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 December 28, 2010
Genesis, Van Halen, newsboys. They all did it. Many legendary acts have introduced a new lead singer amidst their career without missing a beat. So when newsboys announced that dc Talk vocalist Michael Tait would take over for exiting front man Peter Furler?after a natural period of surprise?the band and its fans alike began to relish the positives and possibilities of this fresh start. Some have forgotten that newsboys already changed lead vocalists from original singer John James after Take Me To Your Leader to Peter Furler starting with Step Up To The Microphone. This new album opens with ?Born Again,? the amazing title track which reflects how newsboys became a band completely renewed. ?We?ve all believed in lies at some point. I had some prodigal years in the past,? says Michael Tait. ?But I hope the song encourages others to make the same decision I did: ?I?m giving Him the best of everything that?s left of the life inside this man / I?ve been born again.? Crowd-rallying ?One Shot? is where Michael?s childhood dreams ("All I wanted was to do the rock thing") meet the newfound joys of being center stage with newsboys, helping spread their kingdom cause even further ("We say there?s one way / when push comes to shove we?re gonna sing of His love").
The musical hooks and Michael?s stellar vocals have raised the bar on what to expect from newsboys. From someone who has collected their entire catalog, this is without a doubt their best album in my opinion. My top 3 albums by newsboys are Born Again (2010), Go (2006), and Going Public (1994). ?When The Boys Light Up? is destined to be the album?s most celebrated track. A biographical anthem of reignited belief and purpose penned with longtime newsboys collaborator Steve Taylor, it puts every transitional issue anyone might raise to rest. ?I was feeling all overcome / Had a faith gone dim and then some / Got a call from a band of brothers . . . / All the doubters I heard them say ?now the band?s gonna fade away? / But the ?boys are back for a second act / No excuses. We?re lighting fuses.? ?Running to You? emphasize the change that must occur in a relationship with God: ?More than just emotion, my broken heart has chosen / Jesus, I?m running to You.?
What worked for both Go and Going Public is in full effect on Born Again which is that this is a complete album with no filler songs. ?Be Still? is an amazing album track from Going Public and ?The Mission? is an example from Go. As great as the ?hits? are from Born Again, the songs ?Impossible,? ?Build Us Back? and ?On Your Knees? are stand-out album tracks that really complete this album in my opinion. The themes are all relatable and I keep coming back to the album tracks which are rich both lyrically and vocally. As if the 10 new songs aren?t enough to make this a stand-out album, Born Again also includes 2 surprises at the end, ?Mighty To Save? and ?Jesus Freak.? As arguably the most influential songs of the 1990?s (?Jesus Freak?) and the 2000?s (?Mighty To Save?), what a great way to cap off this excellent album.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Born Again is the HOTTEST album of the year! In comparing top albums this year from former dcTalk members Michael Tait versus TobyMac, advantage Tait and newsboys. If you are looking for musical hooks and lyrics that are not ashamed of the Gospel, you need to get Born Again, hands-down the best album ever by this legendary band. Newsboys already have over 20 #1 hit songs. I expect a few more #1 hit songs from this incredible album, one of my top 5 albums of 2010. ?Born Again,? ?One Shot,? ?Impossible,? ?Build Us Back? and ?On Your Knees? are among my favorite songs ever by this incredible band.
#1 Album Of 2010| Posted December 21, 2010
Christian music, for the most part, lives controversy free. There are few announcements that stir up instant and heated reaction in our community, but in March of 2009, Christian music fans were stunned to learn that Peter Furler of the Newsboys was stepping down as frontman and was being replaced by Michael Tait, formally of dc talk. The news set off a firestorm of conversation and left the band's hope of dominating Christian music up in the air. Thankfully, the boys not only conquered the difficulties of replacing an iconic lead singer, but have rode the challenge to yet another career high album. Despite my low expectations, Born Again quickly replaced 2006's Go as my all time favorite Newsboys release, and if you've followed my Top 10 throughout the years, you'll know this is my second time placing Newsboys at the top. I'm not a rabid fan boy, I just like great music, and Born Again has some of the best you'll hear all year.
From the infectious first single and title track to the instant crowd pleasers "When The Boys Light Up," "Escape" and "Miracles" to the deeper cuts on the album like "Build Us Back" (an incredibly moving ballad) and "Impossible" (one of the best songs from the 12 cuts, if not the entire year), Born Again never fails to disappoint. Even the final two tracks on the album are enjoyable, although, I'd argue unnecessary. "Mighty To Save" continues the group's latest trend of remaking popular worship songs but adds little to the arrangement, and the way-to-obvious inclusion of a remake of "Jesus Freak" is a fun fan nod-and-wink acknowledging that two of Christian music's most iconic groups have merged together.
The fact that the band quickly overcame the challenges of switching gears while in full force (they remain once of the most active touring bands in Christian music, and their new live show with Tait is stellar), integrating seamlessly a powerhouse vocalist and personality in Michael Tait with grace, style and substance and putting together a career album that rarely, if ever, misfires, is simply incredible. For that, they deserve to be right where they are. On top.
5 Stars Isn’t Enough…| Posted July 06, 2010
When Newsboys announced the departure of longtime band member and lead vocalist Peter Furler, no need to say just how shocked fans were, but not nearly as shocked as they were when they announced who would be ?stepping up to the microphone? this time around? none other than dc Talk-er himself, Michael Tait. The initial response from Christian music was welcomed, yet fans weren?t so sure, even going as far saying that the band should have just called it quits --the boys weren?t going for it.
Everyone who has ever had the privilege of sharing the stage as a Newsboy has left their mark on the band. From the spirited John James, savvy Paul Coleman,. and quirky Phil Joel, each member of the group has left their imprint on the band, and in his last year and a half as Newsboys front man, Tait is no exception. Not only have fans been pleasantly surprised by the fresh sound, but I think everyone else was somewhat blown away by what the ?new Newsboys? could accomplish together. This being proven in their first album back since Furler?s departure, the aptly named ?Born Again?.
Your going to hear right away that this album has a heavier vibe than any of their pervious material (think more along the lines of ?No Grave? from their 2009 release, ?In The Hands Of God?), obvious by songs such as the solid title track and ?One Shot?, one of the hookiest songs on the entire album. ?When The Boys Light Up? will no doubt become a beloved fan favorite for this group of guys, sharing the story of Michael?s invitation to join the band, with the classic whimsical Newsboys lyrics everyone has come to love so much.
As fun as these guys lyrics can be at times, they also know when it?s time to get down to business, this being one of their most lyrically deep albums together. ?On Your Knees? covers the topic of a prodigal returning to their faith, while ?I?ll Be? is a reminder to the listener that even when the whole world has forsaken you, God hasn?t and He never will. ?Build Us Back? will remain one of the memorable tracks on this album for me, the perfect anthem for anyone in the middle of a storm, sharing the hopeful message of restoration and unfailing love.
Other highlights on this album include the upbeat and witty ?Miracles? (one that is sure to become a favorite to hear live), and ?Escape?, co-written by longtime Newsboys songwriter, Steve Taylor. ?Born Again? comes to a close with their powerful rendition of renown worship track ?Mighty To Save?, and, to the surprise of Newsboys and dc Talk fans alike, a remake of 1995?s ?Jesus Freak? with KJ-52 on the rap end. As a HUGE dc Talk fan, and someone who thinks ?Jesus Freak will always remain untouchable, I am giving the band some serious credit? they nailed it flawlessly and I am VERY impressed. It?s a fun way to end an amazing album, and no doubt 90?s Christian music fans will enjoy the new mix.
I had high expectations for ?Born Again?, and they were all met, if not surpassed. Michael Tait has certainly left his stamp on the group, and they will defiantly not be the same after this album. This is by FAR one of my favorites of 2010, and catalog wise, it ranks up there with the likes of instant classics such as ?Going Public? (?94), ?Take Me To Your Leader? (?96) and ?Go? (?06). 5 starts just isn?t enough for this smashing album, more like a well deserved 10.
Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Michael have proven to the ?doubters? that the Newsboys have still got it. Longtime fan or not, give this album a shot? your in for a treat.
Pretty Good| Posted February 08, 2012
This album is pretty amazing! The only thing I don't like is that they took music from the group "The Cast and Crew" and used it as their song "Escape". But it's still pretty good. I love their version of Jesus Freak
Love it| Posted November 08, 2011
I really love this cd. love their style of music and their songs have great meaning to them. And I especially love their songs born again, escape, and When the boys light up. Get the album, you won't regret it!
4.5/5| Posted August 29, 2011
Born Again couldn't be a more appropriate title for the latest Newsboys album. With longtime member Peter Furler leaving the band, Michael Tait steps in and delievers a fresh boost of energy to a band that, I felt, was growing stale. With many great songs like "Born Again," "Way Beyond Myself," and "Escape," the Newsboys feel as relevant as they were many years ago. I can't wait to hear more in the future.
Born Again| Posted March 31, 2011
This is probably their best album!!! And they have had plenty of albums. The songs "Born Again" and "One Shot" really get me going. Awesome band, 10/10
Newsboys are #1| Posted March 31, 2011
There are several christian rock bands that have been contenders for being my favorite since I heard of them and purchased their albums on CD back in the 90s when I was in high school. Newsboys was one, dcTalk was another. When Mike Tait (1of 3 members of dcTalk) joined the Newsboys as their front man, there was no contest any longer. Newsboys are in a solid first place. Since I didn't get their album from iTunes (I still prefer to have CDs when I purchase entire albums), I haven't heard the songs "We Remember" or "Give Me to You" and I have only heard "Glorious" a few times (I forget whether it was at concerts or on the radio). I've got "I'll Be" from the EP disc and was sad it didn't make it to the released album. I have listened to the songs over and over and I can't help but sing along with them most of the time when I'm listening to them.
great album| Posted March 29, 2011
mighty to save and build us back are probably two of the best songs on this album. on your knees is really good too.
Love Love Love This Cd| Posted March 20, 2011
I love born again the up lifting message and the tight beats will keep you going for days not to mention dancing is a side effect you can't help but dance when you hear when the boys light up, and be encouraged by running to you and remember all the goodtimes with Jesus Freak
great album| Posted March 19, 2011
this was tait's first album with the newsboys and i was a little hesitant. i decided to prebuy this cd and i immediately fell in love with it.
BEYONDDDD AMAZING. Like, BEYOND.| Posted March 09, 2011
This album deserves WAY more then just 5 stars. 5,000,000 perhaps? I'd say so. This album is AMAZINGGGGGGGG. Enough said.
Newsboys| Posted March 02, 2011
I love the album Born Again...the songs are so encouraging and thought provoking. I love how the Newsboys boldly proclaim the Truth of the Gospel in every song from beginning to end. This album is changing lives all over the place and encouraging believers to take a stand and be bold in sharing their faith with their non-believing friends. Lives have been impacted for eternity because of the bold lyrics. I love how with the "Born Again" music video you see the Newsboys putting feet to their faith and you see their heart for missions.
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