Delirious? - Live & In The Can/King Of Fools

Reviewed by Philip Croft

Must be a sign of old age but it barely seems like yesterday that these albums were first released and they both still sound 100 per cent fresh. For those not suffering from old age back in the early/mid '90s Delirious? released a series of albums called 'Cutting Edge' Vols 1-4. Initially the sound was what today would be classed as fairly standard praise and worship. Over those four albums, however, the style grew more and more into a U2/Oasis rock sound. In 1997 Delirious? decided to go mainstream and make a fully fledged assault on the secular top 20 amidst fears from many that they were selling out. The fears proved to be groundless though as 'King Of Fools' turned out to be a class album that for me is the D-Boys' most consistent album to date and one of my top 10 Christian albums of all time. In terms of chart success the album provided the band with three (small) hit singles including the ever popular "Deeper". The other album making up this 2 CD package, 'Live And In The Can', was a live recording in 1996 that featured the best songs from the 'Cutting Edge' series plus one or two new songs and marked the boys on top form during their transitional period. Although the sound quality would probably be better if Delirious? did a live album now this is one of those rare live albums that draws you in and makes you feel as if you'd actually been there. Both of these albums received 10/10 when first released and I can't think of a single reason not to do likewise. To those who weren't around to buy these first time round go out and buy them now, you won't be disappointed!