Take Me to Your Leader by Newsboys

Take Me to Your Leader is the sixth Newsboys album, from 1996, though I only came to it years later. This was the band in their prime as a Christian pop rock act, full of cheek and big melodies. The theme is plain devotion, dressed up with humour and a knowing wink. That mix of fun and faith is what drew me in.

Why listen?

The sound is bright nineties pop rock, jangling guitars and bouncy rhythms. The production is crisp and lively, made to grin along to. The lyrics are playful but sincere, turning everyday images into songs about following God. There is a light arc here, from open praise toward a quiet closing benediction. It is music that takes its faith seriously without taking itself too seriously.

Favourite song: Breakfast

This is the band's most famous bit of fun, a daft and joyful song that hides a real point about heaven. It grins the whole way through and somehow still means it.

When the toast is burned
And all the milk has turned
And Captain Crunch is waving farewell
When the Big One finds you
May this song remind you
That they don't serve breakfast in hell

The track races along, all bounce and harmony, until the silliness reveals a small hope underneath. It reminds me of a cold, bright start to a walk, the kind of morning that is too good to take seriously yet quietly full of grace. Joy and faith were never meant to be enemies.

Key takeaway

Take Me to Your Leader is bright, witty pop rock with a sincere core. A cheerful place to meet the older Newsboys, as I did long after the fact.

Tracklist

• God Is Not a Secret
• Take Me to Your Leader
• Breathe
• Reality
• Breakfast
• Let It Go
• Cup O' Tea
• It's All Who You Know
• Miracle Child
• Lost the Plot
• Breathe (Benediction)

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

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