Review: Delirious

Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers by Martin Smith, Craig Borlase

Summary (from Goodreads): Martin Smith—one of the leading voices in the modern worship movement—shares his story, his insight, and his challenge to change the world. For seventeen years, Smith held the microphone for Delirious?, the mega-selling, Dove Award-winning, Grammy-nominated band that helped bring the modern worship movement into existence. Here Martin reflects on everything from the craft of leading worship to the challenges of parenthood to how to find a place of compassion within a culture of consumerism. Along the way, he challenges readers: Are you going to be spectators— or agents of change? Are you going to read history—or make it happen? Are you just going to sing the songs—or will you live them out? Always personal and often surprising, Smith’s story will spur readers to embrace the action God wants them to take.

My Thoughts: I remember Delirious? from my college days. Until reading this book, I didn’t realize how many of the songs I know from church worship services started out as Delirious? songs. I had no idea. (For those unfamiliar with the group, yes, that question mark is necessary. The band’s name wasn’t “Delirious” it was “Delirious?”!) Outside the songs I’ve heard through church, I am mostly unfamiliar with their music. I also had no idea about the origins of the band, including the fact that they came from England. (I knew they were foreign, but for some reason I was thinking Australia.)

In Delirious, Martin Smith’s voice is conversational and pleasant to read. The book is written in such a way that it feels like you’re sitting at Starbucks with him, chatting about life.

Martin makes it clear that this is his take on things. He doesn’t try to speak for the rest of the band when he discusses the Delirious? days. He has some powerful insights on what worship is about, and the origins of a lot of their music. While admitting that, yes, mistakes were made, he does state that he wouldn’t change things, though. It’s clear he’s learned a lot – about God, about himself, about music, about marriage and family. It’s also clear that God used this opportunity not only to revolutionize the worship scene, but also to help those struggling in poverty – especially those in India.

This was a great read. And if you’re a bigger fan of Delirious? than I am, you must get the book NOW. I think you’ll really enjoy it.

(Coming soon is my review of his wife’s book, Meet Mrs. Smith, which is her take on things.)

My Rating: 3 stars

Source: Received through The B&B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

About the Author: Martin Smith is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter from England. He was the front man for the Christian rock and worship band Delirious? for seventeen years. Delirious? released numerous records, with some of their songs hitting the top twenty UK charts. In their career, Delirious? played many major conferences, festivals, events, and crusades. They won numerous Dove Awards, were nominated for a Grammy Award, and produced songs such as “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” and “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” Smith collaborated with the other members of Delirious? for the book I Could Sing of Your Love Forever and with other artists to complete The Art of Compassion book and the CompassionArt CD and DVD.

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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