In the previous article, I outlined the essential rock hits from the industry-veteran band Kutless. In this article, I'll take a look at the essential cuts from the more contemporary side of their discography. 

"Run"

Likely the first Kutless song many of us ever heard. While still carrying the band's rocking edge, "Run" showed a softer side capable of conveying more tender emotions. Lead singer John Micah Sumrall's passionate vocals really sell the song's message of God reaching out to someone who has drifted away from him. "Find a place of solitude/And I'll speak to you/As you pray to me/Don't you know I'm waiting here/Waiting for you to read/And hear my words."

"Sea of Faces"

This was one of the first Kutless songs to break out and become a big hit on traditional Christian radio. The song's communion imagery pairs well with its confession of how amazing it is that Christ would pay the ultimate price even for any one of us, just one in a sea of others. "You traded your life for mine/just one in a million faces." The song's gentle approach contrasts heavily with some of the band's more aggressive cuts and underscored early just how versatile their musical abilities are.

"Strong Tower"

The signature original title cut from the band's first worship album. This song showed how you could blend praise and worship with rock and produce one of the band's most enduring and memorable cuts. The song's gentle verses and rocking chorus set it apart, making it one of the most iconic Christian songs of the decade. 

"Promise of a Lifetime"

I recall hearing this song for the first time on the radio when it was new. I thought it was one of the band's best songs so far, and it remains one of my favorites. The emotional piano hook and Sumrall's somber delivery make it a powerful ballad for those struggling, offering the hope of Christ. Although other songs by them received more radio play, this one will always be essential. "I know you're always there/To hear my every prayer inside/I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime."

"What Faith Can Do"

Kutless returned with a second worship album, It Is Well, powered by the immense radio success of this song. This track is an inspirational ode to the power of our faith in Christ, and brought Kutless one of their biggest radio hits yet. Even today, the song remains a signature cut of their softer side and a driving theme of their music. 

"Carry Me To The Cross"

A worthy follow-up to the former track, this song was the lead single from their Believer album. Singing about how God carries us to the cross to get us through difficult times, the song was another fine track that cemented Kutless's place among the top tier of contemporary Christian music. 

"Breakthrough"

Kutless spent a number of years without releasing new music. In 2025, they finally dropped The Seventh Seal EP. While the EP was a long-awaited and much-needed return to their hard rock roots, this track reminded listeners that Kutless still knew how to power a radio-ready anthem. While still employing some of the band's signature driving rock, this song stands alongside some of their greatest radio hits. The song relates to those going through difficult times of anxiety, and the hope that can only be found in Christ. "Yeah I still feel like I'm losing this fight inside of me/...I just need you to my breakthrough." 

Which of Kutless's softer songs do you think is essential? Hit up the comments and let us know.