1. Escape
2. Born Again
3. Something Beautiful
4. The King Is Coming
5. Your Love Never Fails
6. Here We Stand
7. He Reigns
8. Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
9. Mighty to Save
10. Save Your Life
11. Miracles
12. Jesus Freak
13. God's Not Dead Message
14. God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)
15. Revelation Song
Recorded at two US festivals this summer, Sonshine Festival in Minnesota and Lifest in Wisconsin, 'Live in Concert: God's Not Dead' is the first live Newsboys album since former DC Talk singer Michael Tait took over as lead singer.
Full disclosure here - I have to admit, I'm a big Newsboys fan, and I've been eagerly waiting for this album having absolutely loved the band's last few albums. Live albums aren't everyone's idea of a good time, but personally I've always thought that a decent band is only a decent band if they can perform their songs on stage every... Read More Recorded at two US festivals this summer, Sonshine Festival in Minnesota and Lifest in Wisconsin, 'Live in Concert: God's Not Dead' is the first live Newsboys album since former DC Talk singer Michael Tait took over as lead singer.
Full disclosure here - I have to admit, I'm a big Newsboys fan, and I've been eagerly waiting for this album having absolutely loved the band's last few albums. Live albums aren't everyone's idea of a good time, but personally I've always thought that a decent band is only a decent band if they can perform their songs on stage every bit as good as on CD.
Opening track 'Escape' begins with the sound of the cheering crowd and the distorted words "Don't believe the hype!" It's not long before Tait's distinctive vocals break out with the fast paced guitars and pounding drums starting this live album off in hyperactive fashion. The title track from their 2010 studio album 'Born Again' is Christian rock at its best. "This is what it is, this is who I am, This is where I finally take my stand. I didn't wanna fall but I don't have to crawl, I met the one with two scarred hands". Keeping the frenzied tempo going, this catchy song features some mind blowing riffs and anyone who has witnessed the band performing it live will know just how much energy comes pouring off the stage.
Dipping further into their back catalogue 'Something Beautiful' is from 2006's 'Go' album and originally featured former Newsboys front man Peter Furler on vocals. Singing it for the first time on a Newsboys album, Tait brings all the passion we have come to expect from him. The guitars and keys are hugely impressive, yet slightly bizarrely, as the track ends Tait is heard telling the crowd that they will be featured on the band's new live album - news perhaps for the crowd when it was recorded, but somewhat speaking the obvious to those of us listening to the CD!
'Your Love Never Fails' has to be one of the most popular worship songs of modern times and this live version keeps all the electronic sounds of the group's studio version, but at times the music is lowered to allow the vocals to take on a more defining role as Michael sings "You make all things work together for my good". A stunning song, brilliantly performed by the Newsboys.
Inadvertently letting us into a secret, 'Here We Stand' starts with Michael telling the crowd to look at the screens and sing along to the words... and there we were thinking the crowd new all the words by heart! Perhaps another part of the show that could have been cut from the final mix?
'He Reigns' is probably the Newsboys song that has become most adopted by the Church. Originally recorded for the band's 2003 worship album 'Adoration', this is again a first-time-Tait recording. Well and truly in the 'classic worship anthem' bracket, the band start the song slowly, as the crowd cheers in eager anticipation ahead of that fabulous chorus: "It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns". The sense of worship pouring out of this track is truly incredible.
Covering the Robert Lowry hymn 'Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus', Newsboys solemnly and quietly open the song with the prayerful lyrics, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus". Encouraging the crowd to join in, Michael Tait soon leaves them to sing alone. Keeping the hushed style of worship going, the band's cover of Hillsong's ultimate worship song, 'Mighty To Save', is soon brought to life as the drums and guitars join in. Again the crowd are in fine voice, and we find a lead singer who knows how to give them the space to take over the vocals and is happy to remain quiet while they sing. Refreshing.
'Save Your Life' is a lesser known Newsboys track, having only appeared on the specially expanded 'Born Again: Miracles Edition' album, so its inclusion here is a treat - and what a track it is too. Fast tempo, catchy lyrics, and instantly enjoyable - it feels modern and upbeat. "There's something better I can give, if you surrender you will live. Just gotta taste and see it's good I'd make you see it if I could. It's gonna save your life".
'Miracles' is another track from 'Born Again', and again sees excellent use of electro-synth sounds and frenzied rock guitar loops. I love the rhythm Tait sings with in the pre-chorus, fitting in more words than most of us would manage. 'Jesus Freak' was of course THE song that made Tait's original band, DC Talk, the ground breaking band that they were. Having covered in on the first Newsboys album since he joined the band, Tait and the Newsboys have regularly played it in their shows. Despite being over 17 years old, the song still never fails to excite a crowd - and understandably so. With it's Nirvana style tones and inventive rapping, it's the perfect cross over song and never sounds tired.
Slightly unusually for a music album, included at track thirteen is what can only be described as a mini-sermon. Discussing life, creation and the scientific proof of God's existence, this talk is designed to make the case for penultimate track, 'God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)'. It's one of those songs that you just can't help shouting out the chorus, "My God's not dead He's surely alive. He's living on the inside roaring like a lion".
Final song 'Revelation Song' opens with a loud and steady drum beat as guitars and keyboards merge before fading as the vocals sing the emotional and adoring words. "Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your Name. Jesus, Your Name is Power, Breath, and Living Water. Such a marvellous mystery". This spine tingling performance packs in every emotion you can possibly imagine. Stunning.
If nothing else, this album more than demonstrates what a talented band this is. Musically, every instrument is on the money, every vocal is made to count, and with subtle difference from the studio recordings of these songs it shows how they like to mix things up on stage. So often live albums are so refined and overdubbed that they lose the raw passion of the live performance, but this album retains that edgy feel, bringing a true representation of the Newsboys concert experience.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 4.5 Out of 5 Stars Standout Tracks
Your Love Never Fails
Born Again
He Reigns
Award-winning chart-topping Newsboys have announced plans to extend their popular God's Not Dead Tour to hit 30 further dates this spring. The tour kicks off on 15th February 2013, running through to 12th May. Building 429…
Further details about the forthcoming live album from Newsboys have been revealed. 'Live in Concert: God's Not Dead' will be released on 23rd October 2012 featuring all-new live recordings of some of the band's most popular…
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