Review Detail
Give Yourself Away - NewSong
EMI CMG
WL Quick Tip: Mostly personal listening with the usual special solo songs and even a congregational tune: "Song Of Songs."Most bands only last a few years. Finances, interpersonal and creative conflicts, and the rigors of a touring life spell the end of many fledgling groups. The ones that survive over the course of time last by finding their niche and sticking with it (think ZZ Top), or making a career out of reinventing themselves-this is the road followed by perennial Christian artists NewSong.
Originally founded in 1981 as a quartet, NewSong has thrived, even as a revolving door of members have joined founders Eddie Carswell and Billy Goodwin over the course of the various expansions and contractions of the group. The latest version of NewSong marks the return of Russ Lee, the lead vocalist of the band throughout the '90s. Lee fronts a full-blown 8-man lineup with a rough and gritty vocal style that would sound right at home in a blues club. Styles vary from song to song, as aggressive guitars update the established NewSong sound (especially on the songs "Hope" and "Magnet"), with the band even venturing into congregationally friendly territory on "Song Of Songs."
Songwriting has always been a key element of NewSong's bag of tricks.
Give Yourself Away marks the first time that the group has been paired with producer Charlie Peacock, an exceptional songwriter in his own right. The combination of the large-scale NewSong sound with Peacock's more intimate sensibilities produces a broad palate of lyrics. A theme of hope and encouragement runs through the album, alternating with songs celebrating God's goodness and mercy. The end of the disc shifts the focus to children, including the bonus track "Every Child (Deserves A Home)," prompted by the band's affiliation with adoption agency Holt International.
NewSong's new partnership with EMI (who have provided free copies of Give Yourself away to concert goers) is based in part on the strength of the band's live show. They continue to tour relentlessly, and many longtime fans will welcome the return of Russ Lee and the gathering of the Grammy-nominated group's biggest lineup yet.
Play List: "Song Of Songs," "Hope"
newsongonline.com - Greg Wallace
