Self-Titled
Kutless
BEC Recordings

Kutless' self-titled debut is the most exciting hard rock album I've heard this year. Song after song I find myself entranced by the guitar solo's and intriguing lyrics. At first I thought there was an easy comparison to Creed and their popular rock sound, but it's a little harder rock and whole lot more in meaning. There is no emptiness or ambiguity in the lyrics.

For example:

"Tonight" - This is an answer to criticism towards rock music, concerts, even moshing as a means to praise God. This is also one of the heaviest tracks on the album and my favorite because I can imagine the mix of lights, loud speakers, and the presence of the holy spirit moving through me, even while head-banging.

"Songs Of Love" - Awesome guitar solo and a powerful build up of electrically charged energy.

"In Me" - The differences in character that is evident when we walk the walk and become a role model for others.

"Vow" - New Year's resolutions are often forgotten, but God's vow is rock steady and unfailing.

"Saved" - The Gospel plain and simple!

"Grace and Love" - A softly spoken worship ballad about God's number one character... Love. This love song gives praises to God for offering up His son for our sins.

Overall the CD is an adrenaline rush and an education (or reminder) of God's great love for us. Fortunately they placed the one rock-ballad, "Grace and Love," at the end to ease you back down from the rush. It might not be a very good "Christian" character to go around blasting this from my car stereo, but oh well!

-Ken W.