Minus one member from 1994's People Get Ready album and subsequent extended tour, Newsong recently released Love Revolution. (Charles Billingsley left the group to pursue a solo career in the summer of 1996.) This second album from the "new" Newsong marks a shift from tight group harmony to solos with background vocals.
Love Revolution begins with the brass punctuated title cut. "Miracles" follows with a complex percussion pad (supplied by Eric Darken) on the intro and choruses that creates an interesting contrast to the rhythmically simpler verses. The tune is already headed up the Christian radio airplay charts. Other highlights include "Hold On To The Cross" followed by a "cool jazz" instrumental "Intermission" composed by Scotty Wilbanks. This leads into the energetic "More Fun Than Sin" with gritty guitars and raunchy baritone sax. "Start All Over On Mars" has a nostalgic Beatles feel. 
Two acoustic guitar driven ballads conclude Love Revolution. Altogether, there is a total of 12 tunes. CD buyers will also find a "hidden track" remix of "Miracles."
Except for "Saving Grace," Newsong members did all of the writing for Love Revolution with Leonard Ahlstrom, Eddie Carswell and Russ Lee responsible for the majority of tunes. The lyrics are solid but tend to be unoriginal. Even "Start All Over On Mars" with it's creative title contains phrases like "every breath we take" and "all because of you" that can be found in forty or more other tunes. Fortunately, the lyrics are well structured with compelling melodies. The production quality and the vocal acrobatics of Russ Lee and Billy Goodwin also contribute positively to the overall package.
Love Revolution is a balanced Christian pop album. It's primarily upbeat with plenty of contrasts in style. It would be nice to hear Newsong bring a little more of the energy from their concert performances to the studio though, and it's sad to see them totally abandon group harmony. They should have included at least one inspirational anthem with huge vocals in the beloved Newsong tradition of "Arise My Love." 
They could have also beefed up the BGVs on some of the upbeat tunes as they did on People Get Ready. I'm afraid these changes from the guys who "love revolution" are enough to disappoint some current fans who particularly enjoyed their harmony, yet lack a radical element necessary to attract new audiences.