Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Ausie/American team's last one 'Not Ashamed', was like this, produced by veteran rock maestro Steve Taylor, but 'Going Public' takes the rock pop genre to new heights. For a start, the band have now found a truly compulsive fusion of elements - raunchy rock playing to show they're still no wimps; pop hooks catchy enough to bring instant whistling in the old grey matter; a lyricist in Steve Taylor who speaks timeless truth with a huge helping of wit; and a rhythm section that puts a bit of funky dance to the rock raunch. With the band currently totting one of the most riveting stage acts in Christendom (including of course, that drummer who spins around a full 360 degrees!) the Newsboys are, in Cross rhythms opinion, the best band never to have played the UK. Lyrics on 'Going Public' tackle a variety of themes - the Grace of God; single males ('Untamed Heart') and the challenge of being an effective witness to others. The album kicks off with a magnificent trio of songs beginning with a full tilt rocker 'Real Good Thing', with an irresistible hook, 'When We Don't Get What We Deserve/That's A Real Good Thing'. It's the best pop rock groove since the 77s in their 'Pray Naked' mould. The next cut up is even better, a rock funk number about Christ shining from us, 'Shine' while 'Split Thing' has another memorable verse. 'It's not a family trait/It's nothing that I ate/And I didn't come from skating with holy rollers', while the chorus attempts the impossible and explain what IT is. 'It's just a spirit thing/It's just a holy nudge/It's like a circuit judge in the brain/It's just a spirit thing/It's here to guard my heart/It's just a little hard to explain'. Whether you're into pop, rock or dance you owe it to yourself to hear this magnificent album.

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