Newsboys - Hallelujah For The Cross

Published Monday 8th December 2014
Newsboys - Hallelujah For The Cross
Newsboys - Hallelujah For The Cross

STYLE: Rock
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 153824-22728
LABEL: Inpop 612058638014
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2014-11-17
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Many CCM artists down the years have recorded ancient hymns but few have done it as well as the Newsboys, their rendition of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" on their 1992 album 'Not Ashamed' being a particular favourite. But not until now have they recorded an entire album of hymns, all from yesteryear with the exception of the title track though one or two have original bits or whole verses added - like "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" which is embellished with a catchy Peter Furler and Steve Taylor original "Where You Belong". The deft mix of rock guitars, synth riffs, punchy drum patterns and Michael Tate's pop-cum-rock voice which is just right for these arrangements. The contemporary embellishments are well chosen with the synth stabs on Converse and Scrivens' "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" working particularly well. Then there is the vocal refrain grafted on to Francis of Assissi's "All Creatures Of Our God And King" and Tate's addition of "You are holy, holy, holy" to Reginald Heber and John B Dykes' stately hymn both adding something fresh. The album closes with Perronet and Holden's "All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name" which, surprise, surprise, is sung acapella with Tate presumably singing all the intricate vocal parts. Overall, the Newsboys have done the youthful Church a considerable service in bringing a set of timeless songs to their attention.

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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Product Description
For the first time in their 29-year history Newsboys have recorded an album entirely comprising hymns that will be familiar to all, but arranged in their own unique style. With the unmistakeable vocals of former DC Talk front man Michael Tait, this new album is sure to appeal to both regular Newsboys fans and those who love hymns with a fresh treatment.

Reader Comments

Posted by Matthew Rabjohns in Bridgend, Wales @ 11:05 on Dec 20 2015

I've always been so blessed by the Newsboys. They've never been predictable, except in the eternal being brilliantly moving and thought provoking department. Their albums have never been the same. They've explored so much territory. They've never had a totally bad effort either. And what they've done over the last ten years is presented beautiful worship albums, be it with Peter Furler leading or Michael Tait, they definitely stoke my fires of praising the Father above for what He's done for me. With songs like He Reigns and Landslide of Love and I Am Second they've made me go mad with gratitude. Its so great to hear worship like it should be expressed. Knowing God is an incredible experience, not a death sentence!

And here, with a hymns release, the guys still do it for me. There is first of all the thunderous All Creatures of Our God and King, an age old hymn that finally with the newsboys version, I feel is done the attention it deserves. Mike's vocals are thundering and open the record in awesome style.

Then comes a re-visit that's just as brilliant as the original with Where You Belong/ Turn Your Eyes. The original was so perfect but somehow with a thunderous edge to this new version, its even better.

Other highlights are the funkilicious What A Friend and the rock pop delivery of It Is Well. So much beauty crammed into this record. The Newsboys have done these beautiful classic hymns modern catchy brilliant justice. Its so great to hear such impacting, delicious worship and praise from guys who as yet still haven't hit a stumbling block. They remain creative, infectiously listenable and wonderful. Thanks Guys!!!!



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

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