from: cmcentral.com
author: Robin Parrish
website: http://www.cmcentral.com

»» Newsboys
Adoration: The Worship Project

Praise & Worship
Sparrow Records

Release Date: 04/08/03

by Robin Parrish

This one's only a few weeks away (I usually allow at least 6-8 weeks advance for "Scoops" articles), but details have been so scarce about what to expect, that when I finally got my hands on a copy of Newsboys' Adoration, the band's first all-worship project, I though fans might want the 411.

He Reigns
This already-a-radio-hit, a song praising God's greatness, is similar in thematic and musical structure to "It Is You," the song that more or less inspired Adoration. Its trademark Newsboys infectious melody will be stuck in your head for days.

You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Yes, it's the popular worship chorus, and this is a very faithful rendition. If you know the song, you'll instantly recognize it; nothing's been rearranged or changed. Peter and Phil trade-off on the vocals halfway through.

Great Is Your Faithfulness
This is a brand new song, not the hymn. Has a slight World Music feel with cool percussion elements. The song is once again about God's greatness, and how unworthy we are of His faithfulness to us.

Praises (Take My Hands)
Newsboys fans will recognize this song, which was originally released on the group's greatest hits collection, Shine. But this is an entirely new version, completely re-recorded with an organic-yet-danceable flavor.

Adoration
Another song in a similar vein to "It Is You," it's a chorus about simply offering love and worship to God. A children's choir is utilized to good effect.

In Christ Alone
It's the same song recorded recently by Allen Asbury, Geoff Moore & Adrienne Liesching, and others. It's interesting to hear these guys with Australian accents singing this song which has a distinctively Celtic flavor. When compared to the numerous other recorded versions of this song, I'm not sure Newsboys are as successful with it as the others.

Lord (I Don't Know) - Live
Yep, it's just the song from Thrive performed live. Sounds like the version from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

It Is You - Live
Like the last track, it's just a live version of the song from Thrive. No real variation in production or anything; it's just live with audible screaming fans.

Father, Blessed Father
A big anthem, this one has real potential to become a new worship standard in churches. Easily one of the album's best tracks. In a clever twist, it even includes part of the Newsboys hit "Breathe" (from Take Me To Your Leader) at the end.

Hallelujah
Another worship anthem, this one sounds like it would be great for youth groups.

Adoration: The Worship Project arrives in stores on April 8, 2003. I'll have a complete review on that same day. ««