Read All About It by Newsboys

Read All About It is the Newsboys' 1988 debut, the rough Australian beginning of a band that would run for decades. It carries the bright, slightly dated pop-rock of its day. I traced the band back to this record after the later hits, and found a humble, eager start.

Why listen?

The sound is upbeat and guitar-led, with the bright keyboards of the late eighties. The production is modest, a young band working with limited means. The lyrics are plain and earnest, calling listeners to faith and joy. There is a sense of beginning, of a group certain of its message if not yet its sound. It is a cheerful, unguarded first step.

Favourite song: Read All About It

The bright title track that gives the album its name. It carries the eager spirit of the whole record.

My eyes catch the morning paper on the table
It's a brand new day but nothing's changed
Sickness, crime, and poverty
Are the headlines that I see
There's got to be some good news someday

The way the song bounds along feels like the brisk first stretch of a walk on a clear morning. It reminds me of setting out full of cheer, the day young and the road inviting. The song shares its faith plainly and gladly, which suits a band just starting out.

Key takeaway

Read All About It is a modest, cheerful debut from a band that grew far beyond it. Worth a listen for those curious about its roots.

Tracklist

• I Got Your Number
• Listen for the Shout
• Lighthouse
• It's Joy
• You're Still There
• Read All About It
• Hold On Tight
• Never Surrender
• The Big Time
• He's Coming Back

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

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