Helming from Birmingham, Alabama, Rush Of Fools is a young band that has quickly been making waves and garnering all kinds of attention - before their debut record even hits shelves. The foursome's self-titled debut is an ambitious worship record that plays it safe by following the pop radio rule book just about to a "T."

Wes Willis' vocals are soft and suitable to carry out the band's light rock-flavored pop sound. "Undo," the album's first single is kind of a "paint by numbers" ballad that is commonly found on CHR stations. The record is polished a bit too much, produced by industry veteran Matt Bronlewee who certainly has a knowledge for crafting likeable music, having worked previously with Leeland, Jars Of Clay, and Michael W. Smith. "We All" is a sunny worship anthem that offers another take on bowing down in praise with its soaring chorus, "We all, we all, all fall to the ground / at the name of Jesus / We all, we all, we all lift up you now," while "When Our Hearts Sing" takes cues from artists like Tomlin or Hughes for a rather typical worship track.

The thing about Rush Of Fools is it's in no way a poor album, it's just not especially exciting or unique. Each song sounds relatively familiar to another artist in some form ("Your Love" is reminiscent of Crowder, for example), or just feels rather formulaic. The passion is certainly there, and you can imagine these songs quite easily being sung at a worship conference, but musically, we've heard it all before. "Peace Be Still" reflects a bit of potential for greater things, but still sounds like something you would typically find on a Casting Crowns record.

Rush Of Fools' brand of worship is certainly catchy and easy to sing along to, but at the same time a bit simplistic and routine. Their self-titled debut proves these guys know how to write a memorable song, but they just won't be scoring points anytime soon for imagination. Rush Of Fools is safe territory for the pop listener. AC fans should give it a listen and can expect to hear most of this record on the radio soon, but those looking for anything different, daring or deeper will want to pass.

- Review date: 5/5/07, written by John DiBiase