Wayne Clarke
2003-11-12 16:47:21 UTC
Just sitting listening to the new album "World Service", which I got hold of
yesterday.
Here's the track listing and a very brief first reaction...
1. Grace like a river
Big riff to start, then in comes Martin's voice - it's the new Delirious
album sounding reassuringly familiar. Lyrically - isn't the "River" simile
getting a bit overused? The track explodes with energy as it goes on and
thankfully no gospel choir!
2. Rain Down
Good song with clever production, though it doesn't hold my attention for
some reason.
"I know it's time for heaven's rain" - "rain" to mean revival is another
over-done image in Christian music.
3. God in Heaven
Fab opening with some interesting riffs and strong explicit God lyrics. I'm
not sure about the "yeah, yeah, yeah" part, but an arresting, powerful song,
with enough twists and turns to keep me listening.
4. Majesty
Most of you will have heard this. Good track, but I can't see it working
congregationally, and why do I keep thinking of the Jack Hayford song of the
same name? Lyrics are rather predictable, but Martin sounds as good as ever.
5. Inside Outside
Yes, I really like this - some interesting beats and melodic ideas. Lyrics
inspired by Song of Songs ("Your banner is over me"). Love the imaginative
production on this.
6. Free
Trademark expansive guitars and keys, with Stu sounding like the Edge more
than ever. Can't decipher the words.
7. Everyone Knows
More acoustic sound, and lots of strings. Vocal harmonies reminiscent of
"Waiting for the Summer". Good chorus. I love the line "I'm a man who knows
where his fire glows" (at lease that what it sounds like to me - could be
wrong).
8. With You
A bit predictable with its quieter verse leading up to an explosive chorus.
"I'm with you-oo, I'm with you." One of those tracks that has to be heard
loud on big speakers.
9. Mountains High
"Sorrow came to visit us today - was the longest day". Poignant song about
loss, with Martin showing his gentler side over stripped-down piano,
building up through the track.
10. I was Blind
"I was blind but now I see... I was lost but now I'm found", the second song
on the album with lyrics from the hymn "Amazing Grace"! Another stripped
down song relying heavily on Martin's voice. Gentler, but wouldn't call it
MOR. Good worship song, perhaps longer than it deserves.
11. Feel it Comin On
Classic Delirious with Jesus lyrics and piercing U2 style guitar. Good
drums. Builds up to "take it where it goes" section which will be tremendous
live.
12. Every Little Thing
Back to the rhythmic piano and stripped-down sound. The oft-repeated words
"Every little thing's gonna be alright" are derivative and made me cringe.
Not the best song to finish the album. I would have ended with "Feel it
Comin On" instead.
Overall - lots of creative new ideas show that the boys are not going stale.
Lyrics are thoughtful, though weak in parts. More explicitly Christian than
the last couple of albums though I'd still be happy to give it to any of my
friends. Musically - very identifiably Delirious? with a richer production
and less self-indulgent than AL. Some classic rock songs here, and good
ministry songs, though nothing I can see us singing in church.
Yes, go out and buy it and don't forget to give a copy to your Granny for
Christmas.
Wayne Clarke, Liverpool
yesterday.
Here's the track listing and a very brief first reaction...
1. Grace like a river
Big riff to start, then in comes Martin's voice - it's the new Delirious
album sounding reassuringly familiar. Lyrically - isn't the "River" simile
getting a bit overused? The track explodes with energy as it goes on and
thankfully no gospel choir!
2. Rain Down
Good song with clever production, though it doesn't hold my attention for
some reason.
"I know it's time for heaven's rain" - "rain" to mean revival is another
over-done image in Christian music.
3. God in Heaven
Fab opening with some interesting riffs and strong explicit God lyrics. I'm
not sure about the "yeah, yeah, yeah" part, but an arresting, powerful song,
with enough twists and turns to keep me listening.
4. Majesty
Most of you will have heard this. Good track, but I can't see it working
congregationally, and why do I keep thinking of the Jack Hayford song of the
same name? Lyrics are rather predictable, but Martin sounds as good as ever.
5. Inside Outside
Yes, I really like this - some interesting beats and melodic ideas. Lyrics
inspired by Song of Songs ("Your banner is over me"). Love the imaginative
production on this.
6. Free
Trademark expansive guitars and keys, with Stu sounding like the Edge more
than ever. Can't decipher the words.
7. Everyone Knows
More acoustic sound, and lots of strings. Vocal harmonies reminiscent of
"Waiting for the Summer". Good chorus. I love the line "I'm a man who knows
where his fire glows" (at lease that what it sounds like to me - could be
wrong).
8. With You
A bit predictable with its quieter verse leading up to an explosive chorus.
"I'm with you-oo, I'm with you." One of those tracks that has to be heard
loud on big speakers.
9. Mountains High
"Sorrow came to visit us today - was the longest day". Poignant song about
loss, with Martin showing his gentler side over stripped-down piano,
building up through the track.
10. I was Blind
"I was blind but now I see... I was lost but now I'm found", the second song
on the album with lyrics from the hymn "Amazing Grace"! Another stripped
down song relying heavily on Martin's voice. Gentler, but wouldn't call it
MOR. Good worship song, perhaps longer than it deserves.
11. Feel it Comin On
Classic Delirious with Jesus lyrics and piercing U2 style guitar. Good
drums. Builds up to "take it where it goes" section which will be tremendous
live.
12. Every Little Thing
Back to the rhythmic piano and stripped-down sound. The oft-repeated words
"Every little thing's gonna be alright" are derivative and made me cringe.
Not the best song to finish the album. I would have ended with "Feel it
Comin On" instead.
Overall - lots of creative new ideas show that the boys are not going stale.
Lyrics are thoughtful, though weak in parts. More explicitly Christian than
the last couple of albums though I'd still be happy to give it to any of my
friends. Musically - very identifiably Delirious? with a richer production
and less self-indulgent than AL. Some classic rock songs here, and good
ministry songs, though nothing I can see us singing in church.
Yes, go out and buy it and don't forget to give a copy to your Granny for
Christmas.
Wayne Clarke, Liverpool