The Newsboys (a New beginning Review)

Tait and the Newsboys
A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band





More than a few Christian music fans were surprised when in March the Newsboys announced on their website that longtime front man Peter Furler would be replaced by former DC Talk vocalist Michael Tait. The responses from fans have been mixed at best.
The End of a Christian Music Era

Many lament the loss of one of the most iconic voices in Christian music. Others express guarded optimism noting the amazing musicianship and vocal prowess of Michael Tait. One thing that is not in dispute: while many singers could not hope to match the range or power of Peter Furler, Michael definitely can.

While this represents a very clear shift for the Newsboys, it is not as dramatic as some may think. Even though Furler is stepping aside as the lead singer, he has stated he will still be involved in both the writing and production of the Newsboys future albums. He has also stated he will make several guest appearances with the band on the road this year and it is safe to assume that may continue for a couple of more seasons.

The band has also not specifically said who will be the lead singer on future recordings. On their latest album it was Peter Furler though that will most likely change to Tait for subsequent albums.
A Common Course in Christian Rock

Newsboys has existed as a band for over 20 years with more albums sold, awards, and sold out concerts than almost any other band in the history of contemporary Christian music. The real question is how will this impact their future.

Read more at Suite101: Tait and the Newsboys: A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band http://christian-rock-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/tait_and_the_newsboys#ixzz0onm6axHD





The Christian music industry has seen many previous groups go through similar changes with varying levels of success including Petra, The Paul Colman Trio, Plus One, and DC Talk. Each group’s journey was different, but each of them ended up taking a significantly new direction in terms of their music. It would be safe to assume the same for the Newsboys.
Tait's Influence on Newsboys Songs

The continued involvement of Furler on the recording end is an excellent sign. One of the elements that made the Newsboys so popular were quirky, yet sincere lyrics that created a type of poetry in their songs that set them apart from other bands. That should continue with Furler still a part of the writing process. Likewise the trademark sound shouldn’t change much either as both the band members and the label aren’t changing.

It is difficult to say how Michael Tait’s presence will influence the writing and production direction of future albums. He is an excellent writer and well versed in the production side of the recording industry. If he is meant only as a substitute for Furler on tour, then the style shouldn’t change much. But if he adds his assists in writing and production then it is anyone’s guess what the final product will be.
The Future for Both the Newsboys and Tait

It is still much too early to draw conclusions on the future of the Newsboys. But one thing is sure: the Newsboys have been one of the most enduring Christian rock bands of all time. They have outlived dozens of other groups and flourished in countless musical fads and phases. It would not be surprising if they last another twenty years with Michael Tait at the helm.

Read more at Suite101: Tait and the Newsboys: A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band http://christian-rock-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/tait_and_the_newsboys#ixzz0onm6axHD





“Born Again” Single Goes To Number 1 At Radio!

by admin on May.13, 2010, under News

May 13, 2010 - Nashville, TN - “Born Again,” the first single to debut from newsboys’ upcoming brand new CD of the same name, has reached No. 1 at CHR radio! The full CD, Born Again, hits the streets July 13th, courtesy of Inpop Records.

“What a way to start my new position at Inpop!” exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. “I’m so excited for the band and can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear the record that I’m hearing. The song ‘Born Again’ is a solid indication of the amazing, fresh music from newsboys.”

This No. 1 hit song, which is also climbing up the AC charts, is popular with not only the fans but is a huge hit with radio stations as well. Here are just a few comments that have come in from promoters:

“The new newsboys song ‘Born Again’ with new lead singer Michael Tait has completely been embraced by our listeners here in eastern Iowa. After so many years of breaking new musical ground, it was hard to imagine that they could do it again; but with this song, newsboys have proven that anyone can truly be ‘Born Again.’”
- Gator J. Gaynor, MD, KXGM/Cedar Rapids

“The BIG band is back! BIG message. BIG vocals. BIG production. BIG decision. ‘Born Again’ claims the top spot! Way to go guys!”
- Noonie Fugler, PD, KLFF/San Luis Obispo

“‘Born Again’ takes newsboys to the next level and our listeners are loving it!”
- Johnathan Michaels, MD, WJLZ/Va. Beach-Norfolk, VA

“Born Again is more than just another title of a newsboys record -it is every believers’ profession of their faith in God our Maker,” proclaims Michael Tait. “Not very often do artists get to connect with their listeners on such a wide-scaled demographic as this song has thus far. The newsboys are incredibly passionate about creating music for the masses, it’s a brand new day for us and we are armed and ready. ‘Born Again’ says it all; it’s round 2 for the Boys; all aboard!”


THE LAST CD- THE HANDS OF GOD


Adult Contemporary
newsboys
Inpop Records

CBN.com –In the Hands of God is the album newsboys fans have been waiting for, and not just their fans, but everyone who loves rock 'n' roll pushed to its breaking point. The album, described as a return to the classic newsboys sound, is actually a forward-moving proclamation from a band doing what it does best.

To date, newsboys sold over 6 million albums, minted five gold records, charted more than 25 No. 1 radio hits and earned four GRAMMY nominations. In the Hands of God, however, wipes the slate clean with vivid flashbacks to a fresh-faced Australian band struggling to find its place. By retracing its early footsteps, the band captures an urgency and hunger that lights the songs ablaze with internal fire. The album then channels this energy into an unbreakable string of quick-hitting melodies that never seem to fade. It's newsboys laid bare, as seen through the looking glass of God's providence.

"The Way We Roll" starts the journey with loud guitars, slappin' beats and snarling punk vocals that offer a bird's eye view to the indignities suffered as a young band. "No Grave" doesn't let up, using hometown memories to ponder death's defeat as anvil-heavy chords empty into a ferocious bridge. Songs like "Glorious" and "In the Hands of God" take a reflective turn with verses steeped in grateful memories and choruses exploding into worship. "My Friend Jesus" gives the album a humorous twist with images of a caller going mad from waiting on hold, while "This Is Your Life" drops audio ear candy with waves of guitars crashing over electro-pop pulses. And while In the Hands of God opens with a defiant anthem from a band that refused surrender, "RSL 1984" closes the disc with band visionary Peter Furler offering a touching look at his youth beautifully poured out like a diary over piano keys, strings and electric/acoustic guitars.

As is the norm, In the Hands of God continues the lyrical partnership between Furler and music icon Steve Taylor, but the disc added some new names to the production front. Studio wizard Max Hsu (Superchick, tobyMac) – described as "a fantastic sounding board and someone who really understands what fans like best about the band" – made his debut as a newsboys producer, while bassist-keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein joined Furler for the first time as a co-producer. The band also welcomed back longtime guitarist Jody Davis, who left the group in 2003 to care for a daughter with cerebral palsy, rejoining a lineup that still features Duncan Phillips' masterful backbeat.

As already announced on their website, In the Hands of God marks Furler's final album as the band's lead vocalist. His passion is the songwriting and production, and as a band known for its enterprising ingenuity, Furler will now help drive the creative momentum as a new singer takes over the vocal reins for future tours and albums. Of course, the band ignited an immediate buzz when it announced the new vocalist was GRAMMY-winning dc Talk singer Michael Tait.

"In the Hands of God is the perfect album to close this chapter of my life and start afresh with an exciting new role within the band," says Furler, who will still make guest appearances at select live shows. "newsboys have always been an idea first and foremost, not a band or a singer. It's about people pulling together their gifts and talents in a collaboration that makes a difference in people's lives."

newsboys are special in that they've always been about more than the people on stage. For example, Steve Taylor doesn't perform with the band, but he's certainly part of the creative team, and to that extent, Tait is also a longtime member of the newsboys family. With both groups starting in America at the same time, newsboys and dc Talk played over 100 shows together, rode in each other's buses on tour and joined each other on stage. Tait can even be seen singing with the newsboys on their 2002 DVD From The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and naturally he provided background vocals on In the Hands of God.

“newsboys and dc talk have been musical 'cousins,' so to speak, for years, so when the call came, it felt pretty natural to me to step in to fill Peter's shoes,” Tait remarks. “It's a perfect merger that joins the best of both worlds; I feel like I'm helping to carry on the tradition of two legendary bands who helped put Christian music on the map. newsboys and the fans have really welcomed me into this new era of the band, and In The Hands Of God is one of the newsboys’ best albums so far. As I look ahead, I really believe the best is yet to come. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
"Everyone who bought a newsboys album probably bought a dc Talk album as well," remarks Furler, "and once you hear Michael sing the songs and talk about the future, it's undeniable."

And the future's never looked brighter. They've made an album that recaptures the emotional energy of their youth with songs that propel the band into the future. Sure, some might say there are elements of Not Ashamed on steroids or a more personal Adoration, but In the Hands of God is an ensemble of creative sparks that prove that viscerally honest narratives can still be inspired rambunctious fun.

"Most bands do their best work early, but we feel In the Hands of God is as strong as our strongest," declares Furler.




MY THOUGHTS


I am still blown away Peter is not the front man for now as Tait said earlier
everyone who bought a DC Talk Album bought a Newsboys Album i was one of those guys who wasn't a fan of DC Talk although i Respected them as a Christian Band but i thought the two Bands were so much diffrent but those are my thoughts .

I personally think it brings the end of a Era for the Newsboys a New beginning
as for me the title of the new cd is called Born Again maybe that is telling us something but for me i am a fan who is not sure if i will cont to buy the New Newsboys albums time will tell but im grateful for the memories of the past
years of the best music i ever heard in a long time in christian music ..
I think Tait voice is very soulful which does not blend in with the Newsboys
earlier stuff , As i here him sing out the Newsboys songs i find him struggling to get the right lyric but as for a singer he has a great voice but i think he would of been great as a solo Artist . Time will tell as we focus and listen to the sound of the Newsboys new material, May we keep them in our prayers .


WHAT ANOTHER FAN WROTE

Ever since Michael Tait joined Newsboys, there has been much anticipation to hear what the new Newsboys would sound like. That time has come with the Born Again EP which has 5 songs off the upcoming full release of the same title. The EP kicks off with the title track which is boldly named pronouncing not only the status of a Christ follower’s life, but the rebirth of Newsboys themselves. Born Again is a classic pop/rock anthem featuring the unmistakable driving guitar of Jody Davis that dominates the song and never lets up. Tait’s vocals boldly proclaim ‘This is what it is/This is who I am/This is where I finally take my stand/I didn’t want to fall/but I don’t have to crawl/I met the one with two scarred hands/Givin’ Him the best of/Everything that’s left of/The life inside this man.’ “One Shot” is stylistically similar to “Born Again,” and is also forefronted by a raw guitar sound but backs off in the verses and the bridge where keys and synths take over. Davis’ voice harmonize well with Tait and it’s nice to finally hear Jody’s backing vocals prominently for the first time since Love Liberty Disco. Lyrically “One Shot” reminds us that everyone just has ‘one shot/to prove what they’re all about.’ Both “Born Again” and “One Shot” are songs that are clearly Newsboys with their full sound and in-your-face lyrics that beg to be sung along to.

“On Your Knees” and “I’ll Be” are more mid-tempo pop/rock ballads. “On Your Knees” reminds me of classic Newsboys ballads such as “Million Pieces,” “Believe,” or “Beautiful Sound.” While musically it is slightly generic in the verses, Michael Tait’s vocal work carries the song to an amazing bridge where the song really shines and more distinctive sounds come out. “I’ll Be” is a song sung from God to the listener with strong encouragement of ‘You will find me at the point of your breaking/behind all the noise/when your world is darkest I can still see/’cause when there’s nothing left/I’ll be.’ Musically “I’ll Be” is beautiful with prominent string work that is reminiscent of Jeff Frankenstein’s string arrangements on Love Liberty Disco and multiple Newsboys remixes, amazing vocals from Tait, and perfectly placed backing vocals, that unfortunately are Tait’s and not Jody Davis’. Both of these songs feel like they would fit onto an album of Michael Tait’s short-lived band “Tait,” but at the same time are not at all out of place on a Newsboys record.

The weakest song from the Born Again EP is certainly “When the Boys Light Up.” Musically the song is an interesting mix of hip-hop and pop/rock and it somehow works pretty well. It would fit right in on a TobyMac album and it is hard not to want sing along with and bob your head with the beat. The issue with “”Light Up” is in the lyrics. The second verse directly references Tait’s entry into the band and how the ‘boys are back for the second act.’ I have never been a big fan of artists that write songs that are about their own success as “Light Up” does. The song is clear that their success if from God and that the band is only the ‘conduit,’ but it still takes little creativity to write songs like this and listeners do not relate to having the success of a major recording artist. This problem is magnified that Newsboys last two albums have featured songs with similar messages in “Wherever We Go,” and “The Way We Roll.” Also, while some of the lyrics of the song are pretty clever (I suspect Steve Taylor had a hand in them) others fall flat such as ‘up and down like a yo-yo, mama.”

Overall the Born Again EP is an excellent collection of music. The music and production is top notch and offers a good mix of harder in-your-face songs as well as more encouraging pop songs and even some hip-hop thrown in. Lyrically the EP is not quite as strong as it is musically as it at times lacks some creativity, but overall the lyrics are still quite good with both strong proclamations of what it means to be Christians as well as thoughtful and inspiring encouragements. If the rest of Born Again is as good as the songs on the EP, it should be an album that is hard not to select on your digital media player.



THE HANDS OF GOD CD

THE HANDS OF GOD
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in its two decades together. Known for its amazing live performances and groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sell out festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process. Newsboys' fourteenth record, This is the last album with Peter at the helm (at least vocally) and I must say it is one of their best. I've been a Newsboys fan since Hell is for Wimps back in 91, and I just never wanted to bring myself to the fact that one day it would have to end. No, the Newsboys aren't over, but now that Michael Tait is taking over as lead singer, it feels like its over. To me Peter IS the Newsboys. Anyway as for this record its all Peter and its wonderful. The continued collaboration with Steve Taylor shines through again with great lyrics and the production value has never been better. In all a great album that does not disappoint.