As In a Mirror

I remember over a year ago, my sister casually told my brother (an avid Newsboys lover) and I that Peter Furler was stepping down as lead singer of the Newsboys and that Michael Tait was replacing him. I remember both of us asking her to repeat what she said, and proceeding to say, “That’s impossible. Tait can’t replace Peter; he’s American, for crying out loud!” We were absolutely convinced that she misread or misheard something. But she just gave us that look that said, “They’ll know soon enough.” This is what my brother thought.

I never cared for dcTalk, but I liked Michael Tait. If you had asked me why, I wouldn’t have known exactly, except that there’s a deep genuineness in Tait’s voice and his songs, rather than “show.” The “show” sound in an artist’s music or voices or lyrics really does “show.” I finally did figure out why, but you’ll have to find that out when you are done reading this post.

When we saw this on Jay’s blog… we still remained in disbelief. Okay, maybe Tait collaborated with the Newsboys or something, but there is no way anyone could take over for Peter. I think one of us even said, “I don’t believe it unless I hear it from Peter himself.” We did. I would recommend that any Newsboys fan please watch the video; it will clarify and set your heart at ease.

So when we heard from further updates on Jay’s Music Blog that a new album was coming out in summer of 2010, we kept our eyes and ears half open for updates on what the New Newsboys would turn out to be. My brother and I together listened to the Born Again EP and afterward evaluated it. I was won to the song “Born Again” right away, but altogether I didn’t feel ready to accept it as replacing the traditional Newsboys sound. The songs had a urban style, even hinting toward reggae; it sounded like the “dcBoys,” and we had LOVED the traditional disco sound with Peter’s unique voice and songwriting style.

Yet I thought about the great decision Peter had made; his decision to step down from the microphone was obviously well-sought-ought. He said himself it was not an emotional decision, it was not related to spiritual or moral breakdown, it was just a deep conviction that after 22 years it was time to step down. He sought God’s counsel first, then the counsel from his church, family, and friends. So I thought, “If this is Peter’s conviction between him and God that it is time, I am not one to complain. I will certainly miss him, and even if the new Newsboys doesn’t sound like the old, it will still be good, because God’s in this, and we will still have the old records.”

When we found out later that the Newsboys were offering a discounted price along with five free downloads for those who pre-ordered their Born Again album (again through Jay’s Music Blog), my brother decided he was game.

The CD actually didn’t arrive until almost two weeks after it’s release date, but I have a suspicion the postal service was at fault. We popped it in the player at long last. Hence my review:

Some have probably wondered if it was worth it for the band to offer five songs before the release of their album because it would have the same songs. Personally, here’s what I think: I do believe it was a wise and generous decision. First, people were unsure about the change in the band, so the Preview gave us an opportunity to check it out before going full-fledged (and without having to wait!). The lower price also seemed to be definitely fair enough. Also, one of the songs (I’ll Be) is included only on the Deluxe Digital Edition, so that too seemed fair enough for an old band getting a new start.

As I said, I loved the song “Born Again” right away, and I also loved the music video (me being not a big fan of music videos). It proclaimed a truth not recognized even by some Christians, that we do not “try” to be Christians, but Jesus makes the change inside of us, so that we live for Him with all we have. The lyrics proclaim, “This is who I am!” Amen!

One Shot, included on the EP, is another great upbeat, urban rock-style song. The message, I think, appeals to the younger generation but applies to all Christian: that we are to live realizing that we are the fragrance of Christ to those around us.

It was when I heard the third song, “Way Beyond Myself,” that I said to myself, “All right, now I am ready to accept this as the Newsboys.” DISCO!!!! And Tait’s voice totally carried the song away. I would post it here for you if I could, for real, because as a whole it is awesome–my favorite on the album. “There’s so much more than meets the eye/ Or what’s going on inside/ I believe in something way beyond myself/ Like the wind that moves the leaves/ Lord, you move me to my knees/ I’m giving in to something way beyond myself!”

When the Boys Light Up was a very creative song, especially lyric-wise. It seemed to be talking about the Newsboys themselves, and definitely on the second verse: “all the doubters I heard ‘em say/ Now the band’s gonna fade away/ But the boys are back for a second act/ No excuses/ We’re lightin’ fuses.” The chorus boldly states “When the boys light up, you know/ Who gets the praise, who owns the show/ When the boys light up, it’s on/ That we ain’t stopping til we’re done/ We ain’t nothing but the conduits/ He’s got the ball, He’ll flip the switch/ Leaving the dark behind/ Light up and let it shine!”

Other songs that got my attention were: the Mark Stuart song “Build Us Back,” a prayer coming from the brokenhearted. “Miracles,” a great and rocky song about the miracle of God’s transforming power. “Escape,” reminding us that we have the victory over the devil’s tricks–God always provides a way of escape. “Running to You” is another prayer coming from a broken heart; a confession that God is our strength. The remake of “Mighty to Save” seemed appropriate for the Newsboys– on the last project with Peter, they remade the new worship song, “Lead Me to the Cross.” Both songs are masterpieces!

The final track on the album was… “Jesus Freak.” This also seemed fitting for the album, documenting Tait’s addition to the band. KJ-52 (yes, I still read that as “King James the fifty-second) did the rap lines. Let me say I have never liked rap, and I still don’t. Though I personally didn’t care for this track, I realize it was an appropriate song for the New Newsboys album, and there are probably Tait fans who liked it.

This was certainly an awesome album, one that surpassed my expectations, actually getting me to pleasurably accept the change. The addition of Tait definitely added a change in the sound, but the great Newsboys musical style (gotta love those drums!) has surely been retained. I also have to say that I noticed after listening to it, that Peter’s unique but charming song-writing is very similar to Tait’s; I never noticed until this album! Basic conclusion: the Newsboys sound has changed with Born Again, but not entirely; it sounds not only good, but it still sounds like the Newsboys! I would definitely recommend the album Born Again; its message of God’s work within us is not just relevant, it is unfortunately missing in most Christian music.

I would also like to say one last THANK YOU!!!! to Jay, host of Jay’s Musik Blog for providing us with very helpful updates that ultimately led to this review. We will continue our support of his work.

I would like to add what my Mom said after she heard just a couple songs: “I never really paid attention to Michael Tait’s voice before; I got him confused with TobyMac; but now listening to it, I can hear the love of God, the Holy Spirit, moving in Michael’s voice! It’s really cool!” Great closing statement!