By Brian Hall
GENRE: POP/ROCK/ALTERNATIVE
LABEL: INPOP RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 2010
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
Last year, we bid farewell to Peter Furler, when he left his position of 12 years as lead vocalist for the Newsboys. With the announcement of Furler leaving, another announcement was made; Michael Tait (DC Talk, Tait) would take his place. The decision was met with very mixed emotions, the most common one being uncertainty. After seeing Mike perform with the guys at a festival in the summer of 2009, my mind was eased slightly. He brought a fresh face to an aging franchise and even moved towards a more edgy sound (screaming during “Jesus Freak”?!). However, I held in my momentary excitement as I really didn’t want a DC Talk 2.0. Now, attendees of the 2010 WinterJam tour have the option of ordering a copy of the new Newsboys album, “Born Again” due out in June and receive a special 6 song preview Born Again EP. I think a collective sigh of relief was heard coming from the venue on the first date that EP was available.
This is still very much the Newsboys. The Pop/Rock sound we have grown familiar with is still mostly intact. There is a noticeable difference though. The first single and title track from the album showcases classic elements of the Newsboys (synth heavy AC rock) and the edginess of DC Talk (a guitar solo and production that rips into your speakers) and the pop mutant that was “Tait” (R&B/Pop/Rock… think Lenny Kravitz minus the cool guitar riffs). The sweet piano and acoustic guitar intro to “On Your Knees” is a classic NB ballad. “Light Up” is a dance rock anthem that is certain to be a concert favorite, but I wouldn’t expect this to be played on some AC stations if it’s released as a single. “I’ll Be” is worth listening to once or twice, but it isn’t and outstanding track and it is the only place on the EP where I take issue. Finally is “One Shot”. This is a great last impression song that leaves you wanting more like it.
This is an overall win/win. The Newsboys have reinvented themselves enough to appeal to a broader audience, while keeping their already established fan-base appeased. I would highly recommend heading over to a local Winter Jam stop or visiting the Newsboys official Facebook page to get your hands on this impressive project.
Review copy provided courtesy of Inpop Records.
