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This is not your parents’ worship album. You’ll know that from the first guitar riff on We Fall Down, Strong Tower is a combination of new music and traditional worship songs with Kutless’ own spin. The second track, Finding Who We Are, is sung with real conviction. “In You, we’re living. In You, we’re moving. In You, we’re finding who we are.” It’s completely believable, and it feels like the lyrics could’ve been written just for them.
James Mead’s guitars are absolutely beautiful on Take Me In, and sets a great mood of solemnity, befitting the words. The guitar builds to an explosion in the chorus, at the Holy of Holies, a place Kutless makes you feel is the most exciting yet most somber place to exist. It’s an incredibly powerful song, sung with confidence and reverence. I’m not surprised to see them cover a Petra song, since Jon Micah Sumrall’s voice has that same longing tone to it, and I expect Kutless to have just as long a run as Petra.
The break between tracks 3 and 4 is a little longer than expected, allowing the listener to come down from such the previously emotional song to one that is sung in a more traditional style. Ready for You is a Kutless original. That it fits perfectly here among some of the greatest praise and worship song in recent history is a testament to the strong songwriting skills of this band. Draw Me Close and Better is One Day have been covered so much that it’s difficult to come up with anything new. Kutless’ renditions are pretty straightforward. Well done, but without the “wow factor” of some of the other cuts.
All who are Thirsty gives the band a chance to shine as there is excellent musicianship going on here. Listen for the subtleties of the guitar and drums, and some wonderful backing vocals. Some songs NEED to be heard, for instance, All of the Words is magnificent from the first note on. It doesn’t matter that it’s a repeat from Sea of Faces. It deserves to be here, and is just as amazing the second time around. Sumrall’s voice on the title track conveys the impression of a warrior who is completely dedicated to his King. There is strength and beauty here both in the vocals and the musicianship.
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Jesus, Lord of Heaven slows it down some to a more contemporary feel that is radio-ready for even the most conservative of CCM stations. I Lift My Eyes Up slips back into the band’s familiar feel with grungy guitars and a big sound that drives the song.
The album’s coming to a close, and the timbre comes down a notch for Word of God Speak. It’s a deep song anyway, but the moody guitars in the background along with the lead make it a sure bet that all eyes in the studio were closed as this became a plea rather than a performance. Just beautiful.
Arms of Love concludes an album that you don’t want to end. If you weren’t familiar with Kutless’ other work, this album would make you an instant fan, regardless of which genre you prefer. If you’re already a Kutless fan, it might leave you shaking your head. Those fans should listen with an open mind and heart to this thoroughly listenable keeper, sung from the deep dark places, in humility and adoration. |
