Formed in the late ‘80’s by John James, Peter Furler, and Philip Urry, Newsboys
is one of the more media- exposed Christian rock bands. Though it was thought in
their early career they would rely completely on religious back ground for
their songs, in the early ‘90’s Newsboys had a successful image makeover.
The group then gained six number one singles on the Christian chart, and has
been featured on more secular media outlets than the average Christian band.
Their first album for the major label Virgin, ‘Step Up to the Microphone’ was
released in 1998, followed by ‘Love Liberty Disco’ the year after.
‘Shine: The Hits,’ an observation of their own career, was released in autumn
2000 in celebration for the new millennium. ‘Thrive,’ one of their most
elaborate works to date, was issued in spring 2002, and led to one of their
biggest CCM hits ever, ‘It Is You’. ‘Newsboys Remixed’ was released that
autumn to celebrate over ten years of the band, and contained new takes on
several of their biggest hits. ‘Adoration: The Worship Album,’ containing
both original and Newsboy versions of well-known worship songs, was released
in April 2003. After having to leave the band to care for his daughter,
guitarist Jody Davis was replaced by Byan Olesen.
After Newsboys released
their second worship album, ‘Devotion’ in 2004, Byan left in order to work
on his own band, Casting Pearls. He was replaced by Aussie singer/songwriter,
Paul Coleman. Newsboys then spent the next two years touring the world and
working on songs for what would become their first pop album in four years.
‘Go’ was released in October 2006 and was the first album to be released on
their own label, Inpop Records. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
