1. The Way We Roll
2. No Grave
3. This Is Your Life
4. Glorious
5. In The Hands Of God
6. The Upside
7. My Friend Jesus
8. Lead Me To The Cross
9. Dance
10. Rsl 1984
I have a confession - I've never heard Newsboys, I mean I have heard the name kicked around but I have never heard their music. Really I only figured out how big they were until I saw the news that front man Peter Furler was leaving the band spread across the internet like wild fire. So when I was asked to review this album it sounded like the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, a mantle of Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success... Read More I have a confession - I've never heard Newsboys, I mean I have heard the name kicked around but I have never heard their music. Really I only figured out how big they were until I saw the news that front man Peter Furler was leaving the band spread across the internet like wild fire. So when I was asked to review this album it sounded like the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, a mantle of 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, 'In The Hands Of God' boasts the classic newsboys pop-rock sound that has made the band's music legendary among Christian music fans. 'In The Hands Of God' features 10 hit songs, including "No Grave," "My Friend Jesus" and "Glorious,"
Furler, who will be replaced by Michal Tait, says he will still be involved in the bands songwriting which, I guess, should aid consistency of the bands sound. And what a sound; from the opening beats of The Way We Roll you are transported to a world with a better melody, and isn't that what music should be about.
The album is feel good rock from start to finish. I have heard that the band are huge in the touring world and I can understand why - this album is begging for a stage in front of a sell out crowd. While the lyrics may not be deep or soulful in places the beat never stops. Even mellowed Lead Me To The Cross has an epic feel to it which pleads for deliverance.
This Is Your Life rocks to wisdom which sounds like it came straight from the mouth of good old Rev Run (Run DMC) but sold with more melody. The opening track tells of the bands journey over the past 22 years, which begs the question was it written knowing that Furler's touring days were coming to an end? The guitars rock on regardless and the bass line is begging for some killer stage lighting effects. In The Hands Of God lacks some of the rocking feel of other tracks but still delivers in every other sense.
This will also be the last studio album that will feature lead vocals from Peter Furler, who will be taking a back seat in the band. Michael Tait (dcTalk) will replace Peter in future singing lead vocals. This has to be the perfect send off for the great frontman.
Review by Suzanne Physick
Rating 4 out of 5 Stars Stand Out Tracks
The Way We Roll
In The Hands of God
Lead Me To The Cross
