Music Review: John McKivergan's "Jesus is Calling"
- Bryon Harris
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Review by Matt Watts
John McKivergan’s latest release, “Jesus is Calling,” delivers a heartfelt spiritual message wrapped in a classic rock sound that is as accessible as it is uplifting. Produced and performed by Kevin O'Shaughnessy, the track blends powerful lyrical storytelling with a steady, emotionally-charged musical backdrop that invites listeners into deeper introspection—and action.
From the opening beat, “Jesus is Calling” makes its presence known. The track launches immediately with vocals over a muffled rock guitar rhythm in 4/4 time. The effect is reminiscent of vintage power chords—subdued but persistent—setting the stage for something more than just a song. It feels like a summons.
Kevin O'Shaughnessy’s smooth, melodic vocals provide an engaging contrast to the texture of the guitar. When he sings the opening line—“Jesus is making a call, to hear your needs large and small”—his voice delivers warmth and sincerity, lending weight to the song’s spiritual foundation. It’s a brilliant musical juxtaposition: the gritty guitar grounds us, the vocal uplifts us, and together they create an emotional and sonic balance.
But it’s the lyrics, penned by McKivergan, that take center stage. Rich in meaning and structured like a narrative arc, the song leads us on a spiritual journey. The repeated refrain—“When Jesus is calling, do we hear the phone ring?”—acts as a guiding question and a gentle challenge, urging listeners to reflect on their own relationship with faith and community.
The song’s structure carries that message forward through each verse. Verse two invites us into a collective mission:“Jesus calls us together / So we pray for each other / So we listen to His Word / So our actions change the world.” This emphasis on action—on love in motion—is what gives the song its driving purpose. McKivergan doesn’t simply offer comfort; he issues a call to transform faith into compassion, prayer into solidarity, and belief into justice.
The arrangement develops beautifully. The chorus shifts tonalities and introduces subtle background harmonies that give the piece a choral lift while maintaining its grounded rock vibe. A brief stop creates anticipation, and then the chorus kicks back in—expanded with strings and percussion—bringing a new energy to the track.
Midway through, the song gives way to a guitar solo that is soulful, melodic, and skillfully executed. The solo honors classic rock traditions while opening a sonic doorway to a more ethereal second half. Arpeggiated guitar lines replace the earlier muffled chords, adding a dreamlike quality that elevates the emotional tone of the piece. This musical shift mirrors the spiritual journey the lyrics describe—moving from questioning to clarity, from call to response.
Verse three seals the message:“ When you take Jesus off hold / And act on what you're told / A sense of joy will come / When you hear Him say ‘well done.’” There’s a quiet triumph in those lines—an acknowledgment that listening is only the first step. Following that call leads to a joy rooted in purpose and divine connection.
As the song draws to a close, the refrain returns in layered repetitions, a sonic mantra that lingers in the ear and spirit alike: “When Jesus is calling, do we hear the phone ring?”
In a time of noise and distraction, “Jesus is Calling” offers listeners a reason to pause, reflect, and most importantly—respond. McKivergan has penned a song that doesn’t just ask a question; it opens a conversation.
If this song is any indication, Jesus is calling loud and clear—and through McKivergan’s inspired lyrics and O'Shaughnessy's powerful performance, the answer might just be: yes, we hear You.
Listen to John McKivergan's music on: Spotify: Click Here YouTube: Click Here
About the Artist: John McKivergan is a Christian lyricist known for weaving themes of faith, justice, and social consciousness into moving lyrical works. His collaborations reflect a deep commitment to crafting songs that speak to both the heart and the world. Based in Hudson, New Hampshire, McKivergan continues to make meaningful contributions to Christian music through his partnerships with talented producers and musicians.
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