LABEL: FOREFRONT RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 4, 2011

obyMac is known for his bombastic performances, jumping headlong into a crowd of fans, producing everything under the sun, and being 1/3 of Christian supergroup dcTalk. And when most people are taking a break for the holidays, TMac is running full steam ahead into the Christmas season with his release, Christmas in Diverse City. And he’s brought along the whole Diverse City family—Jamie Grace, Nirva Ready, DJ Maj, toddiefunk, Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers, Tim Rosenau, SUPERHEROSE, and Arch Nemisiz. Fans of his pop rock/rap sound will definitely enjoy this outing, but fans of a more traditional holiday project might want to tread lightly. This is a different Christmas album to be sure.

“Christmas This Year” starts off the project and features a guest appearance by Sixpence None The Richer songstress Leigh Nash. This is one of those numbers that you feel would translate well as the opener of a big Christmas production at any number of mega-churches across the American landscape. As a matter of fact, I’m guessing its only a couple of years before that even happens. Nash’s vocals add weight to an otherwise band opening.

“The First Noel” features Owl City and you can instantly sense the electronic/synth influence. This is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs and…well…I just can’t stand this version. Maybe I’m getting old or something, but this is one of those songs that carries great weight when it is sung with a measure of reverence. TobyMac has all the reverence of a sledgehammer here.

“Come Let Us Adore” is the Diverse City sound you might be used to, though. This is the quintessential TobyMac performance and, if it weren’t a holiday song, it might fit right into one his normal song sets.

“Little Drummer Boy” is a really cool rendition of the holiday staple. The use of drum looping and vocal layering works well.

DJ Maj takes over on “Carol of the Kings,” which is a monstrous twist on “Carol of the Bells” and “We Three Kings.” It is pretty epic. The gospel crooning accompanying the hip-hop take on the song is not a way I figure many people have envisioned it to be. Somehow, against all odds, Maj and friends accomplish one of the single coolest mash-ups in Christmas history.

“Birth of Love” features SUPERHEROSE and if you don’t hear the influence of The Black Eyed Peas, then you’re deaf. (Sorry deaf people.)

“What Child Is This?” is likely the most traditional take of a song on the entire project. Arch Nemesiz does an excellent job of capturing the heaviness and beauty of the piece. They are respectful while also creative. The haunting piano line mixed with R&B sensibilities is fantastic.

Nirva Ready’s “Angels We Have Heard On High” is just proof that the woman needs her own album. She’s been part of Diverse City for years and its been hinted at several times over the last decade that she’s got something in the works only for nothing to come of it. If you listen to this track, you’ll be clamoring for more.

Overall, Christmas in Diverse City is an acquired taste. I didn’t love it. I didn’t hate it. I could pull it out once a year and enjoy a smattering of songs, so long as I put it into my own personal playlist. One thing is for sure, if you’re ever driving through Diverse City during the holidays, it’s going to be a really different experience.