Review: Newsboys...Born Again

In 1989, I purchased my first Newsboys album just because it had a cool title.  I had never heard of the band before, but with a title like "Hell is for Wimps", how I could I pass it up?  Well....As a collection of songs inspired by hair bands of the day, "Wimps" wasn't that great.  I listened to it a few times and set it in my tape shelf to gather dust.

A few years later, the Newsboys had shed the hair band image and most of the guitars as well.  They picked up a keyboard and took a few lessons from bands like Erasure and Information Society and created their first really good album.  Not Ashamed became one of my favorite albums of all time.

Not Ashamed began a string of big records for the Newsboys that grew their fan base by leaps and bounds.  By the mid 1990's they had become one of the biggest names in Christian music.  Things began to change however and with the departure of the singer John James (you can read is story here), Newsboys began to change their sound to a light hearted pop band with Peter Furler and Phil Joel trading vocals respectively. 

The new millennium found the Newsboys sinking into relative mediocrity with many of their albums.  Yes, they had a few memorable hits such as "It Is You" from their "Adoration" Cd and Million Pieces from Go.  but for the most part their music had become predictable and forgettable.

But, if history is any predictor, one should not count the Newsboys out.  Their new album Born Again has the remaining 'boys joining forces with ex DC Talker Michael Tait.  With Michael's easily recognizable chops and an increase of a more modern guitar driven rock sound, the Newsboys has released their best album in years.

The album starts of with the rocker Born Again and steadily brings song after well crafted song. Some of the highlights include the song One Shot, Impossible, and When the Boys Light Up.  And even thought I am not a big fan of Hillsongs, their rendition of Mighty to Save is admirable (truly Tait's voice that makes it memorable). The last song on the "non-deluxe" version is a remake of the DC Talk classic Jesus Freak.  I couldn't help but wonder who's idea it was to remake this classic.  It is good, but this is one song that was so perfect the first time around, it should not be redone.

If you purchase the "deluxe" version from itunes,  they so graciously add a few more songs.  I highly recommend buying this version.  "We Remember" and "Glorious" are worth the extra four dollars.  They also include the digital booklet and the video to "Born Again".

When all is said and done, my only big problem with the album is the length of most of the songs.  The majority of the songs are less than 4 minutes long and some don't even make to 3 minutes.


If early sales are any indication, this album is striking a nerve for Christian music buyers.  It's first week of sales was more successful than any other first week for the Newsboys. The iconic Michael Tait is a great addition to the iconic band.  If you are looking for great summer music, load your ipod with this well crafted album.

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Of Floods, Hurricanes, and Mercy

I am always surprised at what dominates the headlines. It seems to me that there are things the national media picks up on and dwells on until it so saturates us with the images, that we throw our hands in the air and give up. I don't know if it is intentional or not, but it is just how it happens.

We were shown picture after stunning picture of the human condition after hurricane Katrina. We were shown the same thing after the earthquake that devastated Haiti. But it doesn't seem to be the same way with the floods in Nashville. All of these are tragedies that are incomprehensible. The thousands of people that were stranded in New Orleans and the amount of human death and tragedy that Haiti experienced is unfathomable. But too, Nashville is dealing with devastation, perhaps not on the level of these two other disasters but bad enough. And you can be sure that the God of the universe doesn't care if the national media doesn't deem it important enought to cover every night. You can be sure he doesn't care whether or not they are poor or rich, black or white. He cares about the problems and chaos that have landed in of the lives affected by these kinds of tragedies. Through all of this mercy will prevail...

The Choir has just released this video with some amazing photos of the floods in Nashville. Please watch, and if you can help those in need.

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Nate's Top Ten of the last Ten Years: Music Edition

It's that time of year again, where everybody likes to compile their top ten list. These lists usually comprise items that have affected the writer in on way or another. People like lists. They like to see if what they think should be number 1, is what somebody else agrees with as well. I think more than that, people like to argue when there is no agreement.

This year I am going to write a list of the top "whatever" for the last nine years. some people consider this the end of the decade, while other more technical people believe we have another year left. However you cut it, here's my list.

Nate's Top Ten Album Picks of the Decade

10. Thousand Foot Krutch-Art of Breaking
In Christian music, it is hard to find good rock and roll. Most of it is contrived and frankly, crappy. Most bands try to use too many stale cliches that need to be laid to rest. Enter Thousand Foot Krutch. These gentleman from Toronto Canada started out as a rap-core band back in the late 90's. With the release of their second album, "Phenomenon", they left the Limp Bizkit stuff behind and just became full blown metal. On TFK's third album, "The Art of Breaking", all of the pieces seemed to have come together with a smooth production of readily accessible songs.




9. Delirious? - Glo
Americans were first introduced to this British worship band in the mid 90's. They have recorded worship standards such as I Could Sing of Your Love Forever and Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble. This album, is full of smooth songs that sing of God's love in a fresh way. Disregarding all the comparisons to U2 (although that's not a bad band to be compared with), Delirious has been on the forefront of creative and inspiring worship music for over a decade. They have decided to call it quits and will perform their final concert in Britain. They will be missed.


8. Michael W. Smith-Freedom
Those of us who have been around the Christian music scene for a while, have been screaming for Smitty to do a complete instrumental album. He finally listened to his fans and did just that. This album, albeit a little simplistic, is one of the best instrumental albums done by a Christian artist. It is not contrived, and it isn't full of all the obligatory hymns etc. I have been a big fan of this album since it came out a few years back.


7. TobyMac-Welcome to Diverse City
The Christian music industry was saddened when they heard the news of DC Talk's demise. They knew that the cash register would be a lot more quiet without this trio producing albums. All three of members went on to pursue solo careers. Toby Mac has been the only one to do it with much success. With "Welcome..." he captures a perfect blend of hip-hop, rock, and coolness. Although his wrinkles may be starting to show, there is no doubt that Toby is still the king of coolness in the Christian Music Scene.

6. Daughtry
The first of my non-christian albums on the list comes from an American idle runner up. Chris Daughtry was asked by the band Fuel if he wanted to be their lead singer. He turned them down and created his own group. With first class production, and original songs written by Chris, this album is first rate. It is accessible to young and old with hooks that stick with you after the album stops. It is, in my opinion, the best album made by any AI contestant to date.


5. City on a Hill
I was working at a Christian bookstore when this album was released. I was excited to hear that it was being produced by Deri Daugherty (the Choir) and was looking forward to a top rate album. I became even more stoked when I heard that it would feature people like Mac Powell, Leigh Nash, Dan Haseltine, and the Newsboys. I bought it on the first day of release and stuck it in my cd player on the way home from work. When I heard God of Wonders, I was blown away and knew it would become an instant classic. Beyond that first track, the rest of the album is amazing, filled with soul searching tracks that go beyond simplistic worship.

4. Switchfoot-Beautiful Letdown
Um not much to say hear except simply brilliant. If you don't have it, get it.

3. U2-How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
U2 managed to mix great music, great lyrics, and great songs about faith. This album is amazing. Plus, I get to see these guys in Seattle in June!!!!!!!
!

2. Jars of Clay-Long Fall Back to Earth
Jars has never been one to shy away from controversial topics. And on this album, they continue with the themes that were developed on Good Monsters. If you get a little disappointed with the drivel that is played on most Contemporary Christian music stations, then don't shy away from Jars of Clay. They have been making great music for 15 years, and they are only getting better.







1. Jars of Clay-Good Monsters
I know I have created the ultimate sin and put two albums by the same group next to each other on the list. But they deserve it. These albums are not easy listening, but they are well worth it. If your faith goes beyond just going to church and bible study. If you find yourself struggling with social justice, and how Jesus loves people, and whether or not God cares about any of this stuff, then do yourself a favor and buy these two albums. They will make you think. They are in a word....outstanding.




I would love to know what you think! Leave your comments here if you would!!!! Love you all

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How to Worship in a Modern Church

Okay, I was checking out Jason Boyett's blogpost on his annoyances with "worship". If you have never checked out his website, I strongly encourage you to do so. He has some great stuff on there.
Anywho, He had a video posted that explains the correct way to "worship" in a church service. If you have ever been to a modern church service (especially one with a pentecostal slant), you will find this video extremely informative....and extremely funny. Enjoy!

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Has Christianity Become an Industry

This article appeared in the Tennessean. It was written by Norman Summerlin. I couldn't have put it better myself. I remember going to Degarmo & Key concert and only paying $2. Try going to a Third Day concert and paying that much today.... Read on.



If you would allow me, I would like to preface my question with a statement. I do not have any problem with the free enterprise system. I fully agree with most that if you provide a service, you should be fairly compensated for it. Although, I will say that the term "fairly compensated" has a very different meaning to each individual.

But what if the service you provide is for the sake of someone else? If the sole purpose of what you do is to promote someone else's lifestyle, to encourage and improve the lives of others, what does "fairly compensated" mean? Especially if the person you are working for has already agreed to provide you with everything you need or desire.

My question is W.W.J.C.? What would Jesus charge? Looking at the life of Christ, why did he give up all His glory to become a man and walk the Earth among us? Was it to impress us with all sorts of miracles and wondrous signs? No, it was to save us all, from a deadly fire if you will, to forever live a life of total happiness that we were made to live.

During His time among us, is there any record of Jesus healing a blind person, then sending them a bill? Did He ever agree to come to a town to speak, but only if He received a certain amount of money and had certain fruits and water in a private area where the only access was by personal invitation? He did have expenses, didn't He? After all, he left a carpentry business, and His entourage gave up profitable careers to save us.

If you witnessed an accident and the vehicle caught fire, would you save a child, strapped in the carseat, only after the parents agreed to pay you? Or if your neighbor's house caught fire in the middle of the night. Would you run over to wake them and get them out, then expect to be paid for it? If we, as human beings, not just believers, heard of anyone doing such a thing, they would become outcasts off the face of the planet. But is "Christianity" heading down that same path?

I have loved music my entire life. I grew up listening to, and singing along with, the rock groups of the 70s. I, along with other kids, would envy the bands and their lifestyle. Traveling the world, money everywhere, adoration of millions of fans. After becoming a Christian, I became aware of Christian music.

At Tuesday night bible study, my friends and I would sing along with The Imperials after the lessons were done. The Imperials showed me that Christian music was not only good, but that in singing along, I could be sharing the same messages from Sunday mornings in a different way. I started searching out and listening to all styles of Christian music. Although I still enjoy listening to some of the classic rock of my youth, I mainly listen to Christian artists now. It was a great thrill to me to be able to meet and thank Armond Morales and Dave Will a few years ago for the effect their music had on my life. I would not be where I am in my faith walk if not for Christian music.

Which leads me back to the original question. W.W.J.C.? Two of the most successful Christian singers/songwriters would no doubt be Keith Green and Rich Mullins. Both of these men could have been multi-millionaires if they focused on being "fairly compensated" for the talents God gave them. Both men focused more on the message than the money and were rewarded greatly for it. How many artists today be willing to give their albums away as Keith Green did? How many would give their money away and live on the average salary of working Americans as Rich Mullins did?

Now, am I saying that it is wrong for artists to be paid for their efforts and talents? Not at all! But as a listener, especially a non-believer, how easy would it be to believe and follow a message of trusting God with and for everything in my life if the messenger is not. I have been told directly by some artist's managers that I would never get an artist to appear without paying thousands of dollars and agreeing to a list of riders first. In the early days of performing Christian music, most artists (some still do) would appear by taking a "love" offering. Now you are lucky to get a ticket for less than $35.00 each. It makes it very difficult for a family to attend themselves, much less bring non-believing friends and family.

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My Life and Christian Music

When I was fifteen, I was invited to a church youth group. Before this time, I had went to church approximately 5 times. I knew about God, but most of my ideas were rather skued growing up in a strong LDS community.

The person who had initially invited me to youth group, Brandy, introduced me to Christian music. He recorded me a tape full of WhiteHeart songs from albums dating from "Emergency Broadcast" on back. So it was nothing really hard and rocking. I asked him if he had anything else that might be a little on the harder edge. At that point, he handed me a tape by a group called Petra. The name of the album was "On Fire!" From the first second (fired up!!!!) I knew I had finally found something that could rival what I was listening to on MTV. At least it had electric guitars! Petra soon became one of my favorite bands ever and still holds a special place in my heart. Not only was their music pretty cool (for the time) but it had a strong biblical message backed up by bible verses that you could reference. I dare you to find a band that does that anymore.

Up next...Jesus Northwest

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Larry Norman 1947-2008

Larry Norman, one of the pioneers of Jesus music in the 1970's passed away this week. He will be remembered as one who was too Christian for the secular industry and way too political for the Christian music scene.

I remember when a tribute album came out of Larry Norman songs in 1995. The record company issued as a tribute to the songs of Larry Norman and not a tribute to him. He was way too contraversial and people did not like the fact that he made people uncomfortable.

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