When the newsboys’ new CD, In the Hands of God, hit stores this May, it came on the heels of the announcement of a major change for the band. Frontman Peter Furler was stepping down, and Michael Tait of dc Talk fame would be the new lead singer.

Band manager Wes Campbell said, “No one can replace Peter, but we know Michael will bring a new attitude, energy and vocal style that will thrill our audience.”  I’m glad to see the group embracing the change like this instead of trying to manufacture a Peter Furler clone.

I’d only heard Michael Tait once before this, and I liked his sound. Still I felt a huge sense of loss. Peter Furler’s voice is so much a part of the songs I’ve come to love. I’m glad he’ll still be part of the song-writing team, because classic newsboys lyrics are brilliant.

To help fans bridge from the “old” to the “new” newsboys sound, the band have re-recorded “Glorious”, the most recent release from the CD. You can listen to it on the newsboys (official) Facebook page.  (No Facebook membership required.)

I think it’s a great way to help ease fans through the transition. Imagine going to a concert with one sound style in your mind and hearing something completely different. Well… “completely” is too strong a word, but the lead’s voice does make a big difference! And some of us don’t do change well, even when we’re trying our best. After all, change brings both gain and loss.

I like the new recording of “Glorious.” It’s not the sound I fell in love with. But I really like it. Listen a few times, and see what you think.

The newsboys will never be the same again. That’s life.

They were good, something special.

They are good, something else special.

That’s the way they roll.

[Added October 2009: My son and I took in what may be the only Canadian stop on the newsboys’ The Way We Roll Tour, and it was amazing. Michael Tait is a great fit for the group, and this was my concert of a lifetime. You can see the promo here. If you get the chance to see the concert, take it!]