The GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band newsboys has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold albums and 26 #1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Now, newsboys are more eager than ever to release their 15th studio project, BORN AGAIN, on July 13th courtesy of Inpop records.
When longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (keys) and Duncan Phillips (drums) welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of Michael Tait (of the platinum-selling trio dc Talk) to the band in 2009, newsboys and their fans began to relish the positives and possibilities of this brand new start. Tait immediately, and easily, became part of the unique and tight newsboys unit. With headlining gigs across the U.S. and Canada along with a brand new stage show, the band is embarking on a momentous year with BORN AGAIN, a project chock full of fresh and innovative tunes. With songs penned by The Write Bros* (who also produced the project), newsboys, Mark Stuart, Steve Taylor and more, BORN AGAIN lives out its title with songs such as “When The Boys Light Up” and "Way Beyond Myself," as well as a new recording of "Jesus Freak" featuring KJ-52.
The project has already garnered its first No. 1 radio single with "Born Again," which is also one of the top-selling songs on iTunes' Singles chart. “Born Again” is also the project’s first music video and the perfect match to share footage of newsboys building houses in Mexico’s poverty stricken Baja Peninsula. The video, which can be viewed on the homepage of www.newsboys.com, has been seen by thousands thanks to its airing during the band’s past shows and is already impacting concertgoers on how they can do something for those less fortunate. For years now the band has been serving the people of this Third World setting by constructing hundreds of homes, and plans are set for more than 2,000 fans to join newsboys this summer for ministry efforts.
Newsboys- Born Again| Posted February 07, 2011
After losing thier lead singer, the Newsboys almost immediatly put out a new album. Which surpassed all my expectations. At least 50% of the songs on the disk I would consider 4-5 star rated songs. Such as "One Shot", Born Again, and "On Your knees".
I would HIGHLY recommend buying this album!!
Amazing!!| Posted January 26, 2011
It's kinda hard to write a review for this album because it's so good. This is the first Newsboys album I have heard...I think the best songs on it are One Shot, Way Beyond Myself and Escape. Can't wait to see what there next album is like!!
Let's Not Get Out of Hand....| Posted December 22, 2010
Okay, I like the newsboys a whole lot. I have every album but two of their first ones, and I've been listening to them since 1997, which is over half my life. I have purchased all of the CDs in CD form (no downloads for me!), bought remixes, and been to several concerts. I'm not saying this to brag, but rather to give you a little background so that you know this is coming more from a big newsboys fan rather than just a Christian music buff.
Now, to the review. This is a GOOD album, yes. There are a lot of things on here to get excited about. "Born Again" is a very cool song that gets you pumped up every time you sing it. "Way Beyond Myself", my personal favorite track, is a good dance song reminiscent of "Something Beautiful". "When the Boys Light Up" is a good reminder of old newsboys with that same feel and funk. A few other songs on here are worth a listen, with the "Mighty to Save" and "Jesus Freak" versions rounding it up well.
Okay, so that's all well and good, so why only 4 stars? Well, it's because a lot of the other tracks on here are very forgettable. "One Shot", "Escape", "Miracles", and a few others are kinda fun, but after a few listens, I just never really got the desire to go back to them. The covers of the songs are good, but not great. The biggest disappointment is the exclusion of "I'll Be" from the standard CD, as it is very good and shouldn't be something we have to pay an extra $1.29 on iTunes for after we've already bought the album. That suggests to me a desire for more money, which I don't attribute to the newsboys, but somebody along the way made the decision.
Yes, it's different. Yes, I can't look at it the same as a Peter Furler newsboys. It's basically a different band and that's part of the review. If you're thinking it's the same thing, you'll be disappointed. However, if you're a Christian music fan, you'll like this. I like it. It's worth buying. But do not say this is the best newsboys album yet, because Go is way better. So is Step Up to the Microphone. And Take Me to Your Leader. This is good, but let's not get too crazy. :)
!!| Posted December 22, 2010
This cd is, in a lot of ways, totally different... but the song still has a strong message while being GREAT musically!!! Would definitely recommend for anyone who is or has been a fan!!!
Different Style, Better Music| Posted July 28, 2010
Having slowly lost interest in the Newsboys since Stepping Up to the Microphone, I had my doubts with Peter Fuller leaving the band and Michael Tate stepping into the lead role. I have his first solo-album but I was not fully impressed with his stuff. Plus I didn't think he would mix well with more of a Newsboys style.
However, this album is definitely worth the price with solid tracks cover-to-cover (hard to find albums these days like that). There rendition of Jesus Freak is true to form and hopefully will bring that song into the forefront of everyone's mind again. The album has a DC Talk rock kind of feel which is great. I think it helped the band by going outside to other writers for the music this time.
One of the best| Posted July 28, 2010
Newsboys return on this album with a new look. Last year, the band’s Aussie lead singer Peter Furler retired from the job, leaving the door open for former DC Talk member, Michael Tait. Tait comes into this album providing the Newsboys with not only a new voice, but a new sound as well. Born Again was definetley an appropriate title for the album. Two super groups have combined, but does this connection produce a super album?
This is clearly not the same Newsboys as we saw on their previous albums. This album is still a traditional Newsboys pop/rock album with a lot of possible radio hits, but one thing that is clearly noticeable is that the DC Talk influence brought in from Michael Tait has made their sound a lot heavier than other albums. Newsboys has explored a whole new world of sound on this album.
Alright now let’s talk about the songs. Right from the start, Born Again hits you in the face with an explosive beginning in the title track, Born Again. This is my favourite and arguably the stand out on the album. This song is a call to take action in this world to believers of Jesus. The song is also obviously about being Born Again as Christians but it is also about the Newsboys being born again as a band. It says that because Jesus has saved us from our sins, we need to give him our best. As Christians we all need to be “born again” in Christ and celebrate what God means to us. This is the stand out song on the album and I recommend you check it out.
Another song that I found myself enjoying was Track 8, called “Miracles”. This song is all about believing in miracles and faith and that if you believe you will receive. This is another one of Newsboys’ heavier rock songs that Tait has influenced and it’s a great song. “Miracles” along with Track 7 “Escape” are the highlights of the middle section of the album.
Newsboys aren’t all just edgy rock songs. They also have a few softer, reflective songs to keep the balance. These songs include Track 6, “Build Us Back”, Track 9 “Running To You” and Track 10 “On Your Knees”. My favourite out of the softer songs is “On Your Knees”. This song quotes that when you lose hope, your heart is breaking and your dreams are out of reach all you have to do is get back on your knees again and pray. This song is the perfect conclusion to what is an extraordinary first 10 songs.
I say first 10 songs because there was a actually a part of this album that I was disappointed in, There are actually 12 songs on this album and I was disappointed with the last two songs. Newsboys do another cover of a worship song in “Mighty To Save” and also do a cover of a DC Talk hit, “Jesus Freak”. First let’s talk about “Mighty To Save”. This is one of my favourite worship songs and Newsboys does an excellent cover of it, but it just seemed unnecessary to put it in the track listing when another original song such as “I’ll Be” could’ve gone there. I don’t know, maybe Newsboys were trying to continue the tradition of putting a worship song on their albums, just like they put “Lead Me To The Cross” on In The Hands Of God.
The other song I was disappointed in was the DC Talk cover of “Jesus Freak”. It was obviously Michael Tait’s idea to do that and I love the song. But one thing that I don’t like about it is the rapping of KJ-52. I just don’t think he can compare to the rapping of tobyMac on the original version.
Leaving the ending aside, Newsboys’ “Born Again” is an excellent album. However, it may have been the biggest release in their history but I still don’t think it was as good as In The Hands Of God. With tonight’s review I’m going to give it a 3.5/5. But don’t panic you die hard Newsboys/ DC Talk fans that is not a bad score. Born Again had a weak ending, it wasn’t as good as other albums and their were also some other weak tracks that didn’t hit the mark. Other than that this is one of the hottest releases of 2010 , 2nd to “Tonight” by tobyMac. I think this is a must have album for this year and I definetley recommend you get it because it’s awesome.
Amazing cd!| Posted December 07, 2010
In March of 2009, Peter Furler announced to everyone that he was officially leaving the Newsboys to spend more time with family and God. He also announced that Michael Tait, formerly from DC Talk, would be taking over as lead singer for the Newsboys.
Later in that year, Michael Tait and the Newsboys announced that they were working on a new album with Tait as lead singer. Everyone waited to see how the album would turn out. I myself did not think I would like it. Newsboys is my favorite band, but nevertheless, I did not know what to expect from Tait.
Well, on July 13, 2010, the long awaited Newsboys album was finally released. This may have even been the most highly awaited album in all Christian music for this year. After hearing the title track “Born Again” earlier back in January, I changed my mind and decided to buy the album and take my chances! It was a great buy! Born Again is full of upbeat hits that any music lover is sure to enjoy!
Born Again begins with the title track “Born Again”. This song is already a favorite on all Christian radio stations and has hit the top of the charts everywhere. I really liked this song as the meaning is obvious and such a good one! One line goes, "Giving Him the best of everything that's left of the life inside this man. I've been born again!" That sums up most of what the song is about.
The next hit off the record comes right after “One Shot” and is track three, “Way Beyond Myself.” This song has a bit more DC Talk sound added to it than the other tracks do. I really enjoyed it, especially with the addition of some female background vocals during the bridge and final chorus. After listening to this track once, I haven't been able to get it out of my head!
“When The Boys Light Up” kicks up the speed after the much slower song “Impossible.” This is a great, catchy song. The lyrics are full of funny clichés, but the song stands strong! This is another favorite that people are sure to enjoy.
Newsboys are known for the worship songs they always include in their albums. Born Again has two songs that fit the genre. First, at track six is “Build Us Back”. This is a song not written by the Newsboys, but they do a great job on it. The tune is very pleasant and Tait's voice, in my opinion, is perfect for the song. The chorus lyrics are "When the thief takes, when our hopes cave, You build us back. You build us back. When the earth shakes, when the world breaks, You build us back. You build us back.” As you can see, the song sends out a great message.
After the catchy and rapid song “Escape” comes the second biggest hit on the album, “Miracles”. The song meaning is simple, as Tait sings about believing in miracles. The bridge has a strong message when Tait sings, "There’s something that’s missing if we can’t recognize that our own existence is the miracle before our eyes."
After two slower songs, “Running to You” and “On Your Knees”, Newsboys begin to close the album with my favorite worship song, “Mighty to Save”! In my opinion, this is a perfect choice by Newsboys for a worship song. Their version of the song has become one of my favorite versions I have ever heard!
Finally, Newsboys surprises everyone with the final song, “Jesus Freak”! It features KJ-52 in place of tobyMac for the rapping and finishes off the album on an upbeat note!
Born Again turned out to be much better than I ever expected it to be! I have to admit, I expected a big turn of genre, but Michael Tait succeeds in keeping the Pop Rock sound as well as adding his own style into it. When these two genres mix together, they make the current Newsboys style which is shown to be amazing through this album Born Again! However the song “Impossible” seems like it could have been made better and Jesus Freak, of course, can never be the same without tobyMac. Still, Born Again is a strong hit with great pop rock songs and perfect choices of worships songs.
This is not the Newsboys!| Posted July 16, 2010
This is the best the Newsboys have ever been ... its like they have truly been born again. New sound, new vibe, new look ... wow, they are edgy. Its a good thing :)
Going Public with the Jesus Freak| Posted July 13, 2010
It is a law of nature that if a being does not adapt to the conditions around it, death is inevitable. The same can be said in the music industry. While constant tinkering with musical styles is not a prelude to success, most successful bands embrace elements of various musical fads as necessary to remain in the forefront, and discard them when they become obsolete. A band to tightly tied to a passing fad usually dies with the fad. In the CCM world, the most glaring example of successful adaptation is Petra, which in its original lifespan of 1972-2005 embraced everything from rockabilly, bluegrass, pop, electronica, and even hard rock, and now in 2010, after a five year hiatus, will return to its most beloved lineup of Bob Hartman, Greg X. Volz, Louie Weaver, and John Slick and Mark Kelly as Classic Petra.
Born Again, the Latest release by The Newsboys, is notice that they have no intention of passing away any time soon. It is a 12 song transformation.
Born Again
One Shot
Way Beyond Myself
Impossible
When The Boys Light Up
Build Us Back
Escape
Miracles
Running to You
On Your Knees
Mighty to Save
Jesus Freak
The first studio release since the ascension of former DC Talk frontman Michael Tait to lead vocalist, most astute listeners will say that the Newsboys now sound like Tait or DC Talk. IMHO this is not a bad thing. The DC Talk vibe most clearly exists on the title track and When the Boys Light Up. Classic Newsboys songs are Miracles and the two worship cuts Build us Back and Running to You. They even veer into the techno/dance arena with Way beyond Myself. Far from a disjointed mess, the various styles are expertly blended into a new and improved Newsboys.
The album closes with two cover songs. A rock version of Hillsong's Mighty to Save is sure to get your blood pumping and (don't tell me you're surprised), a new version of Jesus Freak, with KJ-52 stepping into the Toby Mac role. I think it holds up well to the original.
Newsboys - Born Again| Posted July 13, 2010
So...after all the hype, and worry about whether or not Michael Tait would "ruin" the Newsboys reputation, the first album by the band in the new era has finally been released.
The album itself is good and solid, and the first single "Born Again" has received stellar reception at radio.
Stand-out good tracks are:
Born Again
When The Boys Light Up
Escape
Miracles
The rest are decent, radio friendly tracks that no doubt will be popular singles. The only things that bugs me, is that they had to cover "Mighty To Save"...I kinda thought we had moved past the point of re-hashing that song after Seventh Day Slumber made a mess of it. Then, someone had the idea of throwing "Jesus Freak" into it as well! All the DC Talk fans are going to scream foul since the familiar sounds of Tobymac and Kevin Max are gone and replaced with Canadian rapper Manafest. Good song, but Tait and the 'Boys didn't do enough to make it really unique.
Overall, 4 stars because the Newsboys actually did a good job with Tait at the helm, but I take off a star because the world is tired of artists re-doing the same old Hillsong mega-hits.
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