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Newsboys: Step Up To the Microphone

© Dana Olsen

 

The future of the 10-year-old CCM veteran band Newsboys was in question in many people's minds when we heard that lead vocalist John James was leaving the band to pursue his other interests, even though we were assured by the rest of the group that they would go on and continue their ministry in music. Then the buzz in the Christian Music Scene was that Steve Taylor wouldn't be producing the next Newsboy's album. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Peter Furler came out from behind the drums to be the lead singer and producer of the new album. Furler wrote 10 songs on Take Me to Your Leader and has partial credit on all 10 songs on Step Up To the Microphone.

When the Newsboys' Maxi Single, "Entertaining Angels," released in stores on April 21, 1998, it was a smash hit! The Entertaining Angels Radio single was one of the most popular tunes ever! Along with two other mixes of the song - "Entertaining Angels Light," and "Entertaining Angels - Alternate Mix." and also mixes of two of their greatest songs, "Shine" and "Not Ashamed," Newsboys' fans hit the stores in seek of this preview of what was to come in the near future. Everything sounds and looks like the band will do well.

Then came the moment we all were waiting for. Step Up To The Microphone bcame available on June 30, 1998, and soared up to the top of the Christian Charts! This is their first full length album since their gold-selling 1996 album Take Me To You Leader.

Step Up To The Microphone shows us the commitment the boys have kept despite the changes, to spread the Gospel to generation X and all with an ear to hear. Furler says, "For us, it wasn't a case of wanting to educate people, 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."

WooHoo and Entertaining Angels are two of my favorites on the album. They are also two of the songs that Joel has the lead vocals on. WooHoo has the catchy lyrics that the Newsboys are famous for, along with melodic vocals and cool chorus lines.

The soothing "down under" sound of Phil Joel's vocals and the strings by the "Love Sponge String Quartet" on "Entertaining Angels" is awesome. It really doesn't matter what I say about the album, but trust me, if you like the Newsboys, you'll love this album! Treat yourself to some ear candy

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