Newsboys - Step Up To The Microphone

Tuesday 1st December 1998
Newsboys - Step Up To The Microphone
Newsboys - Step Up To The Microphone

STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 4173-4956
LABEL: StarSong SSD0169
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £14.67

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The exit of former front man John James and the decision not to employ the writing and production services of one Mr Steve Taylor did ring some alarm bells for me but largely the band have weathered the storms of these changes and produced a fine if not classic new release. It starts strong with the killer punches of the catchy "WooHoo" (no relation to Blur) and the horn driven white funk work-out of the title cut. Plenty to singalong to in good Newsboys fashion. Although Peter Furler's mock cockney (mockney) accent is a little off-putting. (Overdosing on too much Britpop perhaps? Check out "Tuning In" for the worst example!) "Entertaining Angels" was the initial appetite whetting single and with its strings and anthemic chorus, it completes the initial attention grabbing hit on the listener. But if only things had continued at such a top quality throughout, what an album this would be! However, it suffers from a sort of mid album droop which even the Viagra style energy of "Truth Be Known" and "Deep End" cannot rectify. It plods to its conclusion and it's definitely a case of close and perhaps one cigar. After the triumph of Take Me To Your Leader' this is almost the giant leap forward I'd wanted to hear.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. WooHoo
2. Step Up To The Microphone
3. Entertaining Angels [Listen]
4. Believe
5. Tuning In
6. Truth Be Known- Everybody Gets A Shot
7. Deep End
8. Hallelujah
9. The Tide
10. Always

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 20:35 on Oct 1 2010

Another great cd by the group. I was working with a believer at the time this cd was popular. "Entertaining Angels" played on pop radio, and this co-worker mentioned it to me; this is the Newsboys he said to me. The title just grabbed my attention; another song about Angels, this is great I thought! I just luv the song, and the video; the live version from '99 was fantastic!! Great song for the guys!! Way to go guys, you nailed this one!! I also like "Believe", I just luv "Hallelujah" and the cd closer "Always"; the guys did a great job on the live versions of these songs. GOD Bless! -Don



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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