Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Christian rock. In fact, my very first introduction to the genre was a 2 disk set from Delirious. Since then, however, I've also been introduced to Audio Adrenaline, Third Day and DC Talk - among others. While this particular CD is masterfully mixed and the guys are all masters of their instruments, it just lacks the driving force behind the message I've come to appreciate from others. (I often tease my wife - who tends towards the more mellow in music - that she needs to start a support group called, "Headbangers for Christ.")
This is a decent album, (dating myself there), and the rhythmic backdrop of "August 30th" - while initially annoying to me - became strangely soothing and reassuring by the end. There is plenty of good to be said about this disc, but if you tend towards Third Day and AA, this one probably isn't for you.

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.

King of Fools 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 single, 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, prayer-like 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 overall. As for King of Fools, it's pretty amazing for a debut album.

Having listened to Delirious for a few years, I expected this album to be a strong one, and I was not disappointed. Overall, about half of the songs are outstanding ("Sanctify", "History Maker", "Deeper", for example), while the rest are all pretty good. The band covers a wide range of musical styles (hard, pop, soft, etc), and they deliver well in each catergory. Although I must admit that I prefer the louder, upbeat songs on this album more so than the slower ones.

I have seen Delirious compared to U2 on numerous occasions, and never agreed with this match. Having listened to this album, I have reconsidered this comparison and think that it does warrant consideration. Some of the songs have a U2 quality, except that Delirious is much more obvious about their faith.

I definitely recommend this album to any CCM fan who does not already own it, especially if you are a Delirious fan. If you are new to CCM, Delirious is a great band to use as a starting point. Musically they are very talented, and lyrically they are powerful.

This CD is incredible. Almost every song is strong. You'll love it!

It's hard to leave this CD behind at home when it's time to go to work.

They might have a U2 influence, but the absolute strength of the CD is the range that the songs hit from peak to peak. This is not a band that "everything sounds the same" or has a single, you buy the disc and the rest of the tracks are mish mash. Simply put, I've worn grooves in the disc. Everyone has favorite songs, but the beauty of Delirious is listening to them from the opening to ending songs in a single sitting. This is not background music, this is music for your soul.