Review

So here it is. The band that launched a thousand reviews. Delirious is a true gift from God. They have proven so adept at translating the hopes and trials of a spawning generation, singing it back to us so that we, too, can have a voice. It's not so much prophetic as it is proclamation. Throughout the last decade, perhaps no other band has led worship (and I mean leading, not just playing) quite so boldly. With each new album release we glance up to where we saw them last, only to find that they have moved to higher ground, from there bidding us to come along. With each new song, they almost seem to throw out their history in order to better live in the moment.

The one quality that Delirious captures, over and over again, is the ability to describe the journey. Struggles with the flesh a thing of the past for the mature Christian? Not so, as you'll hear on "All This Time". "But this world can get me all undone/ And I'm frightened I'm the only one/ I wrestle with the thoughts I keep/ If I sow the seeds of arrogance/ Then it's loneliness I'll reap..." Or how about social injustice and our ability to impact it? "Our God Reigns" ponders "40 million babies/ Lost to God's great orphanage/ It's a modern day genocide/ And a modern day disgrace", addressing abortion, aids, and self love before proclaiming the One who can change everything.

That's the thing I notice as I follow this band. They don't rest on their laurels. They don't compromise. And they write about what's being written on their hearts. That's why people resonate with them, because there is a common thread between all of our searches.

Ok, that's how I feel about the band; how about the album? Because having said what I've said, I still have my preferences, both musically and worshipfully. In reviewing an album I try to leave those out, because they're like, well, everyone's got them! Mine are just mine. I'll tell you that the album is wonderfully produced, and you can verify that yourself as you watch the "Inside the Studio" CD-Rom portion of the album. Also, as shown above, it's cleverly and poignantly written. There is, in my view, a return to more of what I heard from them earlier, a la "King of Fools".

I especially like "Solid Rock". It dresses up the old hymn "On Christ the Solid Rock" and a "rap" (oh, how I cringe to use that description) by TobyMac. But it works! Check it out. "All This Time" is probably my favorite on the album because of its lyrics, but it also grabs me on the chorus to sing along. "Here I Am Send Me" moves me because of its missionary sentiment, but beyond that, it's about vision. And it rocks!

The album also features "the quiet, reflective songs", in the vein of "Lord, You Have My Heart". "Miracle Maker" will probably be the most covered song on the album, but you'll have to turn the volume up quite a bit to hear Martin's voice and words.

So, there it is. Another glowing review of another Delirious album. Their honesty about their love and lessons has blessed us once again.

Review by John Ausmus