Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Ausie/American team's last one 'Not Ashamed', was like this, produced by veteran rock maestro Steve Taylor, but 'Going Public' takes the rock pop genre to new heights. For a start, the band have now found a truly compulsive fusion of elements - raunchy rock playing to show they're still no wimps; pop hooks catchy enough to bring instant whistling in the old grey matter; a lyricist in Steve Taylor who speaks timeless truth with a huge helping of wit; and a rhythm section that puts a bit of funky dance to the rock raunch. With the band currently toting one of the most riveting stage acts in Christendom (including of course, that drummer who spins around a full 360 degrees!) the Newsboys are, in Cross rhythms opinion, the best band never to have played the UK. Lyrics on 'Going Public' tackle a variety of themes - the Grace of God; single males ('Truth And Conseuences") and the challenge of being an effective witness to others. The album kicks off with a magnificent trio of songs beginning with a full tilt rocker 'Real Good Thing', with an irresistible hook, 'When We Don't Get What We Deserve/That's A Real Good Thing'. It's the best pop rock groove since the 77s in their 'Pray Naked' mould. The next cut up is even better, a rock funk number about Christ shining from us, 'Shine' while "Spirit Thing" has another memorable verse. 'It's not a family trait/It's nothing that I ate/And I didn't come from skating with holy rollers', while the chorus attempts the impossible and explain what IT is. 'It's just a spirit thing/It's just a holy nudge/It's like a circuit judge in the brain/It's just a spirit thing/It's here to guard my heart/It's just a little hard to explain'. Whether you're into pop, rock or dance you owe it to yourself to hear this magnificent album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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