New release from Kutless is "well" worth waiting for

It Is Well
Kutless
(BEC Recordings)
Release Date: October 20, 2009

Band Members
• Jon Micah Sumrall (vocals)
• James Mead (guitar)
• Dave Luetkenhoelter (bass)
• Jeff Gilbert (drums)
• Nick DePartee (guitar)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Kutless’ It Is Well is the follow-up to their worship album, Strong Tower, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 31, 2009. The forthcoming release, primarily a worship album, is already creating a stir within the CCM community with their latest radio single, “What Faith Can Do.” The song topped the iTunes Christian Singles chart in the first week of its release, and continues to hold onto the Number #2 spot. On a side note, “Strong Tower” is still on the iTunes chart at #76, and “We Fall Down” is at #160.

Most CCM fans across the country know who Kutless is, and what to expect from them. Their melodic yet powerful sound is interwoven throughout the entire album, which consists of traditional, modern, and original songs of worship. One song in particular that stands out is “Redeemer,” which is a medley of two of the late Keith Green’s songs: “There Is A Redeemer” and “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful.”

By choosing modern favorites such as “God of Wonders” and “Hungry,” Kutless attempts to put their own spin on the timeless worship tracks. For the most part, they do a good job with that. Along with the modern covers and traditional hymns like “It Is Well,” Kutless also sprinkles in a few original songs, such as “What Faith Can Do,” “Remember Me,” and “You Save Me.”

“Remember Me” is a song written from an unusual perspective – that of a thief on the cross. It fits well in the theme of the album, with a lifetime sinner finding salvation at the end of his life. “You Save Me” is the prototypical Kutless rock song that fans have become accustomed to hearing from the Portland, OR band. “What Faith Can Do” carries on the theme further, tying into the old adage, “Through God, anything is possible.” For example, the song’s lyrics say, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard/Impossible is not a word/It’s just a reason/For someone not to try.”

Track List
1. It Is Well
2. Amazed
3. Hungry
4. Taken by Love
5. What Faith Can Do
6. Remember Me
7. God Of Wonders
8. You Are Everything
9. Give Us Clean Hands
10. You Save Me
11. Redeemer
12. I’m Still Yours

Overall, Kutless has a solid worship album on their hands. With a strong theme and powerful melodies, this is an impressive CD. As far as worship albums go, It Is Well is very uplifting and inspirational, and stays true to the Kutless sound.

Examiner.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10