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Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers
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 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.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
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229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 1, 2016
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.
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.
November 8, 2012
I have to admit that I was excited to see this book on the shelf at the Christian bookstore in my neighborhood. And if you haven’t been to a Christian bookstore lately you are missing a treasure trove of knick-knacks and puny t-shirts. I also saw a DVD player that filters out scenes from movies. (if you are looking to save a couple bucks check out this new technology called fast forward)
But back to the book. I couldn’t put it down.
Martin Smith tells the story of being in Delirious, being a husband and a father from his perspective. It was intriguing to hear the stories behind the songs that were the soundtrack to my teen years. I believed before this book that Delirious is largely responsible for the modern worship movement as we know it today and this book re-enforced it.
Filled with stirring stories of history-makers, failures, successes and a raw honesty that challenges you to fight for significance, this book was one of this Delirious fan’s best summer reads for 2011.
If you don’t know much about the British band that tried to break down the barrier between church music and what you hear on the radio than I think you would really enjoy this book too.
But back to the book. I couldn’t put it down.
Martin Smith tells the story of being in Delirious, being a husband and a father from his perspective. It was intriguing to hear the stories behind the songs that were the soundtrack to my teen years. I believed before this book that Delirious is largely responsible for the modern worship movement as we know it today and this book re-enforced it.
Filled with stirring stories of history-makers, failures, successes and a raw honesty that challenges you to fight for significance, this book was one of this Delirious fan’s best summer reads for 2011.
If you don’t know much about the British band that tried to break down the barrier between church music and what you hear on the radio than I think you would really enjoy this book too.
January 27, 2015
Inspirational and insightful
Being a muso and playing in bands and at church I really enjoyed reading about Martin's journey. Well written and laid out this book gives many insights into the life of a touring musician and a family man, and encourages all of us to spend more time with out maker.
Being a muso and playing in bands and at church I really enjoyed reading about Martin's journey. Well written and laid out this book gives many insights into the life of a touring musician and a family man, and encourages all of us to spend more time with out maker.
February 25, 2020
Authentic ,Transparent and Real
Thanks for both you and your wife Anna book I read them both in a week's time and loved each one differently, my wife and I have been missionaries in Latin America for 25 years and sung a lot of your songs in Spanish thankyou for those gifts of praise that have helped our ministry and Family. We have 4 kids and as I write this review I'm in a quechua Mountain Village missing my family but learning the The balance of it all. I do believe God is putting all of his Children in balance these because it's all about Him and very little about us, may we all be one like John 17 talks about and be His hands and feet, to Love and Serve thanks again for both your Books Love Nicolas and Shannon
Go Missions Interntional
Thanks for both you and your wife Anna book I read them both in a week's time and loved each one differently, my wife and I have been missionaries in Latin America for 25 years and sung a lot of your songs in Spanish thankyou for those gifts of praise that have helped our ministry and Family. We have 4 kids and as I write this review I'm in a quechua Mountain Village missing my family but learning the The balance of it all. I do believe God is putting all of his Children in balance these because it's all about Him and very little about us, may we all be one like John 17 talks about and be His hands and feet, to Love and Serve thanks again for both your Books Love Nicolas and Shannon
Go Missions Interntional
January 25, 2021
Amazing book.
Story of his life. Growing a large family and being with the band cutting edge - Delirious.
The song that he wrote Thank you for saving me is based on the car crash that he experienced.
Some of the songs that he wrote with the band such as:
History Makers
Thank You For Saving Me
Did You Feel The Mountain Tremble
Obsession
Shout To The North
And Many More .....
I met Martin Smith 2014 He's great guy. He also sign my book. And I had a picture with him.
Story of his life. Growing a large family and being with the band cutting edge - Delirious.
The song that he wrote Thank you for saving me is based on the car crash that he experienced.
Some of the songs that he wrote with the band such as:
History Makers
Thank You For Saving Me
Did You Feel The Mountain Tremble
Obsession
Shout To The North
And Many More .....
I met Martin Smith 2014 He's great guy. He also sign my book. And I had a picture with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 10, 2021Interesting book. Liked the band, good to read the story behind it.
December 23, 2021
Extraordinario
Martín Smith nos muestra un modelo de caminar con Dios y servirlo.
La historia contada con transparencia es sumamente inspiradora y edificante
Martín Smith nos muestra un modelo de caminar con Dios y servirlo.
La historia contada con transparencia es sumamente inspiradora y edificante
March 21, 2025
I’m a big fan of Delirious music and this biography about Martin and the band was inspiring as well as honest and vulnerable.
February 21, 2011
Martin Smith opens up his heart and tells the story of his life as a worship leader with the contemporary Christian band Delirious?. "Delirious: My Journey with the Band, a Growing Family, and an Army of Historymakers" tells about Martin's childhood days growing up in a middle-class Christian home in England. He learned to play a guitar at a young age and started leading worship in his home church as a teenager. He married Anna, a pastor's daughter, and became involved in his church's outreach events.
In 1995, Mr. Smith was involved in a near-fatal car accident. During his weeks of recovery, he decided to become a full-time musician. He became the lead singer for the band Delirious? and his career quickly took off. Martin and the other members of the band were talented song writers as well as performers. The band toured all over the world and drew huge crowds at Christian events.
The author honestly tells about the many advantages and trials that come with touring and being a member of a popular Christian band. He is brutally honest about some of the challenges that they faced. He is very quick to give God all the glory for the success that he and the band experienced. It was important for him to stay connected to his home church and to limit his touring schedule to not exceed ten days at a time. Mr. Smith expressed the difficult feelings that he had to face when he left his wife and six children to travel with the band.
Joyce Meyer invited the members of Delirious? to lead worship at their conferences in the United States and abroad. Mr. Smith writes about how his life was changed when the band traveled to India to lead worship for a Joyce Meyer conference with over four hundred thousand people in attendance. The author met Farin, the daughter of a prostitute living in a Mumbai slum. This girl was the same age as one of his daughters, and without help she too would end up facing life as a sex worker. Mr. Smith felt the Lord calling him to help the poor people in India. He organized CompassionArt to raise money to help relieve the extreme poverty in third world countries.
The last part of the book tells about the transition period that Mr. Smith and his family are experiencing since the band broke up. His faith is stronger than ever and the future is bright for this talented musician.
This book is fascinating and inspirational. I was touched by Mr. Smith's strong faith in Christ during his long journey with Delirious? and beyond.
Thank you to B&B Media Group for sending me a free copy of this book to read and review.
In 1995, Mr. Smith was involved in a near-fatal car accident. During his weeks of recovery, he decided to become a full-time musician. He became the lead singer for the band Delirious? and his career quickly took off. Martin and the other members of the band were talented song writers as well as performers. The band toured all over the world and drew huge crowds at Christian events.
The author honestly tells about the many advantages and trials that come with touring and being a member of a popular Christian band. He is brutally honest about some of the challenges that they faced. He is very quick to give God all the glory for the success that he and the band experienced. It was important for him to stay connected to his home church and to limit his touring schedule to not exceed ten days at a time. Mr. Smith expressed the difficult feelings that he had to face when he left his wife and six children to travel with the band.
Joyce Meyer invited the members of Delirious? to lead worship at their conferences in the United States and abroad. Mr. Smith writes about how his life was changed when the band traveled to India to lead worship for a Joyce Meyer conference with over four hundred thousand people in attendance. The author met Farin, the daughter of a prostitute living in a Mumbai slum. This girl was the same age as one of his daughters, and without help she too would end up facing life as a sex worker. Mr. Smith felt the Lord calling him to help the poor people in India. He organized CompassionArt to raise money to help relieve the extreme poverty in third world countries.
The last part of the book tells about the transition period that Mr. Smith and his family are experiencing since the band broke up. His faith is stronger than ever and the future is bright for this talented musician.
This book is fascinating and inspirational. I was touched by Mr. Smith's strong faith in Christ during his long journey with Delirious? and beyond.
Thank you to B&B Media Group for sending me a free copy of this book to read and review.
October 28, 2015
In this book Martin Smith, lead vocalist of the now-defunct group, Delirious?, wants to tell a story of God's grace, to show others how God "can take anyone and give them a life of faith and hope," and for people to recognize how Christian music needs to be in the mainstream so that everyone can hear the "sounds that can pry open the hardest of hearts, allowing people to know that God is God."
The stories of Martin Smith and Delirious? (yes, that's a deliberate question mark) are fascinating. Until I read this book, I hadn't realized that I'd actually listened to the group's music and sung their lyrics in congregational settings. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever; Lord, You Have My Heart; Shout to the North; and Did You Hear the Mountains Tremble? are just some of the songs that have been penned by its members over the years. I have to admit that on learning this, my preconceived opinion of the group went up several notches as it cut through my stereotype and perhaps disdain of the oxymoron "Christian rock band."
Delirious?, the book, is very well-written and describes how the band went from playing Sunday morning worship services in their local church, to playing different venues on weekends while maintaining "day jobs," to quitting their jobs and committing to life as full-time musicians. It tells how they managed to balance (with reasonable success) their work and family lives, and how they went from playing in intimate settings to playing for crowds numbering in the thousands, even fronting for the secular group Bon Jovi on its UK tour. The decision to disband after 17 years together was easy in some ways, difficult in others. Martin went on to found CompassionArt, a fundraising venture whose purpose is to help the most-poverty stricken people in the world. Today, his main roles are as husband to Anna, and father to their six children, as he waits on God's direction for the future.
I think this is an important book for anyone who is interested in music ministry. It troubles Martin to receive e-mails from people asking him how they can have a career as a worship leader, and reading this book would help people understand why such a question should trouble us as well. It's also a valuable book in terms of allowing the reader to see the hearts of a particular group of Christian song-writers and musicians. I was encouraged by what I read, and I think you will be too.
My review of this book was not influenced by the fact that I received it for free, courtesy of The B & B Media G
The stories of Martin Smith and Delirious? (yes, that's a deliberate question mark) are fascinating. Until I read this book, I hadn't realized that I'd actually listened to the group's music and sung their lyrics in congregational settings. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever; Lord, You Have My Heart; Shout to the North; and Did You Hear the Mountains Tremble? are just some of the songs that have been penned by its members over the years. I have to admit that on learning this, my preconceived opinion of the group went up several notches as it cut through my stereotype and perhaps disdain of the oxymoron "Christian rock band."
Delirious?, the book, is very well-written and describes how the band went from playing Sunday morning worship services in their local church, to playing different venues on weekends while maintaining "day jobs," to quitting their jobs and committing to life as full-time musicians. It tells how they managed to balance (with reasonable success) their work and family lives, and how they went from playing in intimate settings to playing for crowds numbering in the thousands, even fronting for the secular group Bon Jovi on its UK tour. The decision to disband after 17 years together was easy in some ways, difficult in others. Martin went on to found CompassionArt, a fundraising venture whose purpose is to help the most-poverty stricken people in the world. Today, his main roles are as husband to Anna, and father to their six children, as he waits on God's direction for the future.
I think this is an important book for anyone who is interested in music ministry. It troubles Martin to receive e-mails from people asking him how they can have a career as a worship leader, and reading this book would help people understand why such a question should trouble us as well. It's also a valuable book in terms of allowing the reader to see the hearts of a particular group of Christian song-writers and musicians. I was encouraged by what I read, and I think you will be too.
My review of this book was not influenced by the fact that I received it for free, courtesy of The B & B Media G
February 26, 2011
Martin Smith was the lead singer for the band Delirious? – a band that was together for seventeen years and who changed the way worship is done. The band first came together under the name Cutting Edge, leading worship in their hometown. It took a potential tragedy for Martin to take a leap into something more. Martin, Anna and her brother Jon were driving back from a conference when Martin somehow went off the road. It was 2:30 in the morning. He woke up to find the dashboard pressed against his legs, unable to move. Anna and Jon received minor injuries while Martin had to have surgery to fix a broken femur. While in the hospital he talked with the other guys in the band and they decided to pursue music full time. “The simple truth is that we felt invincible. Not in our own strength – I still had the crutches and scars to remind me of my own fragility – but in God’s. We were off to save the world. We were going to respond to the call that we had heard and join the rest of the movement to get beyond the walls of the church. A little over six months after the accident we cut the ropes and went full time, and the journey lasted another fifteen years.”
I loved reading about the history behind some of the band’s songs; to hear the heart of Martin and gain a peek into what he experienced both on and off stage while the band was together. I grew up listening to Delirious? so I enjoyed even more reading about five guys from England who’s only goal was to worship God. I think reading about CompassionArt was one of the highlights of the book. To read about all of these big names in Christian music coming together in order to make a difference for others is amazing! And it all came about because Martin saw a need and wanted to do something about it. It’s very cool to see what all he’s accomplished and know he’s not even close to being done. Reading Delirious has inspired me to do the same: to reach out to the hurting and share the love of Jesus.
I loved reading about the history behind some of the band’s songs; to hear the heart of Martin and gain a peek into what he experienced both on and off stage while the band was together. I grew up listening to Delirious? so I enjoyed even more reading about five guys from England who’s only goal was to worship God. I think reading about CompassionArt was one of the highlights of the book. To read about all of these big names in Christian music coming together in order to make a difference for others is amazing! And it all came about because Martin saw a need and wanted to do something about it. It’s very cool to see what all he’s accomplished and know he’s not even close to being done. Reading Delirious has inspired me to do the same: to reach out to the hurting and share the love of Jesus.
February 22, 2011
In the first chapter, Martin Smith, shares the following,
"There are many, many times when I feel as though I just don’t know how to do this thing called compassion when there’s so much geography in the way. All those old temptations to go back to normal. But Anna and I have come so far down a new track that I’m not so sure I remember what “normal” looks like. I don’t think we can ever really go back to life being our own again.
So here we are, at the start of this book. Read it, and you’ll see that I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve tried to be honest with you throughout—honest about the good as well as the bad."
Just the start of the book and already, Martin Smith shares, this is about trying, being human and addresses the following questions,
* How do I balance my “ministry” with my family?
* How do I know what God is leading me to do?
* Can I hold on to my first love for God while still holding on to the wisdom gained over years?
"Delirious" is a book of honest, what can be done and will challenge you to ask yourself these very same questions as you are moved by the sharing of what Martin Smith has to share. For many of us....surrounded by a life, often pinpointed by everyday details and routine, it can be as simple as getting out of our comfort zone.
Stirring, challenging and eye opening....you will find yourself also challenged to think along the lines of these questions of:
* “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?”
"There are many, many times when I feel as though I just don’t know how to do this thing called compassion when there’s so much geography in the way. All those old temptations to go back to normal. But Anna and I have come so far down a new track that I’m not so sure I remember what “normal” looks like. I don’t think we can ever really go back to life being our own again.
So here we are, at the start of this book. Read it, and you’ll see that I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve tried to be honest with you throughout—honest about the good as well as the bad."
Just the start of the book and already, Martin Smith shares, this is about trying, being human and addresses the following questions,
* How do I balance my “ministry” with my family?
* How do I know what God is leading me to do?
* Can I hold on to my first love for God while still holding on to the wisdom gained over years?
"Delirious" is a book of honest, what can be done and will challenge you to ask yourself these very same questions as you are moved by the sharing of what Martin Smith has to share. For many of us....surrounded by a life, often pinpointed by everyday details and routine, it can be as simple as getting out of our comfort zone.
Stirring, challenging and eye opening....you will find yourself also challenged to think along the lines of these questions of:
* “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?”
April 2, 2017
Rating: 3.25
In this memoir, Smith talks of his lifelong understanding that God had something planned for him. Starting with the early days of Delirious? and how they really just wanted to worship. I remembered first hearing the Cutting Edge album and thinking wow this is a much different worship album. Still one of my all time favorites. Smith talks all about that process and how everything kept falling into place.
A quote from the book "This is the best advice I can give a songwriter: Keep working, don't satisfy yourself with things being good enough, but hone and craft and polish until you've got nothing left to give.
As the band grew in fame they tried to make more music that would be played on regular radio stations so they could spread the news of hope and love. They at one point had switched from playing at Christian events to playing in clubs and more secular venues.
Smith goes into great detail about the ideas behind the new albums and how they were trying to make it work. It is a tough line to walk teetering between Rock band and Christian band. When they were opening for Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams, Delirious? played songs of love and had a whole new group of people worshiping.
As years went on and Delirious? traveled all over the world they realized they knew little of poverty, they also found how disconnected they had become with their local church. Early on they tried to be there to run worship once a month. But that was no longer feasible. When the band finally played their last set they did it on their terms.
In this memoir, Smith talks of his lifelong understanding that God had something planned for him. Starting with the early days of Delirious? and how they really just wanted to worship. I remembered first hearing the Cutting Edge album and thinking wow this is a much different worship album. Still one of my all time favorites. Smith talks all about that process and how everything kept falling into place.
A quote from the book "This is the best advice I can give a songwriter: Keep working, don't satisfy yourself with things being good enough, but hone and craft and polish until you've got nothing left to give.
As the band grew in fame they tried to make more music that would be played on regular radio stations so they could spread the news of hope and love. They at one point had switched from playing at Christian events to playing in clubs and more secular venues.
Smith goes into great detail about the ideas behind the new albums and how they were trying to make it work. It is a tough line to walk teetering between Rock band and Christian band. When they were opening for Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams, Delirious? played songs of love and had a whole new group of people worshiping.
As years went on and Delirious? traveled all over the world they realized they knew little of poverty, they also found how disconnected they had become with their local church. Early on they tried to be there to run worship once a month. But that was no longer feasible. When the band finally played their last set they did it on their terms.
April 13, 2013
I'm so glad I decided to make this my first ebook read. I had mixed feelings about this book because my husband and I love this band so much and have many fond memories that have been apart of our relationship. Part of my felt I wish I would known the stories (esp behind the songs) while I was worshiping with them during their concerts. The other part of me wonders if I would have enjoyed the concerts as much knowing some of the struggles they were under. Having the knowledge about the band makes me respect them all the more. I didn't realize their influence in the Christian music culture around the world. I found it so cool that Martin has close friendship and respect for other Christian artists I enjoy. I loved that the band tried to balance family, home, and remaining involved in their home church. I also loved how he showed that following Christ's calling comes with sacrifice. Martin really confirmed how the music world (specifically Christian) has changed. I thought this was a great read while I'm doing the Beth Moore study on Daniel with the comparison of our modern day Babylon. As for the book itself, I thought it a bit repetitive and a bit all over the place. I would have enjoyed being able to enlarge the pictures displayed throughout the text.
March 15, 2013
This was an open and candid account from the man who provided the soundtrack to some of the most pivotal times of my life. I loved every minute of it.
A few of my favorite moments include...
"The busyness of “doing great things for God” should never take us away from His feet." (p. 70).
"there are scenes that take place in the temple, but Christianity works best when it’s shared beyond the walls of the church." (pp. 155-156).
"if we dislike the way the world is heading, it’s up to us to act wisely, boldly, and in unity with others to change it." (p. 176).
"Intimacy is my priority as God once again draws me back to understand what it means to love and be loved by our heavenly Father." (p. 208).
A few of my favorite moments include...
"The busyness of “doing great things for God” should never take us away from His feet." (p. 70).
"there are scenes that take place in the temple, but Christianity works best when it’s shared beyond the walls of the church." (pp. 155-156).
"if we dislike the way the world is heading, it’s up to us to act wisely, boldly, and in unity with others to change it." (p. 176).
"Intimacy is my priority as God once again draws me back to understand what it means to love and be loved by our heavenly Father." (p. 208).
February 26, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the heart of this man who has written so many of the songs that I love listening to so much. It helped explain for me the reason why I just have not become tired of them; he really wants to please and worship Jesus Christ through them. My only fault in this book is that sometimes I found the recollections a little disjointed, but he was just trying to get so many thoughts down on paper. I look forward to hearing where God will be using Martin Smith next since he has an obvious desire to listen to God and to obey and please Him first.
October 26, 2014
I really appreciated Martin Smith's honest views of worship music within and outside the church walls. His role in the lead singer of Delirious? band and as a songwriter gave many aspects and questions to think about when following God's will for your individual spiritual life, yet it is about unity in the Body of Christ...and this is where I was encouraged. Even if you are not a fan of their songs or style of music, this book is worth a read, because the message is not about the good or bad of the band, the church or even the music industry...it is about Worship: worship at the feet of our Savior.
February 21, 2012
Insightful and honest account from Martin Smith. He doesn't presume to equate his success with his ability (although he is a very talented musician and performer). He doesn't allow the reader to think, "I wish I had his life". He makes constant references to the provision, sovreignty and calling of God.
When writing about his life experiences so far, he gives most value to the seemingly less glamourous things of living the Christian life. His exploration of the character of God is threaded throughout. A very encouraging read.
When writing about his life experiences so far, he gives most value to the seemingly less glamourous things of living the Christian life. His exploration of the character of God is threaded throughout. A very encouraging read.
April 4, 2013
Having been a fan of Delirious for many years, I was excited to read this memoir. Once I started reading, I hated to have to put it down.
This book is more the story of Delirious lead singer and principle songwriter, Martin Smith, than it is the story of the band, but since most of Martin's life was wrapped up into the band, you do get a healthy dose of the story of the band's evolution as well.
It is an insightful look into the world of Christian music and the difficulties artists and musicians face in that sphere.
This book is more the story of Delirious lead singer and principle songwriter, Martin Smith, than it is the story of the band, but since most of Martin's life was wrapped up into the band, you do get a healthy dose of the story of the band's evolution as well.
It is an insightful look into the world of Christian music and the difficulties artists and musicians face in that sphere.
October 18, 2013
A well-written story of the band and its journey, both physically and spiritually. Martin Smith's willingness to share his personal journey with its highs and lows, opens the door to see how God and life shape us. I enjoyed the book and found several memorable quotes. While it was insightful and inspirational, I did not deeply connect with it. My three star rating may have more to do with me that the book itself. I am glad I read it, but it would not be the first book I would recommend.
March 27, 2014
I struggled with this somewhat. I loved their music, saw them live several times (including the Bon Jovi gig) right back as far as Cutting Edge but felt there was a degree of second guessing or looking back at the success and seeing what could have been done better. There was too much 'me' in this story for my liking but I was hugely encouraged by his stories of everyday struggles walking God's path. His is a God given talent, don't question it - use it!!
October 24, 2011
I loved this book. Martin gives a whimsical and informative history of the story of the band that created modern worship. Delirious is a band that frustrated a lot of people and this book gives a ton of insight into why they did what they did. It is amazing how much power there is in simply saying, 'We did our best, but we could have been wiser.' A must read for worship leaders.
March 22, 2012
I thought this book was awesome! Firstly, as a Delirious? fan, the background insight to the band was really interesting- I thought it was great how honest Martin was about both the band and himself. But it was also a bit of an eye opener and reality check on my own life and making decisions- or rather not making decisions, but leaving them to God!
July 19, 2013
I do not recall reading a more beautifully written autobiography. Delirious: My Journey with the Band is the most complete, powerful, at times brutally honest, and inspiring retelling of the movement. Smith walks you through everything, from Cutting Edge, the rise of Delirious?, meeting his wife, to the band's breaking up and their last night on the stage.
February 20, 2015
This was a great read about the band Delirious and the journey that Smith had with this band. He opens up about his family, his personal relationship with the Lord and how he wrestled with various things that he encountered along this road called life. I really enjoyed it.
March 23, 2013
Didn't know anything about the author or his group, but you couldn't help liking the guy. Not a lot of career highlights, but honesty and transparency. It was free on Amazon and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have bought it, but I'm glad I read it.
April 13, 2013
What an easy read book.
Seriously good to know the man behind the band and certainly I can relate to most of his writing because it speaks so much as well. But obviously, there are some lesson learnt is to have faith and open more up to God to connect with God...
Seriously good to know the man behind the band and certainly I can relate to most of his writing because it speaks so much as well. But obviously, there are some lesson learnt is to have faith and open more up to God to connect with God...
July 1, 2013
I listened to Delirious almost nonstop as a young adult, and some of their songs still have the capability of cutting me to the core and laying bare my soul. This was a fascinating glimpse into the history of a band that wanted to be history-makers. Highly recommended for their fans.
September 19, 2013
Plot: B
Writing: C
Vocabulary: C
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian
Level: Easy
Martin Smith's autobiography about family, ministry, music, and missions. A quick read, worth it for fans of Deliriou5? as well as those interested in balancing private and public life.
Writing: C
Vocabulary: C
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian
Level: Easy
Martin Smith's autobiography about family, ministry, music, and missions. A quick read, worth it for fans of Deliriou5? as well as those interested in balancing private and public life.
June 3, 2017
You can't get more honest nor more introspective, yet compassionate a heart after God's heart. Martin inspired a generation with Delirious? And opens up a lot of context to what we saw played out through the period of the band.
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