Newsboys, like contemporaries Michael W. Smith and Third Day, have always had a strong worship component to their brand of slightly eclectic Christian pop. Given the band’s vertical focus that makes Adoration: The Worship Album a logical extension to their growing catalogue of music. As evidenced by the success of "It Is You" (from 2002"s Thrive and also featured live on this release), singer/frontman Peter Furler and gang know how to craft a melodic yet simple song of praise. The first single, "He Reigns," mirrors that infectious groove. Other highlights include a powerful original track, "Great Is Your Faithfulness," a credible cover of the worship fave "You Are My King (Amazing Love)," and the majestic closer "Hallelujah." The band also combines its trademark pop sensibilities with Anglican tradition in the strangely familiar sounding "In Christ Alone," marrying sound of the old and new. Adoration will do little to detract from the fine musical litany this talented band has written in more than a decade. --Michael Lyttle