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King of Fools - Delirious?
I became a Christian because of music. The people who showed love to me helped, but it was the music, all-encompassing and powerful that made me feel like something important existed beyond myself. Delirious's music was a big part of that.
This album is centered around the complementary themes of doubt and faith, questioning God and redemption. One of the reasons I love this band so much is the fact that they aren't always "happy-clappy" like so many other other worship bands. Their songs are sincere, thoughtful, intelligent, and most of all, powerful. They address issues that anyone with a complex faith has struggled with, and found their faith stronger because of it.
For example, take their hit song (in Britian at least) Deeper, one of my favorite worship songs, and one of the first I learned. It's alternatively questioning, enthusiastic, humble and completely in love with God.
From the honesty of "I want to be meeker/But have you seen this old earth? and "I want to go deeper/But is it just a stupid whim?" to "And the wonder of it all is that I'm living just to fall/More in love with you," this song encompasses so many of the emotions inherent in the contemplative Christian life. (Or at least in mine.) Plus, it rocks.
Likewise, "White Ribbon Day" expresses many of the same fears, and is particuarly relevant today (although it was released in 1998). I certainly couldn't help but think of Bush's lack of doubt about God's support for the War in Iraq listening to the lyrics "How can it be that God is love?/When blood rolls down upon our land." In all, the song is an insistant call for peace and love, following Jesus's message of loving one's neighbor.
As for music, anyone who thinks Christians are all uptight Republicans who can't rock hasn't listened to Delirious?. Beyond their punkish look, the band can rock with plenty of loud guitars and passionate singing. The music is generally straightforward rock, with a few lovely songs breaking the mold. For example, "What a Friend I've Found" starts as a sparcely arranged, nearly prayerlike song and evolves into a gorgeous gospelly song backed by guitars.
In addition to all this, Delirious? prove you can write a terrific worship song without using the words "Jesus," "Lord" or "God" (in fact, they have several). If you want a Christian band that is just a great band in general, listen to Delirious? They're my favorite Christian band, and one of my favorites in general.
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