The best-selling group in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) history, DC Talk, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its RIAA double-platinum album, Jesus Freak, with a collection of releases, contests and more, all kicking off today.
“This album was more of the three of us than anything we’d ever done together up to that point,” says TobyMac, who also co-produced the albums. “It was the first album that sounded like Michael, Kevin and Toby. Those guys are such great singers that I didn’t have time to sing choruses anymore. I wanted to hear some of their passionate voices in the verses and beyond. Looking back, I’m so glad we took a hip hop touring band and added guitars and rock to transform and expand the sound. We went into this house that we turned into a studio, with no formula and musically said whatever came out. We kept the same goal in mind, to use our music and our platform to point people to God.”
A never-before-seen video of a Michael Tait Vocal Session demo from 1995 was also unveiled in honor of Jesus Freak’s silver anniversary. The video is now available on YouTube and below, and also features original photos from the album’s recording in 1995. Simultaneously, YouVersion has partnered with DC Talk to provide devotional content.
The “Jesus Freak” album has also been reissued and split into three thematic digital EPs. Tracks “What Will People Think,” “Human After All,” and “Trying to Find a Life” feature a deeper dive into the devotional themes of DC Talk’s iconic album. The EP is available on all digital streaming platforms.
“When we finished the project, we played Jesus Freak for the label for the first time and, let’s just say, it wasn’t well received,” says the album’s producer and Jesus Freak co-writer Mark Heimermann. “I heard later that they thought it was the beginning of the end for dc Talk. It’s funny now, but they were wise enough to trust Toby and keep riding that DC Talk train. We won the Dove Award for ‘Song of the Year’ in 1996 for Jesus Freak and I think we were both shocked. Up until that year, it was always the most conservative music that won. It was truly revolutionary in the industry. To see 80,000 people at a Billy Graham Crusade singing a song that you were a part of is overwhelming and beyond humbling. Obviously, he’s found his time.” The Church needed passionate hymns for his generation and I truly believe God used Jesus Freak to inspire millions of people – believers and non-believers alike.
One of the top 20 records of all time at CCM, fans will be excited to celebrate and take part in a JF25 Competition, where 25 curated giveaways will be available to win, including a limited edition box set with a vinyl copy and an expanded Jesus Freak book with new stories added. The book reissue and box set are also available now and can be purchased online.
All DC Talk social media channels are also active and fun for fans to follow, with lots of never-before-seen content and more. The group can be found @dctalkofficial on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Author: [email protected] (Jessie Clarks)
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