At the words "Christian music," I fear most people will either skip this review or hum Creed lyrics (even though, contrary to popular belief they're not even a Christian band).

But Touch -- the latest release from Delirious? -- is good enough that I'll risk it. This poppy, yet introspective rock was addictive enough to make me reconsider the much-overlooked genre of Christian music.

Touch works because the music made by these five middle-aged musicians from Delirious? transcends the Christian music subculture. They write songs that are musically sound enough to be appreciated without the ideology.

Imagine if Radiohead remade Pablo Honey, while rocking for Jesus.

The floaty, trippy rock is anything but church retreat sing-a-longs, yet the undoubtedly Christian lyrics will keep anyone but the faithful or the highly tolerant away.

From the first track's chorus, "And when you touch my life / I am born again," Delirious?'s message is very clear.

Serious fans will recognize many of these tracks. Touch, which will be released Tuesday, is the American version of a Delirious? album released some 15 months ago in the United Kingdom.

Christian music fans on this side of the Atlantic will get something that was well worth the wait. Touch is rock with a spiritual side that won't remind you of Sunday school, yet didn't go completely secular to get there. Grade: B+

-- Reviewed by Jessica Scott