Customer Reviews

Shine: The Hits

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Newsboys have definitely been one of the most influential and well-recognized Christian rock/pop bands. Since the band was founded back in 1988 they have written many songs that have gained wide recognition, such as "Shine", "Breakfast", "I'm Not Ashamed", and "Entertaining Angels." And finally, with eight albums to their name, the Australian-based band has compiled an album featuring the best of their music, Shine:The Hits. This disc features 13 of the Newsboys' greatest hits as well as three new recordings and a compilation of eight landmark songs, entitled "Mega-Mix." A few of the classic songs have been remixed or enhanced. For instance, the boys' signature hit, "Shine", has been enhanced with more background vocals, more guitar and keyboard parts, and an enhanced rhythm section. The song "God Is Not A Secret" has been remixed into a powerful techno-rock track and features Toby McKeehan of DC Talk performing rap sequences and background vocals. The new recordings, "Joy", "Praises", and "Who?", are very well-done and well-written. The "Mega-Mix" track is an eight-minute long fun, moving techno-rock recording that is a melding of eight signature hits, "Shine", "WooHoo", "Take Me To Your Leader", "Breakfast", "Step Up To The Microphone", "Entertaining Angels", "I'm Not Ashamed", and "Reality". This album also features an upbeat classic-rock track from the boys' 1988 debut album, Read All About It, entitled "I Got Your Number". Having given an idea of what's on this disc, I must say that this is one of the best Newsboys albums to date. This is a HUGE improvement over the 1999 release, LoveLibertyDisco. In fact, Shine:The Hits features no LLD songs at all. If you disliked the LLD disc because of its softer, calmer style you're bound to love this CD. All the favorite Newsboys songs plus four awesome new tracks. This album shows how far the Newsboys have come throughout the course of their career. The musical style widely ranges from the early '90's synth-rock of Not Ashamed to the aggressive modern rock and pop of Take Me To Your Leader and Step Up To The Microphone. The songs sound great and there isn't a single dull track on this album. Lead singers Peter Furler and John James have amazing voices, drummer Duncan Phillips keep a steady rhythm, guitarist Jody Davis' electric riffs add great punctuation to the music, bassist/vocalist Phil Joel adds great depth to the music, and keyboardist/programmer Jeff Frankenstein adds the final touches. The Newsboys are definitely a band with talent, and God has greatly blessed them with a wide audience and a strong witness. Honestly, I don't have any negative comments about this album. It's just plain awesome. It is bound to be a best-seller. Whether you're a devoted Newsboys fan or you've only heard a small amount of their music, there's much to enjoy on Shine:The Hits.

In case you're wondering what's on the CD, here's the track listing:

1. Shine (enhanced) 2. I'm Not Ashamed 3. Breakfast 4. Reality 5. Take Me To Your Leader 6. Joy (new recording) 7. Entertaining Angels 8. Praises (new recording) 9. Spirit Thing 10. WooHoo 11. Step Up To The Microphone 12. God Is Not A Secret (remix) 13. Where You Belong/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 14. Who? (new recording) 15. Believe 16. I Got Your Number 17. Mega-Mix (new recording)

I'm a moderate Newsboys fan at best. Over the years, I've enjoyed some of their songs on the radio, but never enough to start buying their CD's. Even when this first came out, I wasn't sure if I wanted to get it or not. Well, I finally did get it, and am I ever glad I did.

Since I listen to Christian music on a regular basis, I was familiar with their signature songs. One of them, "Shine," opens this CD. To this day, I am challenged a little by this song to live out what I believe. Next up, and on the same theme, is "I'm Not Ashamed." Also included is a song explaining changes in their lives, "Spirit Thing."

What I was not aware of was the fun songs they do with a gentle serious message snuck in. True, I've been a fan of "Reality" since I first heard it. But I've become a fan or "Breakfast." Now, if only I could listen to it without getting it stuck in my head for two days.

As with any best of, they offer some new songs to throw into the mix. Personally, I like "Joy" and "Praises," which showed up on their worship CD this year. I'm just beginning to get into "Who?," but I think this song about who our God really is is going to become a favorite.

I will admit that I find fewer songs I like in the second half of the disc. But that's just my musical taste. Has it turned me into a bigger Newsboys fan? Yes! I'll be enjoying this CD for a long time to come.

In a collection like this it's difficult to point out the highlights, because the CD is simply an embarassment of riches. There is so much to like here, each track irresistable and instantly contagious. From the catchy opening smash "Shine" to the pop/rock stylings of "Breakfast" to the brilliant anthmetic ballad "Entertaining Angels" the quality of the Newsboys' finest does not relent. And for those die-hard Newsboys fans there is even more initiative to buy with three new recordings which show off the new maturity of the Newsboys music writing ability reflected strongly in their latest album "Love Liberty Disco" which unfortunately doesn't feature on this album because of its recent release. There is also included a rap/rock remix of "God Is Not A Secret" featuring dctalk's Toby Mac on rap and spice, which shows just how remarkably diverse this band is in pulling in dynamic riffs and melodies from many music genres. However it is their immense ability to write incredible pop melodies that is the essence of the Newsboys success, which is highlighted beautifully in the masterfully crafted "Mega Mix" which bounces from progressively brilliant riffs that have now become Christian music history.

I bought this CD (my fist newsboys disc ever) and I loved it. I listen to it when i want to have fun...and i mean fun!!!!! :)...It's real cool. Shine, Breakfast, Take Me To Your Leader, Who(A BRAND NEW SONG), God in No Secret/With Toby Mac (NEW RECORDING), Entertaining Angels, WooHoo, Step Up to the Microphone, and their hymn remix: Where you belong/Turn your eyes upon Jesus, AND BEST OF ALL: MEGA MIX!!!! It's a mix of all the Newboys Best hits; All these songs, and more, amke up the bes of the Newsboys. But I have to warn you: I've got your Number is terrible...the saying "I've Got your Number" is nearly ALL they say in the whole song...but THE NEWSBOYS even admit, they stunk when they first started singin; I've Got your Number was on their first CD...soooooo....other than that...IT ROXS!!!!

:)

This CD is a must have for all Christian Music lovers--featuring three news songs, a Mega mix, and some redone old ones--this CD is awesome. This is not the end for Newsboys--just a chance for people to have all the best songs on one CD. They have an all new CD coming out in Fall 2001 as well.

This is a very thorough (17 songs!) collection of their best work. I did dock it a star for not including the hits "Breathe" and "Love, Liberty, Disco", I really felt like those should have been included (could have done without the "Mega-Mix"). Anyways, I really like all of the songs on here, even the new ones. This is a great way to hear their best songs without purchasing all of their cds. I recommend it.

"Greatest hits" and "best-of" collections can be annoying at times, but "Shine: The Hits" avoids the ...cheesy-like production of other collectables. The producers deserve credit for selecting up-beat tunes for this CD. While some people may bemoan, "But, they left off my favorite song", this CD does a good job of covering almost 10 years of material. However, it is worth noting that no songs were selected from two of the earlier albums entitled "Boys Will Be Boyz" and "Hell is for Wimps."

Twelve of the cuts come directly from their respected CD's and have already been discussed earlier. However, the five new cuts are worthy of mention now. Three songs are new ("Joy", "Praises", and "Who"). One is a remix ("God Is Not a Secret"), and then there is "Mega-mix" which is exactly as it sounds.

Of the new songs, "Joy" has already received extensive airplay, and it truly is a joyfully catchy song. The praise and worship song "Praises" deserves to be sung in youth church services world-wide. "Who" is a clever and punny ditty explaining who God is and what He is not. Steve Taylor contributed to the lyrics on all three of these new songs, and his silly but poignant influences are almost instaneously recognizable. He may be one of the most clever lyricists in contemporary music right now.

The newer mix of "God Is Not a Secret" rocks even harder now than when it was first released on "Take Me To Your Leader" (1996). Featuring Toby Mac of DC Talk for some extra vocal talent, the song has a heavier feel to it (combine the old song with a little bit of rap-core and a slight techno-dance sound). Toby performs a short but intense rap through the bridge.

"Mega-Mix" simply combines several of the bigger hits into a long dance track. It is a pretty cool listen the first time through, but it could become annoying if you are not dancing along with it.

"Shine: The Hits" covers a couple of roles. One, it is an effective gateway into the diverse realm of Christian music with specific attention to the talents of the Newsboys. Secondly, it gives those of us who have enjoyed the Newsboys for years yet one more CD for our collections.

when i heard that the newsboys were coming out with a greatest hits album i figured it would be a pretty good way to get all their best songs on one album without having to switch cd's all the time to hear the song i want. little did i know that not only did i get their best songs on one album, it also contained 4 new songs that are downright awesome, plus the megamix at the end of the album reminds me of the grand finale at a 4th of july fireworks celebration, it contains something for everyone. if you are a newsboys fan this is a must have if for nothing else then the 4 new songs and for the opportunity to hear all your favorite songs without switching cd's. if you have never heard the newsboys before buy this album and find out why this is one of the best bands producing music today.

If you like the Newsboys, this is as good as it gets. It's the best Christian music you can buy.

My son actually led me to this album through the "Breakfast" song...one of my all-time favorites, can't get it out of my head -- and don't want to. Even if you can't stand any other song on the album, this song makes it worth the price (and you may find out you do like the rest!).

Not only is it good music -- it is thoughtful music.