Music review: Newsboys – ‘Love Riot’
The Newsboys want to incite a riot. A love riot to be precise. The Dove Award-winning group follows 2014鈥檚 鈥淗allelujah for the Cross鈥� with an energetic brand of music that blends elements of pop, rock and funk. Poised and ready to spread a spiritual awakening with 鈥淟ove Riot,鈥� the band delivers a stirring set of arrangements focused firmly on galvanizing believers to act on their faith.
鈥淐razy鈥� serves as the album鈥檚 bold opener with a powerful message of having the courage and steadfast passion to stand up for what you believe, regardless of how the world may label you. 鈥淎nd you gave up a throne for a cross and a grave/Oh, I wanna be that radical,鈥� declares lead vocalist Michael Tait.
The reflective 鈥淗ero鈥� follows by detailing how believers should aspire to be remembered by living a purposeful life through the running of a good race and never allowing personal faith to fade in the face of adversity.
鈥淲e are an army of the truth/We鈥檙e on the march to rescue you/Don鈥檛 have to make it on your own,鈥� passionately declares Tait on the title track that serves as a call to action to overcome the darkness with a demonstration of love for all.
鈥淕uilty,鈥� also featured in the upcoming film 鈥淕od鈥檚 Not Dead 2,鈥� is a tune targeted for mainstream radio play about keeping a strong faith through adversity with uplifting lyrics and sweeping chorus. Tait鈥檚 vocals inspire as he sings, 鈥淓ven if it gets me convicted/I鈥檒l be on my knees with my hands lifted.鈥�
鈥淣o Longer Slaves鈥� speaks to the assurance that God has delivered us from our enemies and freed us from our fears with Tait confidently proclaiming, 鈥淵ou split the sea/So I could walk right through it/My fears were drowned in perfect love.鈥�
The glorious message of providing an open table to all is outlined on 鈥淔amily of God鈥� with Tait passionately announcing, 鈥淲e are family here/Colors and stains disappear/There is no doubt you belong/This is the family of God.鈥�
For over 25 years, the influential contemporary Christian artists have passionately served as a powerful testimonial about living a fruitful life that is rooted in faith through a musical ministry that excites, enlightens and encourages.
鈥淟ove Riot鈥� is a powerful and triumphant testament to the band鈥檚 robust anthems of finding your faith and putting it into action.
Designed to change lives, the Newsboys鈥� 18th studio effort comes across loud and clear at a time when the message of how to lead a victorious life is needed the most.