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When was the last time we heard so much about the Newsboys? With the well-publicized exit of
longtime singer Peter Furler and entrance of dc Talker Michael Tait as the new lead vocalist, the Newsboys made
headlines about this sudden and surprising personnel change. But with the push for a new album, one would ask what
affect the new singer will have on the end result releasing this June, titled Born Again. For those who attend this year's Winter Jam tour,
they can find an early answer in a special preview EP sold exclusively on the tour.
Right from the start, "Born Again" blasts through with an uncompromising pop flare. This is the first original
Newsboys song ever with Michael Tait on the microphone, and it's an epic experience to hear for the first time, to say
the least. It's a straightforward, but appropriate, opener to the EP, as well as one of the better tracks. "On Your
Knees" follows, contrasting the former track with a simple ballad about a girl discovering her need for Christ. "When
the Boys Light Up" and "One Shot" continue with energy and unmistakable Newsboys-catchiness that scream "showstopper,"
while "I'll Be" is another slower ballad that efficiently exercises Tait's vocal range and scope. Overall, the vocal
quality has not been sacrificed, with Tait still in his prime; it's truly remarkable to see Tait still holding his own
after all these years, and it's great to have his talent back in the game.
As a whole, this EP's five new tracks really demonstrate what a whole new direction the Newsboys are taking.
After one listen, it should be obvious to the listener that when Furler left the band, he took a distinctive sound with
him, and this reviewer would be lying to say Tait continues the Newsboys vibe where it left off. Gone are the pop rock
worship-based melodies that made these Australians successful, as well as the clever, sometimes bizarre, lyrical musings
Furler made famous. Instead, we are treated to an extremely radio-friendly pop sound without any absence of edginess and
attitude backed by a whole new voice to the band. It's a textbook example of why replacing the lead singer can be so
affecting to a band's original sound; these songs were written with a brand new musical philosophy, as well as the
addition of Tait's vocals, in mind. This isn't to say that this dramatic change is an inherently negative one, but
anyone expecting just a "Furler-less" Newsboys will be getting more than for what they bargained.
Lyrically, this EP is a mixed bag. "Born Again" has a message that's not all that unique, but it's hard not to like
its simplicity and anthem-sized vision. "On Your Knees" and "I'll Be" also do an effective job of avoiding tackiness
while delivering inspiration and thoughtfulness. However, "When The Boys Light Up" and especially "One Shot" have a few
pitfalls. The former includes some confusing lyrics ("Up and down like a daytime drama/up and down like a yo-yo mama")
as well as a cheesy explanation in the song of Tait's involvement in the band. "One Shot," on the other hand,
is almost a complete miss; besides a somewhat recycled message, out-of-place lyrics ("You're a student at the college of
the Ivy, but filling up a pop machine with Hi-C") as well as some will-be dated lines creep in ("Things change,
just like the Twitter that you update, or your Facebook status on your front page, but there's no comment you can
leave to change my mind"). With these songs' lack of lyrical complexity, it only brings to mind how much better
lyrical content the Newsboys have written previously.
Clearly, the Newsboys are taking a giant step away from their classic, recognizable sound, and this EP is our
first taste of this new approach. While I can't deny these new tracks have some flaws, it's nonetheless very enjoyable
material, and it only interests me further to see how the full album results this summer. For better or worse, this is a
whole new Newsboys, as well as a new chapter of Christian music history that has begun.
- Review date: 1/26/10, written by Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Ever since the news that Michael Tait was the Newsboys' third lead vocalist in
the band's history (and first non-Aussie singer), I've been eager to hear what new material as "Newsboys" would sound
like. The Born Again Preview EP gives fans a generous taste of the band's new identity, and it's safe to say
that it's a pretty big change for the band. The spirit of the Newsboys remains intact, but the sound certainly
displays a distinctly new flavor for them. If anything, these Michael-fronted songs sound more like new material for
his band Tait than Newsboys, but delightful background vocals from Jody Davis, coupled with some of the usual quirky
lyrics and energy one might expect from Newsboys help a bit to separate the two. But while cheesy lyrics - like references
to Twitter and Facebook on "One Shot" - were something that were forgivable when Furler was singing
them, they sound out of place and awkward uttered from Tait's lips. Still, this EP officially ushers in a new
chapter for Newsboys, and while it's a big change to adapt to, it's looking and sounding pretty good, and it
should be interesting to see how a full album plays out this June.
- 1/27/10, John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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Record Label: InPop Records
