The Newsboys are still going strong after almost two decades, hitting hard once more with their newest collection of exuberantly catchy pop rockers, the joyous "Go."
On “Go,” the Newsboys’ 12th studio release, their passion for world-wide evangelism overflows riotously, along with their sustained and ever-growing worship for the One they serve first, without apology. I appreciate their continued worship-focus, after the public beatdowns they’ve endured in the past five years since the release of two worship albums, “Adoration” and “Devotion.” I am not among the reviewers who insist on chaining bands forever to one style and one style only; viva la exploration I say.
That said, “Go” is a return to the familiar, full of their signature killer hooks, infectious melodies, and clever lyrical insights. New vocalist/guitarist/co-writer Paul Colman fits seamlessly into the mix, and together with the additional electronica features it all adds up to a thoroughly satisfying collection of songs.
The party vibe of the buoyant pop track “Wherever We Go” is the perfect opener, setting a tone of exuberance for the album, as well as setting itself up as the new Newsboys concert standand. The edgy guitars of the following title track continue the party feel, belying its heartfelt call to the mission field. May be a case of the sugar making the medicine go down easier; let’s hope listeners are inspired by the strong lyrics beneath the techno-flavored anthem. Our recent Suite interview with drummer Duncan Phillips revealed the band’s sincere passion for missions, expressed movingly throughout “Go,” simmering beneath all the fun. It calls through the taut immediacy of “Something Beautiful,” offering hope and healing through the poignant “Let It All Come Out,” and more overtly challenging us in the standout track, “The Mission.” Revealing again the magic of the Peter Furler/Steve Taylor writing partnership, this muscular rocker skillfully places us in the course of history, along side the rest of humanity called to take the mission outward. It doesn’t hurt that the call is couched in a thickly energetic pop masterpiece, its throbbing bass and lush guitars echoing the intensity of its message.
Equally brilliant, and definitely the album’s definitive track, is the fiercely addictive “Your Life is Better Than Life.” Driving home its brutally honest self-examination with relentless techno-rhythms, it contains some of the year’s best lyrics. This, too, is worship in its purest form: truth; but I anticipate no public pummeling for the superlative Newsboys and their excellent offering, “Go.” With the upcoming closing of the Audio Adrenaline curtain, we should be all the more thankful for the endurance of these great Aussie rockers.
