By Kevin Pollard

• Newsboys: Born Again, inPop

‘Born Again’ is a fitting title for the 15th studio release from the Newsboys – as it marks a new beginning, with lead singer Michael Tait (dc Talk). This is a long- awaited album, since the departure of Peter Furler was announced back in 2009.

Tait has seamlessly taken over the reins, co-writing seven of the 10 new songs here. He has breathed new life into the band’s sound, making this one of the best Newsboys albums in years. While some critics have not been receptive, first week sales made it the biggest release out of the gate in the Newsboys’ career.

The list of potential hit radio singles includes the chart-topping title track, as well as ‘Impossible,’ ‘Build Us Back,’ ‘On Your Knees’ and ‘Way Beyond Myself.’

The only problem is the inclusion of Hillsong’s ‘Mighty to Save’ and dc Talk’s ‘Jesus Freak.’ The arrangements offer nothing really new. It seems rather contrived, to make sure everyone is reminded of Tait’s Grammy-winning resume.

• Addison Road: Stories, INO

This group’s sophomore album will most certainly solidify their place in Christian music.

The pop/rock quintet offers catchy contemporary hits like ‘Fight Another Day’ (co-written by Toby Mac), ‘Don’t Wait’ and ‘Won’t Let Me Go.’ The latter features a great lyric: “I laugh ’cause it hurts when I scream / But I’ll make it through, ’cause I believe.”

There are solid ballads like ‘Need You Now’; and a contemporary spin on the classic ‘This Little Light.’

Other favourites are the worshipful ‘Who I am in You’ and the autobiographical ‘My Story.’ Great songwriting, and fabulous vocals from Jenny Simmons, make this one of my favourite new bands on the scene.

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• Carlos Whittaker: Ragamuffin Soul, Integrity

This debut release is not just a standard Integrity worship album. The singer was hit with a life-changing crisis, which almost resulted in the loss of his wife and kids – until he realized he needed to be a father first and a worship pastor second.  

This back story adds some poignancy to the CD’ 11 original songs, and the cover of Paul Baloche’s ‘Your Name.’

Throughout, a contemporary feel – including scratches provided by DJ Maj – keeps these worship songs fresh.

Highlights include ‘Can’t Start this Fight,’ ‘Jesus Saves,’ ‘We Will Dance’ and ‘Rain it Down.’

On the latter, he sings: “With desert hearts looking to the heavens, desperate for your holy fountain, our eyes will turn to the skies.”

• Stephanie Smith (EP), Gotee

Those who caught Smith opening for Toby Mac on the Winter Slam tour either loved her performance, or couldn’t wait for it to end.

She featured many of the songs on this self-titled five-song EP – which sees her leaving behind her pop/rock debut sound for an edgier offering.

The honesty and vulnerability in her bold, self-penned lyrics are readily apparent.

Highlights include ‘If You Really Want the World to Change,’ whichs is about living the Christian life; and the final track, ‘Joshua,’ which uses the story of Jericho as a metaphor for brokenness. On the latter, she sings: “Come and break me down / Won’t you march around these walls / Burn them to the ground.”

September 2010