14th September, 2012

TobyMac’s new studio project, Eye On It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 this past week. It is the first time in 15 years and only the third time ever that a Christian album has topped the charts.

“It’s my honor to write songs and even a further privilege that people choose to listen and make them part of their lives,” said TobyMac in a press release, upon hearing about the number one debut. “My hope has always been that these songs would somehow remind people that though we are flawed God offers us love, hope and refuge.”

Eye On It, led by the number one single 'Me Without You', is being recognised by many as Toby’s strongest set of pop songs to date. In support of the album, TobyMac will launch a fall Eye On It Tour and follow that up with a Hits Deep Tour, which will continue throughout the holiday season.

On 1st November, 1997, LeAnn Rimes ranked number one on the Billboard Top 200 with You Light Up My Life - Inspirational Songs, and spent three weeks on the chart as number one. Prior to that, only one Christian project achieved this noteworthy status. Bob Carlisle’s Butterfly Kisses/Shades of Grace hit number one earlier in the summer of 1997. In 2011 and 2012, other Christian artists that have come in at the number two spot, include Casting Crowns, Red and David Crowder Band.

As for TobyMac, he has claimed a spot on the chart nine times and he has been in the top 10 three times. DC talk, the trio made up of TobyMac, Michael Tait and Kevin Max, also had five more albums on the top of the charts, including Supernatural in 1998, which came in at number four.

~ www.TobyMac.com

- GINNY McCABE, Assist News Service