from: ccm magazine, November 2006
author: Andy Argyrakis
website: http://www.ccmmagazine.com

»» NEWSBOYS
Go
Inpop

File Under: Rock, Pop
Grade: B+

The Best of Both Worlds

When the newsboys took a several-year stint to shift in a primarily worshipful direction, its fan base reacted in various ways. Some longed for its idiosyncratic, but colorful, pop style of the 1990s to continue, while others found the break a change of pace which reeled in even more of the church audience. However, faithfuls in the former category will be elated to learn their favorite rockers from down under have returned in what's arguably its best creative offering since 1998's Step Up to the Microphone. As for those interested in the group's more recent avenues, there are also vertical reflections that will satisfy their needs, while introducing them to the sounds that originally made the newsboys famous.

A series of strutting guitars and socially conscious lyrics frame "Wherever We Go," destined to be a concert classic with a catchy chorus that proclaims "Hands up/Holler back here/Let's throw this party in gear." The spiritually-centered throw down is also apparent in "Go (I Wanna Send You)," again filled with sharp strums and danceable elements, plus Peter Furler's instantly recognizable vocals. "Something Beautiful" sounds especially fresh, putting the front man and newest member, guitarist/vocalist Paul Colman, on the same writing wavelength to produce a delightful, techno-touched radio romp.

The band continues to benefit from frequent collaborator Steve Taylor, who clearly hasn't lost his co-writing edge throughout several cuts of quirkiness and quality, inluding the jarring "The Mission." He also helps the guys stay focused on their reflective side with "In Wonder," clearly tipped towards concregational appeal. The same can be said of the praise pumped "I Am Free" (a fellow live favorite that's also been made famous by Michael W. Smith) characterized by rippling beats and electronic nuances.

Like excellent recent albums by Jars of Clay and Skillet, newsboys have found renewed relevance with Go while successfully paying tribute to the past. Though there's derivative hint of the band's classic song "Breakfast" via "Secret Kingdom," the remainder of the project moves in a progressive direction sure to score mounds of singles. In doing so, the group achieves the rare distinction of having a cross generational impact, maintaining its old school die-hards, while giving the younger crew something substantial to sink their teeth into.

--Andy Argyrakis ««