Delirious?

Item: Cutting Edge
Author: Janet Friesen

Cutting Edge

(1997)

Reviewed by Janet Friesen

Discogs Apple Music Spotify

Label Furious? Records / Sparrow RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1997

acoustic rock worship

Since 1992 Delirious? has been revolutionizing the Christian music scene in England with their unique brand of worship and praise. What started out in 1992 as a small group of people gathering to worship Christ, known as Cutting Edge, has now grown into a movement that is on its way to changing the way "church music" is played. The band has finally arrived in the U.S. with their debut release Cutting Edge. This is a two CD package containing many of their songs made popular from 1992-95. For a time of praise to the Creator, you could not ask for more inspiring music. From the anthemic "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble" to the soul-baring "Find Me in the River," the driving "Louder Than the Radio" to the sheer joy in Christ of "The Happy Song," it is obvious from the start that Delirious? is a group of guys who love the Lord and find joy in making music unto Him.

From the very beginning, the band is up front and honest about its purpose. "The Message of the Cross" reminds us of what Jesus has done for us by His work on the cross.

This is the message of the cross, that we can be free
To lay all our burdens here, at the foot of the tree
The Cross was the shame of the world, but the glory of God
For Jesus You conquered sin and You gave us new life.

"Singers Song" is simply a song of praise and adoration to Jesus, while "Lord You Have My Heart" is a more contemplative look at our need for Christ. With an acoustic rock sound the band shifts gears back and forth between upbeat, lively worship songs and thoughtful, searching ballads.

Disc two starts out with the majestic "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble," a song that picks the listener up and sets him at the feet of the heavenly throne, worshipping God and singing praises to His name. This is the height of worship music--music that takes us out of ourselves and into the presence of God. This song does just that. Lead singer Martin Smith starts out slowly with this one, building in intensity, until, reaching the chorus, he is joined by a number of voices singing in joy to the Lord.

Open up the doors and
Let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring Your hope
Songs that bring Your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice

This is a song that stays with the listener long after the last notes have been played.

One can't help but wonder what the band is like live. There are several moments in these songs when they seem to want to break out into spontaneous worship, something that is not possible in a studio recording but would be very possible in a concert setting. Thus, often these songs come off as being a bit repetitive. But that is sometimes the nature of worship as we meditate upon our love for God and His love for us.

The songs of Cutting Edge call the listener into an honest and deep relationship with God. This is praise and worship music at its finest.

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