from: ccm magazine, October 1990
author: Brian Quincy Newcomb
website: http://www.ccmmagazine.com

»» Hell Is For Wimps

For its Star Song debut (and second American release), the Australian Newsboys have chosen a broad-based pop direction, informed by the best in alternative music. Energetic, punchy and accessible, The Newsboys have hacked off any obvious rough edges in favor of a sound that will grab the pop audience with an affinity toward the most commercial aspects of bands like The Police and REM without the aggressive individuality in tone and composition that they represent at their best. While one will notice a lack of new creative directions, The Newsboys have focused in on a direct and, at times, infectious set of lyrical hooks that communicate simple Christian affirmations, as in "Stand Up For Jesus," "Something's Missing," "Get Up For Love," and "Victory."

Kind of a Mylon & Broken Heart for the Altar Boys and Jacob's Trouble set, The Newsboys make bold pronouncements, as the album's title suggests. While I'm more or less put off by some of the implications of the expression Hell is for Wimps, it does the job of grabbing our attention. Likewise, the punchy, high-energy approach - on all but the obvious singles - goes a long way toward getting one to overlooking The Newsboys' shortcomings in favor of joining in on the fun.

--Brian Quincy Newcomb ««