Newsboys

By Debra Akins, contributing writer, gmclife.com

When the news began to circulate last year that longtime Newsboys frontman Peter Furler would be exiting the group, and that his replacement would be none other than former dcTalk vocalist Michael Tait, fans of both bands were shocked and, frankly, didn’t know whether to be thrilled or skeptical. I think they were a little of both, which was probably the only natural reaction to expect. The Newsboys had always been an Aussie-fronted band, and while Michael Tait has always been a top-notch performer, many wondered if his vocals weren’t too closely identified (and permanently cemented) as part of dcTalk’s iconic sound to ever be able to front another high-profile band like the Newsboys.

Now, with the new band’s official album debut, Born Again, fans finally have an opportunity to answer those questions for themselves. And more than likely, those answers will vary. But in my opinion, Tait infuses so much new energy into this group that it doesn’t really matter. There has never been a more fitting title to an album than here. Born Again seems to bring together the best of both worlds, combining the strengths that the Newsboys always had – straightforward evangelical lyrics set to fun, quirky, fun, energetic, pop-rock hooks – with Tait’s fiery enthusiasm, showmanship and incredible vocal range. The combination just simply works for this band at this particular time and place.

Tait’s vocal range and style does allow the Newsboys to explore musical avenues they haven’t quite ventured down before, such as on the album’s title track as well as other strong cuts like “Way Beyond Myself” and “Escape.” And yet the album still maintains the elements of that classic Newsboys sound that die-hard fans should still love.

Born Again is a strong introduction for this new incarnation of one of Christian music’s most successful groups. You’ll be hard-pressed not to feel the new energy here. And yet, it still leaves room for more growth and synergy as these musicians simmer together for a little while. I’m already anxious to hear what bigger and better sounds we’re going to get on the next project.

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