NewSong is your basic middle-of-the-road CCM band in the mode of the Gaither Vocal Band or The Imperials--light rock, several vocalists, an ever-changing lineup, music that doesn't take many chances, a lot of harmonies, etc. The difference between NewSong and other groups of this ilk is that it somehow manages to pull it off without completely turning off those who like a little rock in their rock and roll.
More Life, their latest project, treads some familiar ground--"Life in My Day" is very similar to CCM standard "Where is the Love?" A cover of the Keith Green/Randy Stonehill classic "Your Love Broke Through" (mistitled on the album) adds nothing to the original, and in fact may water down the music from twenty years ago. The worship chorus "You Are My King" receives better treatment, but still is out of place on this CD.
"When God Made You," performed with Natalie Grant, will be the most memorable track, if only because it is destined to be used in hundreds of weddings. Stylistically, it is reminiscent of Bryan Duncan. Lyrically, it recalls "I Will Be Here" (Steven Curtis Chapman) or "If You Could See" (Geoff Moore):
It's always been a mystery to me
How two hearts can come together
And love can last forever
But now that I have found you, I believe
That a miracle has come
"Cherish" is not a Kool and the Gang cover, but may have been inspired by its words. "Emmaus Love" is a wannabe rocker that employs Italian-sounding strings. "Yea God" comes off as simplistic and repetitive. "Your Favorite Name is Father," which discusses the different names of God, doesn't have a theological leg to stand on.
"For the Glory of Christ" will be a radio hit, and shows that the band has been listening to a lot of Bob Carlisle. To my ears, though, the most interesting song is "He Did What I Couldn't Do," a seeming attempt at a crossover into the rock world. Done somewhat in the PFR/Jars of Clay method, it opens with a nice guitar riff that immediately gets overshadowed by the vocals. A better mix may have helped this one.
More Life will be a staple of the CCM market and the adult contemporaries for the next year or so. To me, it is harmless and not overly annoying, but will not be in rotation in my CD player.
3 tocks
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