Step Up to the Microphone by Newsboys

Step Up to the Microphone is the Newsboys' 1998 album, their first after John James left and Peter Furler stepped up to lead. The Australian band kept its bright, witty pop-rock but pushed it harder and bolder here. I came to it years after release and found it a confident turn for a band finding new footing.

Why listen?

The sound is punchy and tuneful, guitars and keys driving big, hooky choruses. The production is crisp and energetic, made for radio and a live crowd. The lyrics mix playful wit with real conviction, calling listeners to step out and be counted. There is a real sense of journey here, a band stepping into a new voice and trusting it. It is a buoyant, easy record to like.

Favourite song: Entertaining Angels

A bright, melodic opener about kindness offered to strangers, carried by one of the band's best hooks. It sets the tone with ease.

By the light of my TV screen
24/7, You wait for me
While the night becomes history
Host of heaven, sing over me

The way the song lifts an old idea, that the stranger may be more than they seem, into something warm and singable is its quiet strength. It reminds me of small kindnesses traded on the trail, a shared word or a hand offered to someone you will never see again. The song says grace often arrives unannounced, and that has stayed with me.

Key takeaway

Step Up to the Microphone is a bright, confident pop-rock record that wears its years well. A gentle recommendation.

Tracklist

• Entertaining Angels
• Always
• Hallelujah
• WooHoo
• Step Up to the Microphone
• Believe
• Tuning In
• Truth Be Known (Everybody Gets a Shot)
• Deep End
• The Tide

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

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