In the Hands of God
Artist: Newsboys
Label:Inpop
Length: 10/37:22

Newsboys are looking at enjoying life as much as possible on their latest, In the Hands of God.  As always, the band does their best to appear relevant to as many subgenres within the CCM world as possible.  Also, as always, they are at their best when singing and/or co-writing songs with Steve Taylor, as evidenced on “The Way We Roll”.

"This is Your Life” emphasizes the brevity of life, and the opportunity to live it:

 This is not the warm-up round
 This is not a trial heat
 It can’t be repeated when your time is gone
 This is not an infinite resource
 Or the prelude to a starter course
 You don’t send it back if it gets done wrong.

“Glorious” straddles the line between radio single and worship rock. “The Upside” is  repetitious, but features a nice power pop sound.  “My Friend Jesus” is a wish for holiness, while “Lead Me to the River” is a cry for repentance.  “Dance” is based on the cliché “Dance like no one’s looking, sing like no one can hear” While I have my doubts Newsboys will ever again approach the greatness that is Take Me to Your Leader, this is a solid (if short) little album that has many fine moments, as well as a few forgettable songs.

Brian A. Smith
16 August 2009