Kutless - To Know That You're Alive

So, has anyone heard this entire disc yet? I have a trial subscription to Napster for a few more days and I am streaming the disc as I type. It is typical Kutless fare through and through. I don't think any fans of their earlier albums will be disappointed. I think Alldat nailed it in an earlier thread, this reminds me of Sea of Faces stylistically, but the lyrics are pretty in your face, even more than SOF. Musically, there are a few twists and turns that are an interesting and enticing, keyboards. Don't worry, they are awesome additions, not focal points. Still listening, but so far through the first half of the disc, no disappointments.

OK, I have finished listening and my biggest complaint is, short. The whole disc clocks in at about 39-40 minutes. Very radio friendly ~3 minute songs. The big CCM hit will be the final track "You", very mellow praise song. Great lyrically. Only one song ended up having keyboards, but it is a great song. Overall, this is a solid project, but don't be looking for a huge deviation from previous albums. Solidly musically, between Sea of Faces and Hearts of Innocence pretty much throughout.

When "To Know That You're Alive" sounds similar to "Sea Of Faces", I can add one CD to my want list.

Thanks for the opinion/mini review.
I gotta say Sea of Faces was my favorite, so I will probably like this one as well.

I got it. It's much better then I thought it would be. Only 6 songs, out of 13, that are really to light for my liking and one is just a little 1 minute instrumental anyway.

I like it, but it isn't as good as "Hearts Of The Innocent". I know--there are just about as many slower songs on H.O.T.I. too. That's not it.

The CD was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios where the Beatles used to record. The place is supposed to be a phenomenal place to record. But, in the digital age, every CD that I hear has the huge wall of sound but loses instrument definition. So, while the music isn't muddy, it still is harder to pick out different instruments. I have the same problem with MercyMe's latest.

As far as songs go, the ratio is about a 7:5 split between rockers and slow songs which is typical for Kutless since "Sea Of Faces". There is one more song, but it is just an intro for track 3. I didn't count it.

Interesting,

I honestly didn't find that much resemblance to "Sea of Faces"

The thing I really like about every Kutless album though is the lyrics. I find that certain bands, take Thousand Foot Krutch for example, tend to lose their message when they go for heavier stuff, it just gets really caught up in all the instrumentals and it's only the light music that touches me the most but Kutless can pull it off either way.

The lyrics are pretty good and thought provoking. Also, the CD is growing on me as I take more listens to it.

Without listening to it and seeing naz's comment about the last track being CCM radio friendly because it's a praise type song brought back something to memory.

When I interviewed James and Jeff 2 yrs ago (which never made the site as that tape got screwed up somehow...terrible screeching noise through the whole thing) they made mention that they started out as a worship style band in their church or college (like here in OK we have BSU (Baptist Student Unions) off campus).

Which is one reason why they did Strong Tower, to get back to their roots musically.

You are right about their roots as a worship band. I think that the only reason why their debut was as heavy as it is was due to the label pushing them to be a heavier band. T&N wanted them to really be more like Creed at the time, and they were a good alternative. But, the band wanted to be able to rock and still do some lighter things.

Oh, I don't think that these are keyboards they are using this time. When you record at Abbey Road, you use an orchestra. The acoustics in that place are perfect for that. In the live show, they will either have to use keyboards or prerecorded samples as they have in the past.

The softer songs on this disc remind me more of MercyMe. They aren't just a rock band with a more stripped down sound--they are pop songs with a little attitude. They are quite catchy, and you begin to sing along pretty quickly.

So, all in all, I like it. It might not be my favorite Kutless disc, but I like it. It might grow on me enough to be my favorite, but it's gonna take a few more spins.

I've no idea what it is but it seems I am not very interested to order this Kutless album.
I think it's not a hard rock album, but as usual my thoughts are wrong.
Maybe this CD will be available on CDBaby soon so I can listen more songs.
I loved the previous Kutless albums.

The softer songs are not bad at all, Yvonne. The CD just took some time to grow on me. I'm liking it more with each listen.

I think I have the same.
Some CDs has to grow for you to listen much to them.

The album is really growing on me as well. I think I might even like it better than "Sea of Faces" given a little time.