Newsboys
The news is ... the 'boys are back! And the result is an ear-pleasing collection of tunes called Step Up to the Microphone (Star Song). Yes, the Newsboys' have indeed stepped up to the mike to deliver ten songs that are distinctly different from all their previous recordings. With sonic textures including jazzy horns and smooth violins, Step Up offers a unique blend of rockin' pop. And although frontman/singer John James left the band before this release was recorded, the vocals are in very good hands with band members Peter Furler and Phil Joel.

Lyrically, however, this album isn't as creative as the Newsboys' '96 release, Take Me to Your Leader, which offered clever wordplays and puns from co-producer/songwriter Steve Taylor. Taylor wrote the lyrics of such well-crafted tunes as "Take Me to Your Leader" and "Breakfast."

But while the tunes on Step Up may lack lyrical cleverness, the 'boys still excel in heartfelt words of encouragement, challange and struggle. Consider these simple, honest lyrics from "The Tide":

In the storm
There is courage for the simple man
To the holders of secrets and scars
Learning to stand with reaching arms
We'll wait till the very last
No matter what will be
You're always good
Always good
To me

Well said, 'boys. Well said. --Chris Lutes

From CampusLife Magazine, July '98