They Are Just Restarting
Posted December 30, 2013
By KevinMcNeese_NRT, Staff Reviewer
The hardest working band in Christian music continues its reinvention with Restart, the second full-length album with lead vocalist Michael Tait at the helm. From the opening track, "That's How You Change The World," you get a sense that this is going to be a different album than any Newsboys album before it. Michael's vocals sore quickly, reaching out and grabbing you by your ears while yelling, "pay attention, buddy." Yes sir! This here is serious business, but make no mistake, we're going to sound amazing in the process.
Gone are the tongue-in-cheek lyrics that have defined the group for decades. While musically, the boys have never sounded stronger, lyrically, it's time to make the world around us a better place while bettering ourselves and there's little room for creative puns and crafty lyrics. Instead, we get some new tricks compliments of electronic mastermind Jeff Frankenstein. I think its safe to say that Newsboys have grown out of the gimmicks that made people pay attention in the first place and they have plenty to still stay and encourage us with.
"Love Like I Mean It" and "We Believe" are some of my favorite Newsboys tracks ever. The Deluxe Edition also includes a few drool-inducing tracks with former band mate Kevin Max, and they are as great as you hope they would be. "Man On Fire" is the stronger of the two while "The Living Years" leans on a classic 80s song for its structure.
Need more proof that this isn't just another Newsboys album? Turn on track 6 as Michael Tait sings on top a background of simple synth and piano about his relationship with his now deceased mom on "That Home." It's also an incredibly intimate part of their current tour and a rarity to actually get deep, personal lyrics from a Newsboys track. It's a testament to where Michael Tait can truly take this band on future albums and I hope to see more songs that bridge the gap of relateability on a much more personal level.
Closing Thoughts:
Michael Tait calls this the best album he's been a part of since Jesus Freak. Besides wanting to remind him of Supernatural, I can't say I disagree. This is certainly the best, and most current, Newsboys album I've heard.
Song to Download
"Love Like I Mean It" and "We Believe"
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