For those of you that have been distraught about the recent "condition" of
the Newsboys, you will be happy to know that they are on their road to
discovery. On a similar note, the rest of Christian music seems to THRIVE,
as we have tons of releases this week, most of which are half decent. So,
enjoy our latest cMusicMail.

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THRIVE - NEWSBOYS (2002)
by Rick Foux

Let's face it. For the last four years, the Newsboys have slipped from being
one of the most favored Christian bands in the industry to a mass-producing
factory of cheese-pop. To be more precise, limburger cheese-pop. Quite
honestly, I expected more of the same from their latest release, Thrive,
which is hailed to be their best album yet. While it's definitely not their
greatest, it's good...semi-decent even.

Something made clear by this album is the realization that the old Newsboys
style is never coming back. Future hits will never reach the pinnacles seen
by "Shine," "Breakfast," or even "Not Ashamed." The band's new edge,
however, promises hope for future albums. Thankfully, Steve Taylor is back
on producing detail. Gone are the days of Love, Liberty Disco garbage; time
to welcome fresh rock such as the opener "Giving It Over," which features an
80s-ish hard-hitting guitar loop and best of all, no trace of synthesizers
anywhere. Following in similar suit is the sure-to-be fan favorite "Live In
Stereo," a chipper tune reminiscent of "Breakfast," that includes a whole
bridge of la-las. "Cornelius" also promises to woo listeners with a beat
that sounds like something from a football game halftime show. Other than
that, the song itself is flat out hilarious to the point where it makes
absolutely no sense, throwing in one-liners about Cheerios and the
unforgettable "His meal is real." Then, after quickly developing an aire of
seriousness, the Newsboys jam out on "The Fad of the Land," discussing how
today's pop culture has pulled us in and made us blind to the standards God
would have us live by. This track nearly resembles something put out by All
Star United with the whole resonating metal guitar bit and even including
their trademark "hoo-hoos" in the background. Listeners who recall
"Hallelujah" from their Step Up to the Microphone album will instantly click
with the electric dance club groove and thumping bassline of "John Woo."

Thrive not only promises another arsenal of rock tunes; the CD has its
softer, meaningful moments as well. In fact, the title track itself is a
prayer to God in the vein of "Believe" (again, from the Step Up to the
Microphone days) that desperately asks God to "lift me up with tender care
wash me clean in the palm of your hands / hold me close so I can Thrive /
when you touch me, that's when I know I'm alive." Preceding "Thrive" is the
jumpy third track "Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)," a relaxing
piece about giving your burdens up to God. "It Is You," the band's first
worship song and radio single, has an incredible melancholy sound outside of
the chorus and in actuality is probably the most disappointing track on the
disc. However, "Rescue" picks things back up, sporting the more familiar
cheese-pop likeness the Newsboys have been carrying around for quite some
time. It seems like they just can't shake that off completely, but the
lyrics about God rescuing His children in times of trouble makes the song
worth a listen, and even somewhat enjoyable. "Lord (I Don't Know)" finally
rounds out the ten tracks on Thrive, mimicking the pulsating chord
progressions from "Always" (ANOTHER Step Up... track). In it, the band
admits they honestly don't know what direction their ministry is headed, but
they put trust in Jesus that everything will work out and praise Him for His
unending peace that surpasses all understanding. It's a perfect note to end
on.

While the Newsboys still have quite a climb ahead of them before they ever
regain the identity they used to have for pumping out superior rock music,
Thrive is evidence that they've already departed for the journey. It's not
too good or too bad, but it's decent enough to please. Newsboys, my faith in
you has been restored.

Find out more about the Newsboys on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/alternative/newsboys


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OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Review: Smash Hits - All Star United
http://cmusicweb.com/rock/allstarunited/smashhits.shtml

Review: Enter the Worship Circle (self-titled)
http://cmusicweb.com/worship/worshipcircle/entertheworshipcircle.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, MARCH 26 (at cMusicWeb.com or at your local store)

A BEAUTIFUL SOUND - GEOFF MOORE
After a couple years of ditching his band The Distance and going to a
pop/contemporary format, Goeff Moore's release is released almost
unannounced by ForeFront Records.

CHANGE ME ON THE INSIDE - VINEYARD MUSIC CANADA
The worshippers up north bring a collection of new Vineyard worship in its
usual live setting.

COVER ME - BROTHER'S KEEPER
The sophomore release from boy band Brother's Keeper,

DID YOU FEEL THE MOUNTAINS TREMBLE? - RIVERTRIBE
This new band on the new Elevate Records label blends lots of world music
influences into their collection of completely instrumental music, some
based on popular modern worship.

E-PRAISE (self-titled)
Much like the Nitro Praise series, BEC Recordings releases a club-style
collection of some of today's modern worship favorites, such as"More Love,
More Power" and "The Heart of Worship".

O2: AVALON REMIXED - AVALON
Sparrow likes to spend lots of money on certain artists, and this album is
no exception to their splurging rule. Hailed as the "first full-length
remix album in Christian music," this album brings club-oriented remixes of
Avalon's greatest hits. Although it is the best sounding remixes I've heard
from Christian music, why Avalon?

REGULATE THE CHEMICALS - TWOTHIRTYEIGHT
Hardcore rock. That's about all we have to say.

SATURATE - JEFF DEYO
The original SONICFLOOd is back, in part. The original lead singer puts
together a backup band and presents a collection of new and old worship
songs in a similar way to the album that started it all, including those
somewhat annoying reflections.

SHOUT TO THE NORTH - ROBIN MARK
Recorded in northern Ireland, Robin Mark and company give an Irish hue to
some popular worship choruses as well as present some new ones.

SUPERTONES LIVE VOL. 1 - THE SUPERTONES
Although no one is sure when Vol. 2 is coming out, just be happy with Vol.
1. The 'Tones are always energetic and hilarious to see live, as well as
incorporating worship and ministry into their set. Now, you can have it all
in your home, on CD.

TAKE TWO - ILL HARMONICS
After a couple years, the Ill Harmonics are back with more black man's rap
with white man's instrumentals. OK, so maybe it's not exactly that, but
their fusion of more contemporary musicianship with hip-hop makes an
interesting sound.

THRIVE - NEWSBOYS
The Newboys are back. Read the review above, and pick up the PICK OF THE
WEEK.

WOVEN IN TIME - STEVE GREEN
Proving that he can go on almost as long as the Gaithers, Steve Green churns
out more adult inspirational music.

YOU MAKE ME HATE MUSIC - FINE CHINA
Arizona natives Fine China release their second disc on Tooth and Nail
Records, Their somewhat experimental rock is intriguing


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
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- Berry, Washington, Mind Stars of Oscar Night
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- Mary Mary Featured in Compilation
- Newsboys Hit Prime Time
- And more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


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Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
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