Newsboys - Go
The Newsboys will always have a special place in my music library. It was the summer of 1992 and I was going to my first concert. You guessed it, it was the Newsboys. I was a little apprehensive to attend a Christian concert as I wasn't too big into youth group or any of that at the time, but decided to go anyways. I am eternally grateful that I had the chance. That concert changed my musical tastes and started heading me in the direction I am going today. It was a great night of music and praise, especially for this kid whose only experience of Christian music came from the green hymnal. Ah, the memories...
Since 1992 the boys have been cranking out new albums almost yearly (some with new material while some are just "hits" or remixes). Some have been noteworthy while others have fallen a little flat.
There must be a revolving door on their tour bus because they have gone through quite a few different band members over the years. The 2 latest addition/subtractions have been in my mind the most significant. They added Paul Colemen (formerly of Paul Coleman Trio) but lost bass player Phil Joel. It has been mentioned that the band almost called it quits before this disc was recorded.
I have to get this off my chest right away. What's with that "Wherever We Go" song?? I just don't get it. Read through the lyrics and you might share the same feelings. There is a glimpse of praise in the chorus but that's about it. Frankly I switch the station when it comes on. The song might be better suited on a kids album or a movie soundtrack.
What this CD does well is keep up the Newsboys tradition of providing a diverse mix of music. The songs are driven by their typical electric/synth sound and for the most part the disc is very energetic. Overall the disc is solid but leaves you wanting a little more. It feels like it was a half hearted effort and after reading that they were close to calling it quits that might have something to do with it.
Here are a few gems worthy of a $0.99 download:
- I Am Free - Unfortunately this is not a Newsboys original (Desperation) but their rendition is excellent. I would expect this to be a concert favorite on this current tour.
- The Mission - Great song and in my opinion it is the best on the disc.
- Something Beautiful - Cool tune, they definitely reached back into the 80's for this one.
Newsboys fans: do your duty and pick this up
Everyone else: iTunes
Rating: **.5/*****
My theory is that someone liked the phrase “it’s a curious thing” and the fact they could rhyme “it’s humbling”. Perhaps they were trying to find a song the youngsters in their audience could throw their hands up in the air and bounce around to at their concerts?
(Comment this)
Back in the 80's/early 90's there was were two bands that come to mind They Might Be Giants or the Crash Test Dummies that just seemingly tossed in random oddities to sing - perhaps that's what they were trying to do? Have they ever gone on record and said what the song means? It does seem rather self serving - a party going on.
I actually really like Somethings Beautiful...may have to go home and drag out my Depeche Mode mix tapes :) (Comment this)
Peter Furler (vocals, originally the drummer) is the only remaining original member. Check this out, in the last 22 years (wow!) they have had a total of 16 band members!
I heard "In Wonder" tonight on KTIS and I don't know if it was the mood I was in or not but I was definitely grooving along with it. Add it to your iTunes wish list! (Comment this)