As I place this album into my stereo and push 'play', I am embraced by enthusiastic young Aussies eager to proclaim their faith. The music is very much in style for the 80's, and the song lyrics are very simple. For the Newsboy's first record, I think that it shows a lot of potential talent.

Throughout the entire album the music is very upbeat and joyful, while lead vocalist John James declares simple Christian truths such as "He's coming back again" and "Love and Joy and Peace and Hope is what He offers us." The lyrics of the songs touch several topics ranging from standing up for our faith to how He will never leave us. Some lyrics are very simplistic: "He can give us the power to make it through, He gives us the strength, He cares for you"; while other dive a little deeper, "I see the neon lights as they light the city sky / I see a desperate boy at the moment he cries / I see him reaching out, his hand is to the sky / I'm telling you don't let go, God is on your side."

It's intriguing to listen to Read All About It in such contrast to their music now. This is the band who would later make contemporary Christian music history with number one original hit songs like "Shine," "It Is You," and "He Reigns." This album, in fact, was a flop, and their record company did not encourage them to keep going. It was their enthusiasm and their faith in God that kept them going.

I would recommend this album to anyone, not just because I like the sound. What I like the best about it is that when we hear "Newsboys," we think of Gold records and sold out arenas, not a little Australian coastline band. It's important to see where they came from, and that they have always strove to serve the One who has brought them to where they are.

JFH Reader Review: written by Katie Gresham, 3/18/04, for Jesusfreakhideout.com