Description
Step Up to the Microphone is the seventh full-length studio album by the Australian established but US based pop/rock band Newsboys, released on StarSong Records in June 1998, distributed in the US by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was recorded by Richie Biggs at The Bonus Room in Franklin, Tennessee; with band member Peter Furler producing. Mixed by Biggs, Furler, and Wes Campbell at The Bonus Room. It was the band’s first album following the departure of lead singer John James in 1997, this time around with drummer Peter Furler stepping up to the lead microphone.
The exit of former front man John James and the decision not to employ the writing and production services of one Mr Steve Taylor did ring some alarm bells for me but largely the band have weathered the storms of these changes and produced a fine if not classic new release. It starts strong with the killer punches of the catchy «WooHoo» (no relation to Blur) and the horn driven white funk work-out of the title cut. Plenty to singalong to in good Newsboys fashion. Although Peter Furler’s mock cockney (mockney) accent is a little off-putting. (Overdosing on too much Britpop perhaps? Check out «Tuning In» for the worst example!) «Entertaining Angels» was the initial appetite whetting single and with its strings and anthemic chorus, it completes the initial attention grabbing hit on the listener. But if only things had continued at such a top quality throughout, what an album this would be! However, it suffers from a sort of mid album droop which even the Viagra style energy of «Truth Be Known» and «Deep End» cannot rectify. It plods to its conclusion and it’s definitely a case of close and perhaps one cigar. After the triumph of Take Me To Your Leader this is almost the giant leap forward I’d wanted to hear. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 1998]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/step-up-to-the-microphone/724388006)
CD tracklist:
01. WooHoo – 3:15
02. Step Up To The Microphone – 3:43
03. Entertaining Angels – 4:18
04. Believe – 4:33
05. Tuning In – 4:17
06. Truth Be Known – Everybody Gets A Shot – 4:00
07. Deep End – 4:06
08. Hallelujah – 3:56
09. The Tide – 5:01
10. Always – 5:01
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records.
A full-page advertisement for Newsboys’ Entertaining Angels Maxi Single was featured in the May 1998 issue of CCM Magazine.
“Entertaining Angels” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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