More Life (CD - 2003)

Additional personnel: Natalie Grant (vocals).

Producers: Brian Tankersley, Bill Baumgart, Bryan Lenox, Michael O'Brien.

Personnel: Chris Graffagnino (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); James Hollihan, Jr., Jerry McPherson, Michael Hodge , Dave Cleveland (guitar); Michael Ripoll (acoustic guitar); Paul Moak (electric guitar); Tim Akers (strings, piano); Anthony Lamachina, Paul Mills, David Davidson , Monisa Angell, David Angell (strings); Bill Baumgart, Jason Webb (piano, keyboards); Kent Hooper , Michael O'Brien (piano, programming); Scotty Wilbanks (Wurlitzer organ, keyboards, loops); Ziggy Diaz, Richard Source Pena, Jim Cooper , Bryan Lenox (keyboards, programming); Tony Mora (drums, percussion); Jack Pumphrey, Gunnar Nelson, Steve Brewster, Dan Needham (drums); Dave Wyatt, Chris Mosher, Brian Tankersley (programming); Scott Meder (loops).

Audio Mixers: Marcelo Pennell; Bryan Lenox.

Recording information: Darkhorse; GBT Studio; Jukebox Studio, Woodstock, GA; Sonica Recording, Atlanta, GA; The Playground Studio, Peytonville, TN.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Arranger: Michael O'Brien.

In 2000, Newsong watched as its song "The Christmas Shoes" met with nationwide popularity. Three years later, the group -- made up of members Matt Butler, Michael O'Brien, Eddie Carswell, Scotty Wilbanks, and Billy Goodwin -- released their 15th album. The project, More Life, offers listeners a well-polished, well-produced sound that demonstrates the skill and heart of the veteran group. Produced by Brian Tankersley, Bill Baumgart, Bryan Lenox, and group member O'Brien, the project features 12 songs, of which ten are original tracks written by Carswell and O'Brien. Each song boldly communicates the motivation and ministry of Newsong: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Songs include "Life in My Day," "It's Not Far," and cover of Keith Green's "Your Love Broke Through." ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater

After a number of albums and a truckload of hit singles (including several #1's), most groups, if they haven't broken up, begin to tread water, often churning out bland records bereft of the energy and spirit of their best work. On MORE LIFE, chart-busting Christian group Newsong defies convention by actually jacking up the energy level higher than ever before. On an album's worth of stylish, immaculately produced pure pop, the band touches all the pleasure centers with its trademark, pitch-perfect harmonies and faith-filled lyrics. Unlike some other groups mining the same territory, however, these guys have vocal chops and passion galore, which keeps their slick, radio-ready sound from ever sounding tepid. On everything from the raging, Journey-esque "Life in My Day," to the Beatles-by-way-of-Bruce Hornsby piano ballad "When Love Broke Through," the men of Newsong confirm their place as masters of inspired, thoroughly modern, and unflaggingly exciting contemporary Christian music. minimize