Newworldson's 'Newworldson' - Memorable in Every Way

If you're a fan of blues, jazz or reggae, Newworldson will be right up your alley. If you search out new and different, Newworldson will fit your bill. If you want Christian music that has lyrics that actually say something, Newworldson has plenty to say. For that matter, if you just like really good music, then Newworldson is a must-have for your collection.

It's rare when I can't find a single song that I just don't really care for on a release ... but Newworldson delivers 110% on all 12 tracks.

Listener beware: Newworldson is almost addictive in its goodness. Don't say you weren't warned!

In 2008 I was introduced to Newworldson through Salvation Station and was super-impressed. When I heard that they had a new album coming out this year, I waited with bated breath. When day after day there was no Newworldson in my mailbox, I actually went as far as to contact their publicist and ask where my copy was! (A rare thing for me to ever do.) After listening to the entire album three times now, I can say without a doubt that it was worth the wait.

The "everything but the kitchen sink" approach that they mastered on Salvation Station is honed down to a silky blend made primarily of blues, jazz and reggae with light touches of other styles thrown in here and there. While it would be easy to lament the loss, they deliver so beautifully that you're just too busy feeling the music to mind too much.

Don't get me wrong ... Newworldson hasn't suddenly gone all cookie-cutter on us and the extra umph is still there. Opener "You Set the Rhythm" and "Commander" both show that funk and blues can partner up nicely and have beautiful babies. A British pop/rock sound comes into play on "In Your Arms" and amazingly, they absolutely pull it off.

One of my personal faves, "Rocky Road," is pure old-school blues that hands out lyrics that will draw you up short and make you take a good long look in the mirror. "Weary," another favorite, is so smooth that you can easily get so caught up in the music that you miss the lyrics. Don't! They are too relevant to miss. The crown jewel of the album, the single, "There Is A Way" reminds me of Jimmy Needham so much that I was totally enamored by the first chorus.

There is no sophomore slump to be found on Newworldson ... anywhere! I feel like I did the first time I heard the band and just like in 2008, I say with ease that this is the best CD I've heard thus far this year. If I wore a hat, I would absolutely be taking it off to Newworldson!

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.