An air of quiet fell over the entire sanctuary when Peter Furler, the former longtime lead singer of Newsboys, sang the final words of their song "Lost the Plot" at the Orlando show of the Newsboys United tour. With every other song, he was met with thunderous applause from an excited audience, eager for more throwbacks. But this tune, strategically placed by the band into the set, shifted the mood in the room for a somber, reflective five minutes. 

While masterfully written and produced for their album Take Me To Your Leader, "Lost the Plot" is not similar to the uplifting tracks typically heard from this group. This song carries the load of a topic that would make even the strongest believer uncomfortable. 

Furler, with his alluring and mystifying voice, tells the story of someone getting so caught up in the world that they lose sight of God. The instrumentation begins with just a guitar riff and the singer's voice, saying, "When You come back again, would You bring me something from the fridge? Heard a rumor that the end is near. But I just got comfortable here." 

As the song builds, backing instruments are added, and the lyrics become more controversial. By the time the last few verses are reached, the guitars are wailing and the drums are pounding. Furler cries out with all his strength, "Are You still listening? 'Cause we're obviously not. We've forgotten our first love. We have lost the plot. And why are You still calling? You forgave, we forgot. We're such experts at stalling that we lost the plot." He ends the song with the same line he sang at the beginning, leaving listeners reeling from the intensity of the tune and the message conveyed. 
 
I have been passionate about music since I can remember. Many artists have made an impression on me, but only a few have been "life changers." Newsboys was the first artist to do that for me, affecting me emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. 

"Lost the Plot" has always been my favorite track from them, so hearing this life for the first time was an overwhelming experience. What is brilliant about this song is that it is impactful to both seasoned veterans and newer listeners of Newsboys. It is a song meant to convict and focus on the reality of where the world is headed. Whether you've followed them from reading All About It to now, or Love Riot was the first album you ever heard from this group, "Lost The Plot" remains steadfast and relevant. 

I am so thankful the Newsboys United tour is doing so well because I think keeping the legacy of this group alive and burning is vital to the future listeners of Christian music. With a career spanning over two decades, there is something in their discography for every type of listener. 

They have been a chameleon of sorts over the years, adapting their style, sound, and look similar to that of David Bowie during his career. They are the perfect example of what it looks like to maintain authenticity as artists and still be successful. I hope this tour opens the eyes of thousands of people to songs like "Shine," "Take Me To Your Leader," and "Lost the Plot." This band has made some incredible music and will continue to do so for years to come.

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