Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
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JFH Music Review




Newsboys
Go



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 35 minutes, 36 seconds
Street Date: October 31, 2006


Newsboys is one of those supergroups that have always been associated with the youth group crowd. What few tend to realize as they grow out of that age group, however, is that the Newsboys have often made some fantastic music ("Lost The Plot," "Let It Go," "Lord (I Don't Know)," "Let It Rain," and "I Surrender All" are just a few that come to mind) that exceeds the boundaries of its original target audience. So this particular reviewer is thrilled that this pop/rock band has returned from their dual-worship album intermission to what they know best.

While billed as a new pop album from Newsboys, Go is not surprisingly a successful blend of anthems and worshipfully written pop tunes in the vein of such albums as Thrive and Step Up To the Microphone. And while some bands who attempt to branch out into new territory to survive trend changes tend to find their change to be a misstep, Newsboys have managed to craft a relevant and ultimately delectable collection of songs.

Evangelism is the overall theme of Go, from the hopelessly catchy opening anthem "Wherever We Go" and the call to ministry of the title track, to the aptly titled "The Mission," and the signature quirkiness of "Secret Kingdom." Worship is also central, with the powerful "In Wonder," Jon Egan cover "I Am Free," and the delightful ugly duckling of the record, "Your Love Is Better Than Life" (which includes Aussie-accented raps pondering life's great - and small - mysteries). Diversity keeps the record fresh and alive while it never feels like it's just the band going through the motions. Go is the kind of record we've come to expect from Newsboys and it proves they still have a few surprises up their sleeves after all these years.

Stylistically, Go is right in line with the Newsboys trademark sound. Electronic elements and synths support catchy rhythms and melodies to serve as the base for most of the album's tracks. "Wherever We Go" tries hard to be the next big hit from the band and succeeds in offering the sound that is required to earn such a hit. However, while "Shine" has the immortal chorus and "Breakfast" has that camp-bus-ride longevity, "Wherever We Go" may not have what it takes to transcend the years lyrically, as it focuses on the band's effect it has on the world around it. Although the quintet has been playing "I Am Free" live for well over a year, this is the first time a studio rendition of the song is being made available. And while the live radio version seemed overproduced at best, the studio version breathes life into the song, with Jeff Frankenstein accenting the melody with retro synths that surprisingly give it an added aesthetical pleasure. Most of the tracks are upbeat and at times fast-paced, while heart and warmth flows from such highlights as "The Letter" and the throwback feel of "Gonna Be Alright" to bring some added encouragement to listeners.

Go is a welcomed return for the Newsboys to what they've become known for since their humble beginnings almost two decades ago. Catchy, fun, worshipful, encouraging, and memorable, Go is liable to cause longtime fans to join me in saying, "Hallelujah, the Newsboys are back!"

- Review date: 10/27/06, written by John DiBiase



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CD

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. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 35 minutes, 36 seconds
. Street Date: October 31, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Wherever We Go
  2. Go
  3. Something Beautiful
  4. The Mission
  5. Let It all Come Out
  6. In Wonder
  7. Your Love Is Better Than Life
  8. I Am Free
  9. Secret Kingdom
  10. The Letter
  11. Gonna Be Alright
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This Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
F'rael God's Wheel (ft. TRYBISHOP) - Single [Syntax]
LEON Undefeated - Single [El Rescate Music]
No Vain Glory UNLEADED - Single [Syntax]
REFVGE, Cyfë II & WAY? U P W A R D S ft. Bianca Silver & Josh LeCroy - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes In Harmony & MAYIA My Sister - Single [Syntax]
Anton Scholl Born To Love You - Single [Near Kingdom]
Nathan Sheridan Don't Lose Hope - Single [WieRok]
SNT. VINCENT Feast of the Saints - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas, Essence Natay & Ashleey Barnes Let it Rain - Single [Syntax]
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, October 24, 2025
ALBUMS
John Allan untitled EP [Centricity]
Dan Bremnes The Villain - EP [Curb]
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]
Fepeste This World Ain't Mine to Change [Velvet Blue]
gio. FINE BY ME [Capitol CMG]
Tyson Motsenbocker Modern Worries [Tooth & Nail]
Smalltown Poets St. Augustine (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Rediscovery [Bethel]

SINGLES
29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love (Remix) - Single [DREAM]
darthy Juniper Tree - Single [WieRok]
Emerson Day Midnight Hour - Single [Fair Trade]
Good Weather Forecast lows2highs - Single [DREAM]
Grace + Max Rich - Single [WieRok]
Mercy Tribe Music The King is in the Room (feat. Ayiesha Woods) - Single (independent)
Mountains in the Sea You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Tomb Slayer The Christmas Lamb (feat. Khristian Dentley & Sarah Whittemore) - Single [Tomb Slayer]
The Undertaking! All Smiles - Single (independent)

VINYL
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]


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