Kutless Albums (6)
'To Know That You're Alive'
Release Date 1/1/2008
Tracks 13
Label EMI CMG
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Album photography for To Know That You're Alive, the fifth studio effort from grunge-pop rockers Kutless, shows the five-piece strolling through picturesque London locales -- the elegant, monochromatic shots could lead some to believe the group has gone the way of Brit-pop. Not so fast. While the band did make a trek across the pond to record with the London Session Orchestra, the music hasn't endured a mass makeover. If anything, To Know that You're Alive is more of the same Creed-meets-Nickelback-meets-3 Doors Down methodology of records past, except grander and with an even higher melodic quotient. The more populist approach is helped in part by the involvement of three-time MercyMe producer Pete Kipley, a bona fide adult contemporary expert who makes sure Kutless keeps rocking, but not to the extent that it alienates the thousands who discovered them post-Strong Tower, the group's best-selling worship album. It's with that audience in mind that huge anthems like "Complete," "Promise You," and "Guiding Me Home" exist -- the latter is actually a dead ringer for Daughtry's "Home," right down to its title. That's not to say Kutless doesn't attempt the unattempted. The occasional classic rock riff ("The Feeling"), new wave synths ("Overcoming Me"), experimentation with dynamics ("Dying to Become"), and symphonic interlude ("Sleeping City") are a testament that the band is trying its best to outgrow the post-grunge criticisms that have dogged them since their inception. For the most part they succeed, but their points of reference are still too overly familiar to help them come from under the shadow of drone-heard corporate rock. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A slate of thought-provoking lyrics and hearty neo-grunge riffs powered Kutless' fourth studio album to stand out above a host of other melodic rock/metal offerings in the contemporary Christian world. It is a balanced and complete record, one that doesn't sound too familiar, worship too directly, or rock too hard. The quintet still spends plenty of time thumping on monolithic guitars, but there is also a well-developed balance point where mid-tempo numbers like "Changing World" take their turn in the limelight. As on previous efforts, the lyrics put social consequences, relationships, and world situations under a microscope and reveal new, intriguing insights. Jon Micah Sumrall has one of the most soothing rock voices out there, as evidenced in the reflective power ballads "Smile" and "Promise of a Lifetime." Unlike too many of its contemporaries, Hearts of the Innocent proved what you don't need for a killer modern rock record -- no need for over-the-top political statements or pounding walls of sound that are unfitting for the subject matter. All you need is a knack for looking at the world in a challenging new way and a keen sense of musicianship. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Following two strong rock showings, Kutless returned with an album dedicated to the praise & worship genre. Strong Tower mixes together original cuts, classic hymns, and modern praise & worship songs to form a solid production. Several fresh slants include the old classic "Take Me In" and the more modern "Draw Me Close." Throughout the disc several renditions take on a fresh slant as the band excels musically with guitar-driven instrumentation. Of the disc's few originals, the title track is notable and has the makings of a praise & worship classic itself. Strong Tower is a passionate and deeply personal project for Kutless. It's a disc that praises their Creator with a rock slant that the band speaks eloquently. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Coming off the heels of a stellar debut release, Kutless releases its sophomore disc Sea of Faces. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, Sea of Faces is the type of disc to make a band's career. The discs rockers, like "Not What You See" and "Treason," are studio spit-shined. Sprinkles production touches throughout give the opus the legs to stride to the next level. While the bandmembers seem completely at ease with the heavier cuts, they really shine on the mid-tempo and slow tunes. The title track utilizes piano and acoustic guitars to deliver a poignant cut with lyrics to match. "Perspectives" again finds the band cutting back during the verse while the chorus pinnacles into a rock nugget. When the band utilizes both electric and acoustic guitars, the songs really seem to come to life. Check out the sincerity on "All the Words" or the introspection on "It's Like Me." Sea of Faces is a rock masterpiece. Kutless has completely delivered the goods while retaining the charm possessed on its debut disc. This opus is well-written, well-presented, and musically rich throughout. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In an era when a lot of Christian rock groups are turning to rap-rock, aping such successful mainstream artists as Linkin Park, Kutless emerges with an album of melodic hard rock. Kutless' mainstream influences are clearly such guitar-heavy yet tuneful groups as Creed and Fuel, and the Christian quartet actually holds up pretty well against their secular counterparts. "Your Touch" is a particular highlight, featuring a wall of guitar muscle and modern rock hooks galore. "Run," meanwhile, is an affecting rock ballad. As one would expect, themes of spirituality crop up throughout. On "Down," a girl wrestles with self-image, while "Again" dwells even more directly on faith with its discussion of God's love. Overall this is a strong debut, and like the Supertones before them Kutless rises above a lot of the bands in this sometimes-justly maligned genre. ~ Erik Hage, All Music Guide
