Newsboys are back with Holy Ghost boldness and power; with the release of their new album, BORN AGAIN. What does it mean to be “born again?” According to the Scriptures, the late, great John the Baptist spoke these words, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the HOLY SPIRT, and FIRE” (Matthew 3:11)!
Yes, it is the fire of Jesus Christ that we, as born again believers are blessed with. It is the fire that accompanies each song on this album, with such great zeal. If you aren’t familiar with this band, you may be asking yourself: Who are these Newsboys? The band is composed of: Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (keys, synthetic bass), Duncan Phillips (drums), and Michael Tait (lead vocals). The Newsboys have been a force in the Christian music scene since the 80’s. However, Michael Tait is the newest member as of 2009 (formerly of dc Talk). I must say, this new collaboration of creative spirits and talent exudes the fire of the Holy Ghost in a fantastic way for today’s generation. The lyrics are bold and honest. Personally, I love that!
The first single is the album’s title, “Born Again.” “…This is what it is, this is who I am…I’ve been born again.” These lyrics are a courageous proclamation from Newsboys, as soldiers of Christ. There is serious need today, for soldiers to take their rightful place as God’s chosen generation of born again fire starters.
“One Shot” goes even further with this proclamation. “All around the world, every boy, every girl’s got one shot, to prove what they’re all about… I’m gonna sing about my God and it doesn’t matter what’s hot. Are we scared to stand out from the crowd? If we stay silent with our voices now, the rocks will cry out!” As soldiers of Christ, it is our duty and right, to speak up about the goodness of our God. He is certainly worthy of being talked about, isn’t He? I can definitely see people pumping fists to this one.
“Impossible,” has a techno vibe that takes you on a nice trip, flying with the eagles. “I can’t see myself without you. With you, I get strength to do things I never, ever dreamt in a million years…” Amen to that! Our God is certainly a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). With that knowledge and faith, impossible things become possible! The Newsboys have got it right: Seek God, and get ready to fly with the eagles!
“Build Us Back,” is a ballad that speaks of the power of God to build His people up, in the midst of our fears, losses, and pain. “We’ve been humbled to our knees, from these ruins, we believe.” The chorus is one of encouragement, “…When our hopes cave, YOU build us back…” Indeed that is the power of our God, as Newsboys puts it, to, “redeem us, and restore us.” Just as Newsboys has written and sung of - the love of God never dies. In fact, Jesus Christ is an all consuming fire, never to be extinguished (Hebrews 12:29).
The 11thtrack is the light giving track. It is a rock-out cover of “Mighty to Save.” As fire starters in the 21stCentury, it is extremely important that we let our light shine among man (Matthew 5:16). No matter how broken our situation may be in 2010, and the time to come; we must never forget that, “our God is mighty to save.”
“Jesus Freak,” is one of my favorites, because I am a proud Jesus Freak, myself. Are you? “What will people think, when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? …I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus Freak. There ain’t no disguising the truth. No, I ain’t into hiding the truth.” All I have to say to that proclamation is: Label us, label us, and label us again! “People say I’m strange, does it make me a stranger? My best friend was born in a manger.” Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!
BORN AGAIN is a hot, Holy Ghost fire igniting summer album. These Newsboys are about something great; that something is spreading the light and truth of Jesus Christ, for a generation in need of spiritual revival. This is an album about awakening souls. It is lively, hopeful, and encouraging. My final words on BORN AGAIN are as follows: Rock on, Newsboys, rock on for the King! All you Jesus Freaks out there, and all of those in need of some Holy Ghost fire, check out BORN AGAIN, today!
