Less than two years ago, Rush of Fools’ self-titled debut album rocketed onto the Christian music landscape, earning the quintet multiple Gospel Music Association Dove award nominations, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and New Artist of the Year. The single release, “Undo”, claimed Radio and Records 2007 Song of the Year distinction. Such a meteoric rise is often followed by a quick burnout. With Wonder of the World, the band’s sophomore release on Midas Records, the group quickly dispels any notion that their success was a mere flash in the pan.

 

The impassioned lyrics and catchy rock melodies that endeared listeners to the first album continue on this project - everything’s just a bit more polished the second time around.

 

“There is Nothing” opens the album with a pop-rock intro that provides the questions answered in the bold chorus that follows. The tune gets your head a-bobbing not only along with the beat but in agreement to the lyrics.

 

The first single sent to radio is the title track - a declaration of God’s glory enmeshed in the familiar sounds of today’s contemporary worship music: soft verses lead into powerful, repetitive choruses. “You are Glory” and “Escape” follow this same popular pattern.

 

The thoughtful “Holy One”, sung as adoration to God the Father, reflects the band’s lyrical growth. This is another track that would be right at home in contemporary congregations.

 

One of my personal favorites is “Lose It All.” I can already envision crowds singing along on this high-octane rock anthem:

The passionate, driving instrumental and vocal force on “Escape” reminds us that we cannot escape God - regardless of how hard we might try. It’s another winner.

 

These five young men from Birmingham, Alabama, have matured before our eyes in their music and their stage performances. Anyone who has attended a Rush of Fools concert has recognized it as more worship experience than entertainment vehicle. I can’t wait to see the “live” spin they’ll put into the music from this album.

 

PS: The band rapped the CD with a bonus track, so make sure you listen to the end. It’s like nothing you’ve ever heard from Rush of Fools before.

 

PSS: That’s not a typo in the postscript - it’s a hint.