While some people don't care for the Newsboys' CD's, just about everyone loves their hits. Therefore, this album is the perfect addition to anyone's collection. It's a very good showcase of the talent of the Newsboys, one of the most popular groups in Christian music.
The selection of hits was based entirely upon radio popularity. Because of this, many fan favorites were not included, such as "Lost the Plot" and "Always". Plus, Shine does not feature any songs from the Love Liberty Disco album! This really bothers me, although most people won't mind this much.
Other than that, the track selections are all very good. I especially like the inclusion of "I Got Your Number", off of the first Newsboys record, Read All About It. While the song itself is not that spectacular, it is nice to hear how the Newsboys got started.
The new songs are for the most part very good. While "Who?" is a little bit disappointing, "Joy" is a great classic that has become a hit itself. It features bold, sing along lyrics and a very catchy beat. The strings in the background are very nice, and Peter Furler's vocals are, as usual, fantastic.
"Praises" is also a good new song. The lyrics are motivating and, like "Joy", very catchy. The guitars are very good as well, and the words were inspired by the old hymn "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing". Another great new song is the "Mega Mix". This is an 8 minute long dance mix that features clips of all of the other songs on the album. It has a definite techno feel to it, and is just a gee golly swell song!
My personal favorite song, however, is the remix of "God is Not a Secret". Featuring a rocking new mix and some amazing guest rap from Toby Mac, this song can really get you jumping. One of the better "best of" collections I have heard, Shine is not a record to be missed by any Newsboys fan.
Josh's Score: 3/5
Mark's Score: 4/5
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Dean M.One of Christian music's biggest bands just released a big disappointment. Newsboys--the Australian rockers who have made themselves known throughout both Christian and mainstream music with their rock/dance style of music--released a greatest hits album. The album contains some of their most popular songs such as 'Shine,' 'Entertaining Angels,' and 'Step up to the Microphone,' along with some…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Adam DuckworthAfter listening to Love, Liberty, Disco time and time again, I will admit something. I, one of the biggest Newsboys fans of all time, got tired of it pretty quick. The first week or so, I thought it was great, then some songs began to get on my nerves. Yeah, surprise surprise. You would have never figured that out if you read my review. When Shine, the Hits came out, I was having mixed feelings…Similar sounding releases
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1999Love Liberty Disco
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1996Take Me To Your Leader
1998Step Up to the Microphone
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