One of the CDs that have been on heavy rotation in my CD player recently (definitely in my “A” playlist at the moment) is the 2005 Soul Survivor sampler “We must go”, featuring many of the songs that were sung during Soul Survivor’s annual summer event in Shepton Mallet / Somerset (UK). And while I miss a few songs (it would have been so great to have that spontaneous 15 minute instrumental worship set by Delirious? on the CD, but I didn’t think that was going to happen anyway), it’s still a great collection that as always has been masterfully put together to re-capture the listeners and take them back to the events of last summer (if in fact they were there… people who weren’t will probably love the CD almost as much). If I were to name my favourite songs, I’d have to name almost all of them… so maybe I should just mention that the only real disappointment is “Superlatives” by Marl Beswick and his “Power Praise” singers… after their breathtaking rendition of “Lord, I lift Your name on high” on the 2004 sampler, I expected a lot more, both live and on the CD. Anyway, maybe I’m just missing whatever is so special about this song… I hope it wasn’t just put on the CD because the Soul Survivor guys had to.
All in all, a great CD, definitely worth having a look (and listen) at – and don’t miss the extra 5-track bonus CD with some of the highlights of the “Momentum” festival for “students and 20somethings” that ran between the two main Soul Survivor weeks. Hey, maybe I’ll see some of you there this summer…
Technorati : CD, christian, music, soul survivor
January 2nd, 2006
Even having heard a few songs from their newest album at Soul Survivor this summer, “The Mission Bell” still managed to completely take me by surprise. If it wasn’t for the unmistakeable voice of Martin Smith, I would have had a hard time telling that this is indeed the work of Delirious? – and I’ve been following the band for the last almost ten years. Don’t get me wrong – I think it’s absolutely fantastic, the guys have managed to brilliantly reinvent themselves in many ways while still keeping that “special something” that makes their music so unique. Probably the best thing I’ve heard since “King of Fools”.
The thing that probably struck me most, apart from their fresh, sometimes daring new arrangements, is the lyrical depth of the new songs. Past albums have always seen a mix of a few songs going deeper and most never leaving the shallow (with the exception of “Glo” and the “Cutting Edge” compilation, but those were made for a different market) – this time, there is absolutely no doubt what the guys are singing about. And they are not afraid to take on today’s “hot topics” – “Our God Reigns” for example talks about abortion, HIV and our vanity culture. I love the honesty in some of the songs – there seem to be a lot more questions than answers this time.
Musically, the songs range from just great to bordering on brilliant. A song like “Solid Rock”, with guest vocalist Tobymac speaking the lyrics of a 19th century hymn to the very edgy backing loops is just something so totally unexpected that I had to listen to it twice to even recognize it as a Delirious? song. And my absolute favourite, “Miracle Maker” is sending shivers down my spine (in a very positive way) when I just think about it.
If you liked Delirious? before, this one is for you – but be prepared for some new twists and enjoy the freshness of their sound. And if you didn’t like them very much before, give them another try, you might be in for a positive surprise!
Technorati : CD, christian, music, review
December 24th, 2005