John Mark McMillan is best known for his worship hit ‘How He Loves,’ covered by everyone from the David Crowder Band to Jesus Culture.

On his second solo album of 2011, Economy, he both confounds and exceeds expectations. This is a worship album of sorts, but it’s also meandering, confessional and raw. McMillan draws inspiration from all over the place. On ‘Sheet of Night’ it’s Interpol, on ‘Sins are Stones,’ Pete Yorn.

The prevailing style is indie-Americana, and over it all McMillan sings some truly profound worship lyrics, often appropriating simple Springsteen-isms, but aiming them heavenward. The brilliant ‘Daylight’ pines, “We live on the edge of a darkness / But daylight is coming on” while ‘Murdered Son’ proclaims, “Glory to one / God’s murdered Son / Who paid for my resurrection.” These lyrics are simple but heartfelt and thoughtful.

There is no doubt that McMillan is a hidden gem amongst Christian artists, and in Economy he’s made an album that is not only warm and welcoming, but also authentic and challenging. It’s definitely a record that stands out from the crowd as unique and intriguing.

Four and a half stars out of five