Employing the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, the Newsboys churn out more catchy and quirky pop on Thrive , their first studio album in nearly three years. Building on the chart success of Shine: The Hits and a massive Festival con Dios world tour, the Newsboys know what works. Frontman Peter Furler and producer Steve Taylor lay down the gauntlet from the opening T. Rex-flavored glam rocker, "Giving It Over," setting the tone for another hit-laden release. The title track is a graceful study in melody, while the simple yet compelling "It Is You" is already a chart-topper. Longtime Newsboys fans will also love "Cornelius," a sonic reminder of the older hit "Breakfast in Hell." Furler and company have always been good about gently nudging Christian pop into an edgier direction. Thrive is certainly a step along that path, albeit a small one. --Michael Lyttle