The Mission Bell, Compact Disc [CD]

Veteran worship rockers Delirious? serve up The Mission Bell, a diversely styled collection of new music regarding society and life's issues. Breaking out of their trademark modern worship sound (but not completely-), this inspiring release includes "Solid Rock," "Fires Burn," "Now Is The Time," and more.

Mission: Church

After 13 albums that helped define the “modern worship” movement as we know it, countless tours of arenas and amphitheaters, and well over a million records sold, the members of Delirious (all original by the way) show no signs of slowing down. In fact, their latest release, The Mission Bell, actually ups the ante in both musical and lyrical terms.

The comparisons between Delirious and U2 are inevitable and well-founded. Though always more liberal with the keyboards than its Irish predecessors, the group’s inspired euro-rock creates updrafts of energizing, anthemic spectacle. And while its connection to people of faith has always been paramount, the songs that comprise The Mission Bell are a virtual clarion call to the church. There are no double entendres or vagaries to be found. This is all about calling the church out, motivating her to become what she was meant to be. Grand? Sweeping? Epic? Sure. It’s all of those things, but add one descriptive to the list for the first time in Delirious’s tenure: prophetic.

Understanding that Biblical prophecy has more to do with spurring the church on to growth and movement than telling the future, Delirious has drawn a bead on the heart—and backside—of believers. As the title suggests, this album is a call to service—to finding and embracing the mission of the body of Christ. The album’s opener, “Stronger,” delivers its challenge toward church unity and focus via a plodding and melancholy piano drone a la Keane or Coldplay, then adds a majestic choir to the ending for a soaring and characteristically moving Delirious experience. The theme continues with the following track, “Now is the Time,” a sweeping and motivational epic.

Other standouts include the simple arena-rock power of “Solid Rock,” an adaptation on the classic hymn “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” that features tobyMac flowing the hymn’s original lyrics to impressive effect. There is also the surprisingly confrontational “Our God Reigns,” which dares to juxtapose faith with serving the least of these (focusing specifically on the issues of abortion, AIDS and humanity’s obsession with “self”).

The Mission Bell is unafraid to challenge, chide and inspire all at the same time. From cavernous rock anthems full of swagger and scope, to intimate and at times painful confessions of failure and fear, this is worship music with teeth.

JOHN J. THOMPSON- CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

8 of 8 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Reviewer (San Jose, CA), February 08, 2007

AMAZING! After hearing Delirious? at a Battle Cry stadium event at San Francisco here in Northern California, I have to say that I was seriously hooked. I love their accent (yay!), I love their music, I love their passion, and I love their heart. An excellent buy.

Reviewed by Rick (San Antonio, TX), July 28, 2006

I just saw them in concert last night 27 JUL 06. It was absolutely the best concert I have ever been to. I was taken to the Throne Room of God here on earth. I have never felt so close to the Lord on this earth. This CD is AWESOME. What can I say. If you also have a chance go see them in concert. It was also great because they came to New Braunfels, TX just 2 days after they arrived in the US. The best group on the PLANET!!!!!!

Reviewed by Brittani (Scappoose, OR), February 19, 2006

I'm usually not a fan of this style of music, but I totally LOVE Delirious?. I highly recommend them to everyone! :o)

Reviewed by Crystal (Mo), February 09, 2006

"The Mission Bell" is perhaps Delirious? best album to date. I really enjoyed the rock edge to this album. I would highly recomend it.

Reviewed by Katie (UK), January 28, 2006

well what can i say...they just get better and better!!! This album has to be their best yet if you like delirious then its definitely a must have!!or if you just like rock/ondie or a good old worship song then this is for you!! It has something for everyone from the amazing worship song "Miracle maker" to the more up beat "Now is the time" and of course their awesome new single "Paint the town red" When you start listening you won't be able to stop!!Get it now!!

Reviewed by Elizabeth (New York City, New York), January 25, 2006

This is a great CD! If you're looking for some good music that you can worship God with, rock out to, and at the same time ENJOY the quality of the music, "The Mission Bell" by Delirious? is the CD for you! With a passion you can sense through the music, Delirious? pushes straight forward to bring new tunes focused on spurring the Church into action to reach the ends of the world for Christ. This CD will inspire you to get up on your feet and change the world! I definitely recommend this one!

Reviewed by Robert Mills (CA), January 17, 2006

Simply put: An excellent album. They utilize a variety of styles, but there is definitely a greater emphasis on some good ol' solid rock n' roll (as compared to their previous albums). We need more quality music out there like this album!

Reviewed by Greg Walker (Austin, TX), December 29, 2005

Splendid CD!!! These guys continue to be the leaders in creativity within the Christian music community. All this Time, Solid Rock, Here I am Send Me, and Miracle Maker are my favs. One of the year's best CD's.

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