From the title of this disc, it's not hard to guess this is indeed an album of some of the Newsboys' greatest hits, remixed. Though the band has already given fans a taste of remixes in the past (the Entertaining Angels Maxi-Single, previous remixes of "A Beautiful Sound," "Love Liberty Disco," as well as the "Mega Mix" found on Shine: The Hits, etc.), this CD is the first that contains only remixes of their songs.
The album consists of 13 tracks from a variety of albums. A majority of the songs, six of these songs, are from one of their most recent releases, Thrive. These songs include "It Is You" (UK Mix), the new radio smash that is one of the biggest hits from Thrive. In this version dance beats are added and the track is stretched out to a total of nearly seven minutes! It's definitely a very different sounding song--but it's a great way to introduce the album and get the audience involved in the remix mood these guys created.
"Lord (Father B. Mix)," was remixed by Newsboy Jody Davis and is one of my favorite tracks on the entire album. This version isn't over-produced; the main roots of the original song are pretty much intact, but the remix version's sound is actually (in my opinion) better than the original because it's just a bit more enhanced in sound and instrument. Audiences who love this song on Thrive will enjoy it here. "Million Pieces (A Million and One Mix)" is one of the other most renowned songs from Thrive so far, and here there is quite a different taste from the original, as it takes on more of an extreme dance feel here. "Thrive (Is that James Dancing? Mix)" was remixed by Newsboy Jeff Frankenstein, and he adds a definite dance twist to it, upping the tempo quite a bit compared to the original. "Fad of the Land (Lounge Mix)" brings in a different twist from the rest of the disc as the band brings in more electric sounds (electric guitar, etc.) as opposed to the techno beats. This version isn't too different from the original, as its main roots are still in it lyrically and beat-wise. Last, but not least, from Thrive is "Rescue (Helmet Mix)," remixed by Davis (and Jim Evision). The original version is quite upbeat to begin with, and this version only enhances that sound adding in background beats.
Three songs from Love Liberty Disco make remix appearances on the album as well: "Beautiful Sound (Below the Radar Mix)," "Good Stuff (NYC Mix)," and, of course, the one and only, "Love Liberty Disco (All Mixed Up Mix)." "Beautiful Sound" and "Good Stuff" are two of the least upbeat/techno songs on the entire album and therefore stand out amongst the others. They still include the computerized remix sounds--but not to the same extent of the other tunes.
Two songs appear from another most recent album Shine: The Hits: "Joy (Let's Be Frank Mix)" (yet another one remixed by Jeff Frankenstein), and the ending song "Mega Mix," including bits of songs mixed together: "Shine," "WooHoo," "Take Me To Your Leader," "Breakfast," "Reality," "Entertaining Angels," "Step Up to the Microphone," and "I'm Not Ashamed." The "Mega Mix" track takes the listener through eight minutes, but it's a fun mix and great way to end the album.
The remaining two notable songs are "Entertaining Angels (O2R Mix)" and "Shine (Y2250F Mix)." "Entertaining Angels" (remixed by other Newsboy Peter Furler) is another track that's pretty much stuck to its main roots in sound and is overall very enjoyable. Personally, I'm glad they didn't computerize the sound right out of this one--it's definitely one of my other personal favorites.
Overall, this album is a perfect example of remix. It's different at first to listen to a lot of these songs with the drum loops and dance-club feel to them--but surprisingly, it really grew on me! There's a good enough mix of sounds--some more extremely remixed than others--but overall each song is recognizable enough to its original. So whether you're a new or old fan of the Newsboys, I recommend getting this for your collection. It's a good introduction to the band--and great for fans who want a different taste of what these guys can do!
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Antony Barr-JeffreyGiven that keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein used to be a DJ it isn't surprising that the concept of Newsboys remixes would become reality sooner or later. A strikingly good limited print remix ep released right before their breakout Step up to the Microphone was evidence that this group's songs could hold up under a serious cyber redux. Their new release Newsboys Remixed marks a full-length return…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Brian A. SmithDisclaimer: Let it be noted here that I am not a fan of remixes. If in fact "P. Diddy" or "Puff Daddy" or whatever Sean Combs is calling himself these days did invent the remix, I say we should penalize him accordingly. That said, Newsboys have a lot of material here to work with. There isn't anything new on this disc, but it comes across as a "greatest hits" type of album, with dance tracks,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by John WehrleThe Newsboys are back with their all new release: Newsboys Remixed. This CD is a blend of classic Newsboys tunes, and newer songs from their latest release, Thrive. It's no wonder that the band is called the "new" sboys. Whether it's traveling around playing in a dome, creating the first festival on wheels, or rotating a drum set, these guys are always out to try something new. The Newsboys have…Similar sounding releases
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