In the 90's, music got a major overhaul. Bands like Nirvana, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others were providing the mainstream music scene with something very different than what the Baby Boomers were listening to. Then out of the UK, we were given something on the Cutting Edge. Delirious? brought something fresh to not just music but to the church, following in the footsteps of revolutionaries Keith Green and Rich Mullins. Alas, the life and times of Delirious? came to a close at the end of 2009. But the boys out of West Sussex gave us one final curtain call with their Farewell Show.

A major plus of this album is the fact that both the audio and video are being released for this recording (although, unfortunately, not together in one package). While the album itself offers two well executed audio discs, the DVD is great to have so you can see not just a great show but a very active atmosphere of worship. Furthermore, the excellent cinematography is very much appreciated.

Throughout this grand farewell, Martin Smith eloquently and even hauntingly sings with his raw vocals. The opening tracks are filled with extremely high energy as they flow smoothly into each other. One of the greatest moments of both the CD and DVD is "Sanctify" as they recreate their moment performing at Wembley Stadium for the "Champions of the World" concert as they sport the same outfits from that 1997 event.

Farewell is truly an emotional experience. The emotion escalates as Stew Smith (the original drummer of Delirious) returns for a drum duet on "Investigate." Stew's sheer aggressiveness on the drums brings an edgier sound to the track and is truly something special as we see the band as a whole unified on the stage. The album concludes with all of the Delirious family (wives and children included) gathered on stage for the final bow making the whole experience feel intimate and personal.

Farewell Show is full of all of the greatest hits from nearly every album released from Delirious so, without mentioning, the lyrical and musical content is very strong. However, some might criticize that this might be overkill since last year Delirious released a 3-disc box set plus a Live CD/DVD. What this album has to offer is the experience of their FINAL show. How many times do bands come and go and we wish we could have been at the last show? Hearing the final live renditions of songs like "Happy Song," "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble," "Thank You for Saving Me," "Shout to the North" and more make this album not just great for listening but good for nostalgia.

Also, one more great benefit is for worship leaders. Worship leaders, if you've forgotten some of the great and powerful songs that nearly all contemporary churches were singing back in 1998, it's always good to refresh your church with these.

It is sad to say that Delirious has answered the final curtain call, but all of us who grew up hearing the melody to "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" will always remember who paved the way for our modern worship artists and we must pay our respects. Viva la Delirious. We'll miss you guys.

- Review date: 5/16/10, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com