Newsboys Sales Increase 28% with First Rock Record in Five Years

Best–selling, award–winning Inpop recording artist newsboys has returned to the rock genre with an impressive 23,246 units its first week, the band’s biggest street week since Adoration released in 2003. Newsboys’ 14th album, GO, released Oct. 31 and has been applauded for its return to the group’s signature pop/rock sound.

Christian SoundScan’s Overall Contemporary Christian Albums Chart placed newsboys’ GO at No. 4 this week with total retail scans of 17,948. Direct and internet sales of GO contribute an additional 5,298 units for a combined sales exceeding 23,000 units. The album also debuted at No. 51 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

“It’s a great time to be involved in Inpop and newsboys,” comments Dale Bray, president of Inpop Records. “This is Inpop’s biggest first week sales number in its eight–year history, surpassing our previous record with Superchick’s Beauty From Pain. We are very proud to have partnered with newsboys on this project.”

“newsboys are excited about the overwhelmingly positive response to GO ,” says newsboys manager, Wes Campbell. “We appreciate all the hard work from everyone involved in this record, producer Tedd T, Christian radio and retail, EMI CMG and the many people that have supported the band for so many years.”

Media are calling GO a welcomed return to newsboys’ familiar sound and are offering up high praises to the group. JesusFreakHideout.com gives the album 4.5 out of 5 stars saying, “Catchy, fun, worshipful, encouraging, and memorable, GO is liable to cause longtime fans to join me in saying, ‘Hallelujah, the newsboys are back!’” CCM Magazine lauds, “[newsboys] have returned in what’s arguably its best creative offering since 1998’s Step Up to the Microphone … the group achieves the rare distinction of having a cross generational impact, maintaining its old school die–hards, while giving the younger crew something substantial to sink their teeth into.”

And newsboys is offering its fans something extra special to “sink their teeth into” with a limited edition version of GO, featuring three additional new tracks: “City to City,” “I Am Free (Live)” and “Something To Believe In.” This collector’s item also includes a DVD containing more than an hour’s worth of video in the studio as well as with each band member in their hometown. Also putting newsboys on the radar is current single, “Wherever We Go,” which maintains its No. 4 position on Radio & Records ’ Christian Hit Radio chart. The song is also currently at No. 10 on R&R ’s Adult Contemporary Indicator chart. Additionally, the band will announce plans shortly for a major national spring tour. More details to follow.

With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys have achieved phenomenal success in its near two decades together. Known for their amazing live performances, and their groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sellout festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process.