I will always respect an artist who refuses to go quietly into the night. With twenty years of music under their belt and many line-up changes over that time, it would be easy for News to settle into a dull, adult contemporary rut of ballads and coffeehouse fare. But in many ways, they feel more adventurous than ever. Freed from the constraints of being the “hot new group” of the moment, they’re able to indulge in sounds and structures that are bold and ambitious.

New single A Real Man is a great example of this approach. It’s also a testament to why Johnny’s Entertainment should be uploading all their music videos in full. No song benefits from a “short version” edit – especially not one this sprawling and diverse. The YouTube edit is a disservice to the song’s overall experience, though it’ll give you a taste for what you’re in for.

A Real Man is not News’ first attempt at a “movie musical” style track, but I think it’s their most successful. The song pinballs between diverse segments, from rousing choir to brassy breakdown to effusive, stomping centerpiece. There are so many ideas stuffed into the track’s four minute frame and you may find yourself confused on first listen. But, each transition is intentional and well-delivered. There’s a gutsiness to even the most subdued moments, and the song’s backing choir pays dividends. This is especially true during the compelling bridge, which goes gospel for a rousing build toward A Real Man’s final, celebratory chorus. I’m not sure how the track will age, but for now it’s a delightful twist in a discography filled with fascinating asides.

Grade: A-