It's official! Born Again, the critically-acclaimed 15th studio project just released from Newsboys, is the biggest project ever to release in the band's history. Even better? Newsboys' Born Again is the 2nd highest Christian artist debut on Billboard's Top 200 and the 3rd highest debut on CCM Soundscan for 2010!
According to Soundscan, Born Again has sold an astounding 45,311 units in just one week, placing Born Again at #4 on Billboard's Overall Chart, charting above new releases from such artists as Sting and M.I.A. In its first week of release, Born Again also placed Top 4 on iTunes' Overall Chart, sharing company again with Sting and charting before the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. Born Again officially released July 13th, courtesy of Inpop Records.
Even before sales numbers were released, it has been reported that Born Again is the best project Newsboys has ever released. It has also been said that the band is "wonderfully rejuvinated," "amazing" and "The 'Boys are back...simply the best!" It's been months and months of hard work for Newsboys leading up to the release of Born Again, and it's certainly paying off.
Along the way, the band has received tremendous support from retail, radio stations, media outlets, and dedicated fans across the nation. From kicking off a few of their new songs and doing local tour promotion earlier this year during the WinterJam 2010 tour to now, Newsboys have been so ready to share Born Again with the world.
"The record-setting number of sales today reflect the dedication and hard work of Newsboys to create another groundbreaking musical creation," exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. "The amazing support of Christian radio stations, festival promoters, our hard-working Inpop staff, and our partners at EMI CMG distribution have all earned our thanks today."
RADIO
For an amazing eight weeks, Born Again's first radio single, "Born Again," claimed the top spot at CHR radio, while the song continues it's climb to the top on the Christian AC charts, currently Top 10. To further promote the CD's release, Newsboys traveled around the country last week via ISDN radio hook ups to talk to radio stations and listeners from coast to coast. The band was featured on numerous morning shows and stations around the country, including K-LOVE; Air 1; Star 99.1 New York; WCSG Grand Rapids, MI; WAY-FM Network; His Radio Greenville, SC; KSBJ Houston; WFFH Fish Nashville; and KFIS Fish Portland. The band set up a special ustream page allowing stations to include LIVE video into each of the interviews.
MEDIA
Preparing for street week the critical press has shown their support as well. Popular outlets such as FOX News, Rhapsody, Billboard, gmclife.com, CCM, Charisma, TitleTrakk.com, CBN, and so many more have promoted Born Again.
Both NewReleaseTuesday.com and JesusFreakHideout.com named Newsboys' Artist of the Week, promoting them on their homepages and featuring full CD streaming, feature articles and reviews. HearitFirst.com immediately jumped on board with numerous exclusive video interviews, as well as streaming the new project and launching a contest to win a trip to Rock the Universe to sit side-stage during the Newsboys performance. Visit the site too to not miss drummer Duncan Phillips' sharing his laundry tips with the world, as well as much more.
What are the critics saying about the new release?
"...Born Again marks a new beginning for the Grammy-nominated, Dove-winning band...and features a wonderfully rejuvenated sound...jam-packed with energetic rock made for live performances. Auditory treats include the funky 'When the Boys Light Up' and the redemptive 'Build Us Back.'"
- Wendy Lee Nentwig for Rhapsody.com
To further support Newsboys, Rhapsody.com named Born Again Album of the Day along with including a major feature with the CD review. Please visit Rhapsody.com/christian-gospel to read Rhapsody's full coverage.
"Born Again is a strong introduction for this new incarnation of one of Christian music's most successful groups. You'll be hard-pressed to not feel the new energy here." - Debra Akins for gmclife.com
"Tait shines as Newsboys frontman...Born Again delivers."
- Kevin Thorsun for cmaddict.com
"The lyrics are pure...to the point and at the same time deep, leaving you looking at yourself and examining yourself." - ChristianMusicReview.org
THE FAN
We can't forget about the music buyers, the die-hard fans who will always give honest opinions. Read on to hear what they think of Born Again:
"The best Newsboys album ever! Simply the best....don't miss this one!"
"The Boys are back! It's a fresh, new sound for the Newsboys....can't wait for this band to hit 30 years in 2018 and still be putting out records!"
"By far the best album Newsboys have released...brilliant!"
"This album is amazing! Every song is so catchy and I officially know for sure the boys are BACK. if you're not sure whether to buy it or not...BUY IT!!"
Be sure to catch Newsboys live in a city near you this summer and fall to capture the excitement of their new songs live along with seeing their brand new stage set. Visit their website for the most updated schedule and information!
Newsboys.com
Source: CMSpin