Delirious?

Item: Audio Lessonover?
Author: Matt Modrich

Audio Lessonover?

(2001)

Reviewed by Matt Modrich

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Furious? RecordsDecapolisAugust 2002

alternative rock modern rock pop rock

Delirious is known in the United States as a worship band, but across the ocean they are part of the mainstream scene in the U.K. Because of that dichotomy their music is often out in Europe long before it hits the States. Such is the case with "Audio Lessonover," which has been out since last August, but is scheduled to be released in America with a live disc this fall.

Many traditional Delirious fans will probably be shocked when they finally get a hold of "Audio Lessonover" and realize that it's miles from the band's past worship albums, but perhaps the indie scene will finally embrace one of CCM's best as well. With their latest album, Delirious has broken out of the church setting by writing somber love songs, which display the band's newfound Radiohead influence along with their usual brand of pop choruses and hooks.

"Audio Lessonover" commences with an addictive pop song called "Waiting for the Summer." Track two "Take Me Away" is a melancholy love song, which becomes evident from the first line: "I'm in love with a girl and everybody seems to know." Next is "Love is the Compass," which builds from a slower verse up into an unexpected chorus. Then track four "Alien" reveals Radiohead's influence before "Angel in Disguise," which is another heartfelt ballad that mixes tempos and moods before more Radiohead moments in "Rollercoaster."

Track seven "Fire" is a minor key song with a bit of groove that has some interesting moments that contrast with the songs before and after it. Then comes "There is an Angel," which is a beautiful ballad that once again shows the shift from past lyrical themes with lines such as: "There is an angel and she's lying next to me." Next is "Bicycle Gasoline," which is another slow pop song that is perfect for the radio. Track ten starts with what is most likely Stu G. taking over the vocals for a slower more serious verse before Martin breaks in with a chorus that sounds awfully like the Beatles: "All you need is love, just a little love." Next is "Show Me Heaven," which has an anthemic chorus similar to Delirious' past records.

Track twelve "America" may be the best song on the album. However, its title may cause some listeners to misinterpret it as a September 11th tribute to America, but it is actually just a serious pop song that addresses the widespread problems of a hurting world. Next comes the final and most noticeable Radiohead moment in "Sterling Time," which is just before Stu G. sings a bonus track that seems just a bit out of place with the rest of the album.

The biggest criticisms of "Audio Lessonover" may be the strong Radiohead influences, as well as the evidence of filler tracks and the band's failure to end the album with "America." In hindsight it's clearly not Delirious' best album, but it is something different from what they have released in the past. The main difference is due to more keyboard and acoustic guitar parts, along with writing more songs about women and less about religious convictions.

Still, "Audio Lessonover" Delirious continues to impress listeners with their ability to write heartfelt songs that dramatically build from verse to chorus. The album also shows the band taking more chances that may even change some of the demographics of their listening audience. But with their audience and sound moving away from that of their past records maybe they need to find a new record label as well, especially if Sparrow Records is going to continue delaying the release of their records in America.