Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Newsboys
Go



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 35 minutes, 36 seconds
Street Date: October 31, 2006


Newsboys is one of those supergroups that have always been associated with the youth group crowd. What few tend to realize as they grow out of that age group, however, is that the Newsboys have often made some fantastic music ("Lost The Plot," "Let It Go," "Lord (I Don't Know)," "Let It Rain," and "I Surrender All" are just a few that come to mind) that exceeds the boundaries of its original target audience. So this particular reviewer is thrilled that this pop/rock band has returned from their dual-worship album intermission to what they know best.

While billed as a new pop album from Newsboys, Go is not surprisingly a successful blend of anthems and worshipfully written pop tunes in the vein of such albums as Thrive and Step Up To the Microphone. And while some bands who attempt to branch out into new territory to survive trend changes tend to find their change to be a misstep, Newsboys have managed to craft a relevant and ultimately delectable collection of songs.

Evangelism is the overall theme of Go, from the hopelessly catchy opening anthem "Wherever We Go" and the call to ministry of the title track, to the aptly titled "The Mission," and the signature quirkiness of "Secret Kingdom." Worship is also central, with the powerful "In Wonder," Jon Egan cover "I Am Free," and the delightful ugly duckling of the record, "Your Love Is Better Than Life" (which includes Aussie-accented raps pondering life's great - and small - mysteries). Diversity keeps the record fresh and alive while it never feels like it's just the band going through the motions. Go is the kind of record we've come to expect from Newsboys and it proves they still have a few surprises up their sleeves after all these years.

Stylistically, Go is right in line with the Newsboys trademark sound. Electronic elements and synths support catchy rhythms and melodies to serve as the base for most of the album's tracks. "Wherever We Go" tries hard to be the next big hit from the band and succeeds in offering the sound that is required to earn such a hit. However, while "Shine" has the immortal chorus and "Breakfast" has that camp-bus-ride longevity, "Wherever We Go" may not have what it takes to transcend the years lyrically, as it focuses on the band's effect it has on the world around it. Although the quintet has been playing "I Am Free" live for well over a year, this is the first time a studio rendition of the song is being made available. And while the live radio version seemed overproduced at best, the studio version breathes life into the song, with Jeff Frankenstein accenting the melody with retro synths that surprisingly give it an added aesthetical pleasure. Most of the tracks are upbeat and at times fast-paced, while heart and warmth flows from such highlights as "The Letter" and the throwback feel of "Gonna Be Alright" to bring some added encouragement to listeners.

Go is a welcomed return for the Newsboys to what they've become known for since their humble beginnings almost two decades ago. Catchy, fun, worshipful, encouraging, and memorable, Go is liable to cause longtime fans to join me in saying, "Hallelujah, the Newsboys are back!"

- Review date: 10/27/06, written by John DiBiase



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 35 minutes, 36 seconds
. Street Date: October 31, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Wherever We Go
  2. Go
  3. Something Beautiful
  4. The Mission
  5. Let It all Come Out
  6. In Wonder
  7. Your Love Is Better Than Life
  8. I Am Free
  9. Secret Kingdom
  10. The Letter
  11. Gonna Be Alright
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES
Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS
Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS
AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM]
Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house]
Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent)
Influence Music It's All About You (independent)
The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite]
Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach]
Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel]
Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media]
Skillet Revolution [Atlantic]
Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step]
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere]
Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident]
John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail]
Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade]
YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent)
Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident]
Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity]
Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM]
EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax]
Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent)
FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent)
Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident]
Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident]
Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty]
SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax]
Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line]
Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity]
Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]

VINYL
Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]

Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images