Delirious? is an Christian English rock band who is noted for their worldwide appeal and contribution to Christian music as a genre. With songs such as “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” and “Majesty (Here I Am)”, Delirious? has contributed songs that are sung in Christian churches around the world and has also assembled a strong body of work that reaches outside of the Christian world. Since their first official studio album, King of Fools (1997-1998), Delirious? has pioneered a style of music that played a strong role in introducing rock-style music in Christian churches. At the end of 2009, Delirious? will retire as a band for the purposes of its individual members pursuing their own interests, including CompassionArt.
Due to distribution concerns, Delirious? has often released much of their studio work twice as well as an additional live version for many songs. As a result, finding Delirious? songs can be quite confusing. However, all ten of my favorite Delirious? songs can be found in some form on only three albums: Deeper: the Definite Worship Experience, The Mission Bell, and Kingdom of Comfort.
So without further ado, I give you my ten favorite songs by Delirious?:
10) Love Will Find a Way
“I try to make sense of the things I’ve seen
Between the poverty and the five star dream”
The central theme of Kingdom of Comfort is a struggle to reconcile the teachings of the Bible (compassion, charity, love) with the stunning poverty seen all across the world. Martin Smith asks, how can we call ourselves Christians and yet ignore the suffering of our fellow human? This sentiment bleeds through into the music as the triumphant answer arrives: it is love that will find a way.
9) Break the Silence
The message in this track from Kingdom of Comfort is clear; the message of hope, peace, and unity must not be kept silent. The verses of this song are cleverly stifled, but the message breaks out loud and clear in the chorus. Stu G’s guitar is loud and insistent, begging you to pay attention.
8) Here I Am Send Me
This song is part of a long tradition of Stew Smith drumming that has almost no frills or fuss and drives the song home like nothing else can. The lyrics here are powerful, asking for the same sort of mission as Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jacob, and Paul. Pretty good company, but not for the fearful or prideful.
7) All The Way
Stu G’s guitar on this song is infectious; you only want to hear more and more of it. His solo is amazing, and it’s surrounded by music that’s both soft and majestic. The lyrics are amazing in making it clear that those who follow after God are both in it for the long haul and at the same time have no chance without His grace.
6) Miracle Maker
This song is just plain ridiculous. Loosely modeled after the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 5:25-34), there is simply no better song throughout the entire world of music to sing when you are in pain. The best part is that this by no means a “gimme” prayer to God; the last two lines remind us why we are healed.
I’m walking in the shoes of my miracle maker.
I’m standing with the faith of a miracle maker.”
5) Solid Rock
The words are taken from an 1834 hymn by Edward Mote, by this song is all Delirious?. Played live, Martin Smith will sing the verses through a megaphone. Even with Stew Smith’s straight ahead drums and Stu G’s blaring guitar, the verses of this song in Martin’s voice actually take on a hip-hop style(!); nobody can ever say Delirious? never pushed the envelope. Their musical forays into the unknown have been rather hit-or-miss, but this is a definite hit.
4) Revival Town
The first version that I heard of this song was a house remix. Seriously. But that’s where the beauty of this song lies; no matter who or where you are, all around the world there is a reason for hope, dancing, and joy. Revival can happen anywhere.
3) My Soul Sings
This song epitomizes the music of Delirious?, and fittingly, it is a simple worship song addressed to God. Stu G’s guitar leads the song along and soars with the chorus. The live version (in Spanish) is amazing.
2) Kingdom of Comfort
The title track of the final studio album of Delirious? is also the most challenging to both the singer and the listener. The lyrics say it all:
“I rob myself of innocence
With the poison of indifference
I buy my stuff at any cost
A couple of clicks and I pay the price
‘Cause what I gain is someone else’s loss”
1) History Maker
If there’s one message that Delirious? would like to spread to the Christian church across the world, it’s this: don’t be a part of history; make history. This song is an amazing declaration of faith for all who follow Jesus, reminding us that we can see the kingdom of heaven displayed in all its glory here on earth.
Sources:
Official Delirious Website : http://www.delirious.co.uk/html/index.html
CompassionArt : http://www.compassionart.tv/
