is an honest look at one man’s search for God and the God who found him.