from: the formerly christianmusic.about.com
author: Robin Parrish
website: http://christianmusic.about.com
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»» Newsboys
Step Up to the Microphone

I read an interview about a year ago with a couple of the the Newsboys who were just then beginning to put together plans for their next album. Phil Joel said he thought that it was time for the Newsboys to do their Pop album (referring to the album by U2), in that the time was right for them to be kicking on all cylinders, that everything would crystalize now and that this would be the album for them.

And then we got the unbelieveable news that lead vocalist John James was leaving the group. Stepping in for him this go-round are founding member Peter Furler and Joel. Another big surprise came upon reading the liner notes: for the first time in years, a Newsboys album has been crafted without Steve Taylor's presence (although his name appears on a couple of the songs). Furler himself produced this one.

With all these changes, Step Up to the Microphone was bound to be different. But I didn't expect it to be different in the ways that it is. This album represents a big step forward, as well as something of a step back for them. The step back comes from the fact that they've chosen to revert back to their Not Ashamed style of programmed-Euro-rhythms (a very smart move, in my opinion). The big step forward comes from the maturity level being so very high on this one. Everywhere one gets the impression that this is the album that the Newsboys wanted to make, not that they felt obligated to make.

Kicking off with "WooHoo," a memorable melody zooms through intriguing lyrics. Joel's vocals are, surprisingly, extremely enjoyable. At this point I began thinking, "hmm... maybe James' departure wouldn't have such a heavy impact on the group's sound after all...". And I was right. He's definitely absent, and you know it, but it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Furler takes the reigns with the title cut, which is probably the single most enjoyable part of the album. A killer, yet slightly whimsical groove brings back memories of "Upon This Rock" and the like, at least until the incredibly fun chorus kicks in. There's plenty of that trademark Australian attitude in this one. You'll be hearing this one in your sleep.

The already-popular "Entertaining Angels" comes next, once again with Joel at the helm. Another great hook with more intriguing lyrics. How do these guys do this so well? Unfortunately, the album's most engaging moments come in these first three songs, but there's still lots here to enjoy. Like "Believe," "Tuning In," "Truth Be Known," and "The Tide." Personally though, I find myself continually going back to those first three cuts.

The Newsboys have pulled off what I would have thought to be impossible: they topped both Not Ashamed and Take Me to Your Leader, without forgetting the things both of those albums taught them about making music. If you call yourself a Newsboys fan, you must have this one. If you don't, you should definitely reconsider.

Robin's rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

--Robin Parrish ««