Believer (Deluxe Edition)

In many ways, Believer sums up the changes Kutless has gone through since it appeared on the Christian music scene in the late ‘90s. Believer contains elements of the worship-oriented approach heard on 2009’s It Is Well; at the same time, it delivers the assertive guitar kick that defined the band on its first several albums. Lead singer Jon Micah Sumrall commands the spotlight on tracks as different as “Need” (a desperate cry to the Lord), “Hero” (an inspirational, folk-tinged ballad), and “If It Ends Today” (a crowd-rousing praise tune). Thunderous riffage and slamming drums drive home the message of salvation in “Carry On,” while “Gravity” and the title track take a more nuanced approach to depicting man’s relationship with his maker. Especially powerful are “This Is Love” and “Come Back Home,” a pair of ballads that retell the stories of the crucifixion and the Prodigal Son, respectively. Throughout, Kutless turns in confident performances without losing the touch of urgency that has always echoed through its music.