Step Up To The Microphone is the Newsboys' follow up release to their gold-selling 1996 album Take Me To You Leader. Throughout the group's ten-year existence, Newsboys has gracefully bridged the realms of faith and rock 'n' roll. As their sound has evolved and flourished, a corresponding growth can be found in the intimate themes which distinguish the group's lyrics and outlook.

As with Step Up To The Microphone's sonics, Newsboys' vocal approach has changed as well. Gone (for the most part) is the pop sheen of past efforts, and in its place is a bit more of a rough texture, as would befit a band who's members hail from places as diverse as Australia, New Zealand and Detroit.

Step Up To The Microphone documents a new chapter in the group's ongoing growth. "For us, it wasn't a case of wanting to educate people," lead vocalist Peter Furler admits, "but more of wanting to show people what we've found out for ourselves. I hope that listeners like the melodies and the tracks, but I also hope that people will see that we believe."

From www.broadcast.com, '98