Description
King of Fools is the full-length debut album by the British pop-rock band Delirious?, released on Furious? Records in June 1997. The album was recorded between December 1, 1996 and January 28, 1997 at Beltwood House in London, England, using an Otari Radar. The album was produced by Andy Piercy of After The Fire fame, who had previously produced the band’s four Cutting Edge EPs (Delirious? were originally known as “The Cutting Edge Band” before 1996). Stylistically, the album epitomises the band’s similarity to U2, an influence which was highlighted by several critics on release.
King of Fools peaked at No. 13 on the UK album chart having held the widweek position of No. 10, a career high for the band. The album produced four singles which of the second, “Deeper”, peaked at No. 20 on the UK singles chart on 11 May 1997, and BBC Radio 1 dubbed the band “pop’s best kept secret”. Music videos were filmed for “Deeper” and “Promise” to coincide with their respective single releases. King of Fools also includes what is possibly the best known Delirious? song, “History Maker”, which the band regularly played live throughout their whole career.
“Well, I’ve got a story to tell about the king of all kings,” Martin Smith sings on the anthemic «Revival Town» and that sums up the contents here. Any fears that Delirious? might compromise in the face of commercial success are dispelled within the opening minute of their first full-length studio album. A selection of songs penned by Smith and everyone’s favourite goateed guitarist Stuart Garrard shows the usual versatility of the band. The opener, «Sanctify» has a vulnerable Smith on his knees crying out for help from Heaven. «All The Way» has a bit of an Oasis vibe with the string section and general mellowness and «August 30th» builds beautifully around a Stewart Smith drum loop and Garrard’s atmospheric guitar adds a texture reminiscent of Joshua Tree U2. The same overwhelming passion that made ‘Live And In The Can’ so special oozes out of the speakers throughout this recording. Tim Jupp’s keyboards add a dynamic to the Delirious? rock sound, it’s his delicate piano playing that stands out here. The gorgeous textures on «Hands Of Kindness» and «King Or Cripple» create an astounding balance between Jupp’s playing and the explosive guitar coda from Garrard which manage to combine power and surprise. The title song has Garrard employing an REM-style guitar. The singles «Deeper» and «White Ribbon Day» should have already captured your soul but there are even better songs here waiting for your discovery. «History Maker» lays out the manifesto that it is possible to make a difference today and acts as a personal declaration for the listener to commit to action. That idea is continued in «Revival Town» which is destined to be a huge favourite with its big singalong chorus and lyrically prophetic edge stirring the Revival Generation. «Promise» is a rugged, edgy, dirty guitar test calling for that generation to live up to its promises. One listen and I’m convinced that Delirious? are a significant contributor to the revival we’ve longed for in this country. If the fire of these songs could only ignite the heart of each hearer then flame by flame our nation would burn for Jesus. It’s been a long time since an album has filled me with such huge hope! Buy it, be set on fire and run after God because if you look, isn’t that revival we see on the horizon? As Smith sings on «Sanctify», “The cloud’s getting bigger now, it’s time to get ready now!” [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, June 1997]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/king-of-fools/577805328)
CD tracklist:
01. Sanctify – 4:12
02. Deeper – 4:18
03. Revival Town – 4:56
04. All The Way – 4:14
05. August 30th – 6:19
06. Promise – 4:14
07. King Or Cripple – 4:37
08. Hands Of Kindness – 4:45
09. White Ribbon Day – 6:46
10. King Of Fools – 4:00
11. History Maker – 6:42
12. What A Friend I’ve Found – 5:26
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Furious? Records
“Deeper” (MUSIC VIDEO)
“Promise” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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