Newsboys – Born Again
Jul 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Newsboys
Born Again
Inpop
Grade – B+
Rebuilt and reborn, the Newsboys’ franchise goes on in name and function with Michael Tait at the helm. The sound is new, however, honestly, I am hearing more Tait like influences – aka DC Talk – than anything. It may just be my perspective, but it sure sounds that way to me.
“When the Boys Light Up” is a good example of how the two influences have merged together. It’s a hip-hop infused pop anthem that displays the best elements of DC Talk and the Newsboys past history. And when you hear the background vocals in “Born Again” it is nearly impossible to not think of Kevin Max’s familiar soulful tones. Then you have “One Shot,” which could easily be tagged with a variety of TobyMac tunes.
None-the-less, the new formation takes on its own identity and a new chapter begins. The new arrangement appears to have sparked new creativity in song writing and music with a good dose of pumped up choruses and a lively soundtrack. The album is original enough that even when the familiarity of Tait and DC Talk wears off the excitement for the “new” Newsboys will continue to gather steam, propelling the franchise into an ever-present position in the world of Christ-centered entertainment.
- Ken W.
By the way, I would be remiss if I did not banter about the cover of “Jesus Freak.” I found it quite interesting that they left this mostly intact from the original aside from featuring KJ-52 in lieu of T-Mac. What it does tell me is that I can look forward to a good measure of Tait’s former material in concert – hopefully.
Newsboys – In the Hands of God
Jun 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Newsboys
“In the Hands of God”
inpop Records
10 tracks @ 37:34
Grade - B+
Hard to believe that this is the band’s 14th studio release during a 22-year career. Produced by Max Hsu of Superchick, “In the Hands of God” doesn’t break much new ground but it is satisfying.
No doubt you’ve heard the pleasant title track all over radio. While the band flirts with emo for a moment (“The Way We Roll”), the new record includes “Lead Me to the Cross,” penned by Brooke Fraser. Peter Furler says, “We don’t see ourselves as part of the iTunes single world-we make a record-and this song had an attitude of worship that helped make the record complete.”
But this new record marks an important transition for the band. It’ll be interesting to see how having Michael Tait as the lead vocalist will go over with fans when the band goes out on tour without Peter Furler. The Newsboys have gone through numerous lineup changes over the years but Furler has been known as the face of the band for quite some time. According to the PR material that came with this record, Furler will continue to write and work on the production side of things.
Of the change, Tait says, “It’s a perfect merger that joins the best of both worlds; I feel like I’m helping to carry on the tradition of two legendary bands who helped put Christian music on the map.”
Furler says, “In the Hands of God” is the perfect album to close this chapter of my life and start afresh with an exciting new role within the band. Newsboys have always been an idea first and foremost, not a band or a singer. It’s about people pulling together their gifts and talents in a collaboration that makes a difference in people’s lives.
“I’m looking forward to focusing on the band’s studio career and spending more time in my own bed after many years in a tour bus and hundreds of thousands of miles on the road.”
That news makes the closing track, “RSL 1984” all the more poignant. Fuler says he started writing the song about 10 years ago. While few of us will pick up on the Aussie references, Furler says “The song is about growing up in Australia without having much vision of the future, but not having much restraint either. The song reflects my perspective as a pastor’s kid wondering where my life was headed. [It’s] about leaving our homes and taking our songs into the world.”
One part of the lyrics in this song that struck me were, “And I know to know His ways are higher than mine. . .We’ll sing with a grateful voice.”
- Rob S.
Tags: Newsboys
