It Is Well

It's interesting to note that for all their rock releases and the longevity of the Kutless name, it's a worship album from four years ago that still remains the BEC act's best-selling album. Usually these discs are a one-off project of sorts - think Christmas album - but for Kutless, it's actually return to their roots.

Considering the Portland quintet started out as a worship band, it's fitting that they finally follow 2005's Strong Tower with this fall's It Is Well. The famous hymn finds itself as the title track and central theme on the 12 songs present here. The song itself, "It Is Well," stays true to all facets of the tune ‘cept for the amped up guitars on each verse and final chorus.

Other familiar tracks break up the originals and almost every one of them follow the original songwriter's inclinations. It's frustrating, then, to find a well-worn song like "God of Wonders" receiving the exact same vocal progressions and sequence as every other take on planet Earth. A slight change is given to the beginning of "Hungry" and that helps give the track some new life.

The best of the originals is "Amazed," a slow-to-mid-tempo anthem that holds a melody so good, you wonder...

It's interesting to note that for all their rock releases and the longevity of the Kutless name, it's a worship album from four years ago that still remains the BEC act's best-selling album. Usually these discs are a one-off project of sorts - think Christmas album - but for Kutless, it's actually return to their roots. Considering the Portland quintet started out as a worship band, it's fitting that they finally follow 2005's Strong Tower with this fall's It Is Well. The famous hymn finds itself as the title track and central theme on the 12 songs present here. The song itself, "It Is Well," stays true to all facets of the tune ‘cept for the amped up guitars on each verse and final chorus. Other familiar tracks break up the originals and almost every one of them follow the original songwriter's inclinations. It's frustrating, then, to find a well-worn song like "God of Wonders" receiving the exact same vocal progressions and sequence as every other take on planet Earth. A slight change is given to the beginning of "Hungry" and that helps give the track some new life. The best of the originals is "Amazed," a slow-to-mid-tempo anthem that holds a melody so good, you wonder if it's an established worship song that you just happened to miss. "You Save Me" ups the rock quotient with a Hillsong-like chorus and it's here that the Kutless from To Know That You're Alive makes their presence most felt. When breathing new life into already-familiar tracks, it'd serve an artist (or band) well to try to, um… do just that. So it's disheartening to see the conventional path so easily taken. Still the original tracks here are worth your time and money and Kutless has given the church (and their concertgoers) some new vertical songs to chew on. —Matt Conner This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!

When you think of worship artists, which come to mind? Chris Tomlin? Hillsong?
Brenton Brown? Matt Redman? There are plenty of others, but one unlikely candidate is
Kutless. Sure, the Portland-based rock act released a worship album (Strong Tower) a few
years back, but that was when most of CCM was caught up in the “worship music
craze.” But, after much prayer and consideration, the guys of Kutless have decided to
put forth a second worship project, titled after the group’s favorite hymn, It Is Well.
Similar to Strong Tower, It Is Well is a mix of covers and originals. The title-track opens
with a traditional choir angelically singing the chorus of It Is Well. A dance/techno beat
emerges in the mix before slamming into a wall of crunchy guitars. “Redeemer” is
actually a medley of two Keith Green songs, a verse of “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and
a verse and chorus of “There Is A Redeemer.” The song starts out subdued but soon
becomes faced with gutsy power chords, similar in execution to the title-track.
“Hungry,” “God of Wonders,” and “Give Us Clean Hands” while solid tracks, leave a bit
to be desired (although the “woahs” at the beginning of “Give Us Clean Hands” is a nice
touch)....

When you think of worship artists, which come to mind? Chris Tomlin? Hillsong?
Brenton Brown? Matt Redman? There are plenty of others, but one unlikely candidate is
Kutless. Sure, the Portland-based rock act released a worship album (Strong Tower) a few
years back, but that was when most of CCM was caught up in the “worship music
craze.” But, after much prayer and consideration, the guys of Kutless have decided to
put forth a second worship project, titled after the group’s favorite hymn, It Is Well.

Similar to Strong Tower, It Is Well is a mix of covers and originals. The title-track opens
with a traditional choir angelically singing the chorus of It Is Well. A dance/techno beat
emerges in the mix before slamming into a wall of crunchy guitars. “Redeemer” is
actually a medley of two Keith Green songs, a verse of “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and
a verse and chorus of “There Is A Redeemer.” The song starts out subdued but soon
becomes faced with gutsy power chords, similar in execution to the title-track.
“Hungry,” “God of Wonders,” and “Give Us Clean Hands” while solid tracks, leave a bit
to be desired (although the “woahs” at the beginning of “Give Us Clean Hands” is a nice
touch).

To keep this worship record from being all too familiar, Kutless offers some original
worship songs. The album’s lead single “What Faith Can Do” has already resonated with
many around the country, at one point reaching number one on iTunes’ top Christian
songs. Stylistically, “Remember Me” probably wouldn’t be out of place on a regular
Kutless album. The track is noticeably darker from the rest, but worshipful nonetheless.
Acoustic-driven “I’m Still Yours” brings the album to a close. Though it’s one of the
softest tracks, it’s perhaps the most powerful song on It Is Well; Jon Micah sings,
“Even if You take it all away, I know I’m still Yours.” This powerful line ties back to the
song “It Is Well” in that God will carry us through difficult times, we just have to trust in
Him.

Overall, It Is Well is a solid, uplifting worship album. Kutless once again proves that
worship can be rockin’.

Closing Thoughts:
I was quite impressed with It Is Well. I somewhat enjoyed Strong Tower, but I found it
to be a little bland. Thankfully, this is not the case with It Is Well.

http://www.christianmusicreview.org/kutless_itiswell.html

Over the years, Kutless has made a name for themselves as a one of the leading Christian rock bands. But one thing that many fans don’t know about is Kutless’ versatility as a worship leader. In their second worship album, Kutless releases It Is Well.
It Is Well is a catchy rendition of the classic hymn. Out of all the songs on this album, this song stands out the most. Lead singer Jon Micah Sumrall manages to capture the song in a desperate plea that “it is well with my soul!”
Amazed is captured in it’s title. A brilliant song with both captivating lyrics and music.
Though not an original, Hungry is a powerful song about waiting for God’s timing and wanting only Christ. Kutless manages to take a song and slow it down just enough to make it powerful, but upbeat enough to make it worship song.
Taken By Love is a good worship song by itself, but seems a little clique at times.
What Faith Can Do is a reminder that God is always there. Many have praised Kutless for their hit single “Strong Tower,” but What Faith Can Do is a song that rivals all other Kutless singles. Powerful in lyrics and music, this song is sure to top the charts!
For a worship project, Remember Me feels a little out...

Over the years, Kutless has made a name for themselves as a one of the leading Christian rock bands. But one thing that many fans don’t know about is Kutless’ versatility as a worship leader. In their second worship album, Kutless releases It Is Well.

It Is Well is a catchy rendition of the classic hymn. Out of all the songs on this album, this song stands out the most. Lead singer Jon Micah Sumrall manages to capture the song in a desperate plea that “it is well with my soul!”

Amazed is captured in it’s title. A brilliant song with both captivating lyrics and music.

Though not an original, Hungry is a powerful song about waiting for God’s timing and wanting only Christ. Kutless manages to take a song and slow it down just enough to make it powerful, but upbeat enough to make it worship song.

Taken By Love is a good worship song by itself, but seems a little clique at times.

What Faith Can Do is a reminder that God is always there. Many have praised Kutless for their hit single “Strong Tower,” but What Faith Can Do is a song that rivals all other Kutless singles. Powerful in lyrics and music, this song is sure to top the charts!

For a worship project, Remember Me feels a little out of place. Even though the song is a compelling worship song, the arrangement seems more fit in Kutless’ regular albums.

God of Wonders is a staple of worship songs. Every band has put forth its own version of the worship song. Kutless gives the song an interesting twist with more electric guitar and bass, but still the same song.

Everything I Need is a beautiful worship, but it sounds too much like Matthew West’s version of the song. Enough said.

Give Us Clean Hands is another good cover to a well-known song.

A praise song at heart, You Save Me is a song of praise for God’s mercy. The highlight of the song is it’s powerful cords combined with the lyrics.

Redeemer is a piano driven worship song. Jon Micah’s voice rings true as Keith Green’s “Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" and "There Is A Redeemer” are blended into one impressive song.

I’m Still Yours is a mind-boggling song. It ties directly to the title track, “It Is Well.” The lyrics declare a true devotion to God no matter what.

Even though it is well is not the most innovative album released, out of worship albums it scores high in both new songs and classic renditions. The only downfall of the album is that some songs seem a little out of place and the album doesn’t flow like it should. Nonetheless, this album is must buy! 4 out of 5 stars!

Not a fan of this project. As a fan of theirs it upsets me that they sell out to praise and worship music to gain more fans. Don't need to hear remakes of songs i have heard over and over again on other praise and worship albums. (just with a differnt sound) Not to mention the album lacks the rock edge that i have grown to like about this band.
If you're going to make a p&w project go full throttle with original music and stay true to your style of music. Might have liked this project if everything was original and they had their rock vibe going throughout the project. Past cd's I have liked some of their p&w songs mixed into their projects and some are amazing (even the ballads). Some of the original work on this project isn't to shabby but still lacks the kutless sound. Find Strong Tower (another p&w project i didn't care for) had a better sound and song selection over this.
If you are a fan of p&w you will probably love this project and give them a better rating. Majority people i talk to love this project...but for me it brings nothing new or original to the table and they are slowly losing a fan who has supported them since they s...

Not a fan of this project. As a fan of theirs it upsets me that they sell out to praise and worship music to gain more fans. Don't need to hear remakes of songs i have heard over and over again on other praise and worship albums. (just with a differnt sound) Not to mention the album lacks the rock edge that i have grown to like about this band.

If you're going to make a p&w project go full throttle with original music and stay true to your style of music. Might have liked this project if everything was original and they had their rock vibe going throughout the project. Past cd's I have liked some of their p&w songs mixed into their projects and some are amazing (even the ballads). Some of the original work on this project isn't to shabby but still lacks the kutless sound. Find Strong Tower (another p&w project i didn't care for) had a better sound and song selection over this.

If you are a fan of p&w you will probably love this project and give them a better rating. Majority people i talk to love this project...but for me it brings nothing new or original to the table and they are slowly losing a fan who has supported them since they started. Praise and Worship is not the kutless I know and have grown to like over the years. Both worship projects i could care less for (even though they are probably their most popular cd's created)