This Is Not a Test (stylized as ***THIS IS NOT A TEST***) is the seventh studio album by American recording artist TobyMac. The album was released on August 7, 2015. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.[3] In February 2016, it won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.[4] The standard edition was released with 11 tracks, including "Feel It", "Beyond Me", and "Move (Keep Walkin')". The deluxe edition was released with 15 tracks, including "Lift You Up" featuring Ryan Stevenson, "Fall", and "Beyond Me" and "Like A Match" remixes by Soul Glow Activatur and David Garcia respectively.
James Christopher Monger, indicating in a three and a half star review at AllMusic, recognizes, "Five decades into his career, Toby McKeehan still sounds energized and youthful, and his breezy delivery and knack for crafting intact."[10] Awarding the album five stars from CCM Magazine, Andy Argyrakis states, "TobyMac sounds just as hungry as his dcTalk days on This Is Not A Test."[11] Sarah Fine, giving the album four stars for New Release Today, writes, "This Is Not A Test firmly solidifies Toby's place in the industry and proves that he isn't going anywhere anytime soon."[21] Signaling in a four and a half star review for New Release Today, Amanda Brogan-DeWilde responds, "Toby serves us some songs worthy of repeat and proves once again that he's got what it takes to top the charts."[22] Jessica Morris, awarding the album a 4.7 out of five star review from PPCORN, recognizes, "Positive, bold, riveting and eclectic, Toby Mac is unlike any artist you have ever heard, and that is why his music is so powerful."[23]
Markos Papadatos, specifying in a four and a half star review from Digital Journal, replies, "TobyMac is back stronger than ever with This Is Not a Test...It is very different than his previous studio efforts, but it is still remarkable nonetheless."[16] Rating the album four stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, Christopher Smith describes, "Toby's ability to dabble in a variety of styles and utilize several guest features, without sounding like a dilettante, is impressive...With catchy beats and Christ-centered lyrics, This Is Not A Test is another solid entry for this talented solo artist."[17] Roger Gelwicks, indicating in a four star review by Jesus Freak Hideout, says, "This is Not a Test shows no signs of the producer slowing down, and it could very well be Toby's most complete album this side of Diverse City."[18] Giving the album four stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, Mark Rice states, "this is a very welcome album to come around".[19] Jay Akins, awarding the album five stars from Worship Leader, says, "Toby is a true master craftsman—This Is Not a Test is a gospel-truth-infused party from top to bottom."[24] Giving the album a ten out of ten for Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings describes, "Another demonstration that Mr McKeehan continues to be able to blend timeless spiritual messaging to pop culture immediacy."[15]
Alex Caldwell, rating the album four stars from Jesus Freak Hideout, writes, "This Is Not A Test is a great, creative mix of uplifting sounds that proves that there is much more left in TobyMac's gas tank."[20] Specifying in a 4.4 out of five review at Christian Music Review, Brian Hunter realizes, "Toby delivers a diverse album".[1] Michael Tackett, awarding the album five stars from CM Addict, writes, "his most creative and personal record to date."[13] Giving the album four stars for CM Addict, Andrew Funderburk states, "***THIS IS NOT A TEST*** is yet another mark of his excellence in musical artistry."[14] Jonathan Andre, rating the album four and a half star at 365 Days of Inspiring Media, says, "it is Toby's eclectic and comprehensive range of musical genres and styles that further enhance my love for *THIS IS NOT A TEST*."[9] Awarding the album four stars for The Christian Manifesto, Calvin Moore says, "Toby Mac is a showman and he’s stepped up his game with this outing. This Is Not a Test is the title of the album, but if it were a test, Toby Mac passes with flying colors. This time."[12]
The album debuted at No. 4 on Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart, selling 35,000 copies in its first week.[25] This is TobyMac's fourth No. 1 album on the Christian chart, It has sold 142,000 copies as of November 2016.[26]
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