Devotion (CD - 2004)

Contemporary Christian Music superstars Newsboys have long been one of the most genuinely rocking groups in their field, delivering a sound full of driving beats, soaring vocals, and raging guitars that has often mirrored the work of their secular counterparts on the Britpop scene. DEVOTION adds a Coldplay-esque, piano-driven, heart-on-the-sleeve vibe to the group's usual U2-on-steroids sound, showing that the group has not lost a step in keeping up with the trends. The title track is full of marching drums and furious strumming, sounding like a lost outtake from U2's THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE. The high tenor vocals and heady lyrics of "Landslide of Love" explore Sting territory, while "When the Tears Fall" features a dreamy coda worthy of My Bloody Valentine. A thoroughly modern work that retains the best elements of Newsboys' signature sound, 2004's DEVOTION reveals an ever-evolving band still at the top of its game. minimize