John Joseph James, the original co-lead singer for Christian rock act Newsboys, has quite the testimony. After two RIAA certified Gold albums and a little over a decade with the band, he left, in large part due to the drug and alcohol issues that had become a major part of his life. Now, almost thirty years after that moment, James returns to music and celebrates his victory over addiction and the transformation Christ brought to his life with his first ever solo album, God of the Second Chance.

Many of the lyrics take inspiration from James's own story, such as "Eyes wide open, walking blind / Like a Christian in a suit with a Rolex watch, I'm living fine / Somebody stop me" from "Somebody Stop Me" and "We got to remember that the desert is an opportunity for miracles" from "Got to Remember." Additionally, the title track appropriately serves as the embodiment of the overall message of the album that God is a God who gives us second chances. James sharing his experience is likely to touch the album's listeners, as even those who have not gone through exactly what he did can relate to his insights into the Christian walk.

Throughout the album, James mixes in songs that feel comfortable to those used to the James-era Newsboys sound, with others that are a bit more experimental. "Drive," the opener, comes as an example of the latter. While it took a few listens, the track has become a favorite from the album and is particularly fun to listen to with a nice pair of headphones. The song brings a fun listening experience with the stereo sound in the beginning, as the audio bounces back and forth between the left and the right side, and the electric guitar almost sounds like a siren. The electronic "Square Peg" also deviates from what fans may expect to find in this release but works well; the track also puts James's wonderful Australian accent on full display. Other selections, such as "Blessed" and "Jump Start," transport the listener back thirty years and feel like they could have fit on one of Newsboys's James-fronted albums. He deserves credit for this balance of both what listeners have loved him for, while also branching out and expanding into new territory.

The tempo also varies throughout the runtime. "Drive," "God of the Second Chance," and "Blessed" come as more upbeat moments, but the album has moments that slow down the pace and reflect as well. "Come Lord Jesus" brings a worship-like chorus that prays for Christ to enter into our lives and work in us: "Come Lord Jesus now / Help me live / Help me love / And help me shine." The acoustic guitar-led "Don't Cry" thoughtfully ends the record on a tender note with the story of a father coming home to his daughter. A perfect conclusion to the project, the song easily makes one think of themselves as the child with their Heavenly Father cherishing and coming home to them.

Even though the project contains strong tracks with a healthy amount of variety, some stick out as weaker spots. In the 1 Corinthians 13 inspired "Love," for example, James recites much of the biblical chapter in a spoken word sort of fashion that does not land with this reviewer (as well as some of the other tracks), especially since it clocks in as the longest song of them all. Though the closing stretch avoids any filler, the back half of the album does not have as many standouts as the initial six songs in the track list. Still, these shortcomings come as the exception rather than the norm, and should not deter someone from checking out this release; the album offers a beautiful and enjoyable lens into James's journey.

While the record is set to release officially June 2, anyone who pre-orders James's new book, Newsboy: My Story of Hope and Second Chances, can receive a free download of the album if they email him their book order receipt. Whether one waits for release day, or takes advantage of the early bird offer, listeners will enjoy the return of John James after his many years away from music, and the testimony he brings with it. I'm sure fans will develop their own favorites, but this reviewer recommends "Drive," "Blessed," and "Come Lord Jesus" in particular.

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 Record Label: None
 Album length: 11 tracks: 41 minutes, 57 seconds
 Street Date: June 2, 2026
 Buy It: Amazon.com (Book)
 Buy It: IReachUSA.com (Send Receipt Here)

1. Drive (4:14)
2. Got to Remember (2:53)
3. God of the Second Chance (3:15)
4. Love (5:19)
5. Blessed (3:49)
6. Come Lord Jesus (3:49)
7. Somebody Stop Me (3:20)
8. Jump Start (3:07)
9. Come Together (3:41)
10. Square Peg (3:22)
11. Don't Cry (5:13)

 

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