[.ca] Thrive

From Amazon.com:
Employing the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, the Newsboys churn out more catchy and quirky pop on Thrive, their first studio album in nearly three years. Building on the chart success of Shine: The Hits and a massive Festival con Dios world tour, the Newsboys know what works. Frontman Peter Furler and producer Steve Taylor lay down the gauntlet from the opening T. Rex-flavored glam rocker, "Giving It Over," setting the tone for another hit-laden release. The title track is a graceful study in melody, while the simple yet compelling "It Is You" is already a chart-topper. Longtime Newsboys fans will also love "Cornelius," a sonic reminder of the older hit "Breakfast in Hell." Furler and company have always been good about gently nudging Christian pop into an edgier direction. Thrive is certainly a step along that path, albeit a small one. --Michael Lyttle

Peter Furler and Phil Joel are Awesome on Vocals:
This CD is awesome. No two songs sound alike. There's no holding back on this CD; the Newsboys are creative, energetic, and just gosh-darn good musicians. "Million Pieces" can stick in your head for a few months! "Thrive" just seems to grab onto your heart. "Rescue" picks up the beat and may be the weakest song on the CD; only because it sounds a little to disco-ee. "It is you" tugs at your soul, making you realize the majesty of our Savior. "Cornelius" is a work of art, word-wise.(...) "John Woo" is absolutely hilarious...this song is so much fun! And when I saw the Newsboys in concert (at Creationfest Eastcoast), they played a video along with it that was just as funny. "Lord (I Don't Know)" is pretty good as the final song...it winds down a great CD that I highly recommend everyone add to their collection. Well, I hope everyone enjoys this review! See ya next time.(...)

The album that drives the next Phase of the Newsboys.:
Thrive came out in 2002 and can be compared to the 2003 album, Adoration. Following the success with Shine the Hits, Thrive sets up the new phase of music that the newsboys are in. Thrive is also the basis for the DVD concert they filmed Live at the Music Hall of Fame. They still do most of these songs in their Adoration Tour 2004. Thrive contains new songs including the excellent upbeat rockers Giving it Over, Live in Stereo, Rescue and Cornelius. Fad of the land is also a rocker, and I have read that it was written for radio play, speaking to giving in to Fad. Lord is a beautiful song. Million Pieces is a upbeat song, in fact in concert they dumped a million pieces of brightly colored confetti on the audience during the song.. great fun! It is You is a beautiful - awesome song that they use as the concert closer. They do a live version of this song on their 2003 release Adoration. If you love the newsboys, I would buy Thrive first. Thrive is more studio. Adoration is more for those who looking for a concert feel, plus Adoration has He Reigns and you are my king (Amazing Love) two of their best songs.

THE BEST CD EVER!!!!!!:
This cd rocks!! Newsboys lead me to a different place with every album. Their lyrics challenge me to look deeper at myself and my relationship with God with every album. If you so want to rock, get this cd, do it, don't even think about not buying it. I think John Woo rocks too--some of the other reviews don't go for it, but it totally rocks (and might possibly be the best song on the album-as far as really making a departure goes). God Bless the Newsboys!

Peter Furler and Phil Joel are Amazing!:
This album has it all: Great contrast, superb lyrics, fun songs, serious songs, and four hardrocking, talented, committed to Christ guys make this CD a must own. "Giving It Over" slams! "Live In Stereo" quakes! "Million Pieces" should be a hit on secular stations to this day. It will always be a hit in the Christian community...Yeah! "Thrive" kicks, but mellowly (a little slow down to an on fire presentation)! "Rescue" picks it back up! "It's in your bones, like it's DNA" "It Is You" Yes it is Lord! We adore you! Peter Furler has a voice that just can't be matched...so don't even try. "Cornelius" is just good clean fun! Enjoy this masterpiece of silly creative writing. And what the heck does rhyme with Cornelius? "The Fad Of The Land" is great. Read the lyrics closely; what a wake up call. "John Woo" is why bands like Newsboys need a bodyguard...that and the bumble-bee trapped in the limo. "Lord (I Don't Know) is an excellent finish to a great CD. Now, if you've read this review, what are you waiting for? Get it! Don't make me come over there! See ya next review! www.therunninggirl.com

Fun!:
Newsboys raised the bar with "thrive." I absolutely adore this album. It offers the most fun you'll ever have listening to music. Period. "giving it over" and "live in stereo" are by far my most favorite. They really get you up and going after a long day at school or whatever the case may be. Then there are "it is you" and "lord (i don't know)" which are inspirational and worth repeating again and again. All and all, Newsboys have put a smile on my face with "thrive" and I hope you discover them as I did on the very same album.

• Giving It Over
• Live In Stereo
• Million Pieces (Kissin' Your Cares Goodbye)
• Thrive
• It Is You
• Rescue
• Cornelius
• The Fad Of The Land
• John Woo
• Lord (I Don't Know)