Kutless

Believer

BEC Recordings

Portland, Ore., rock-and-worship band Kutless’ seventh mainstream album, “Believer,” will be seen as a departure from much of its previous work. Softer, certainly, although there are still hard rocking songs here as evidenced by the guitar-heavy “Gravity” and “Need.” Some things that haven’t changed are the band’s strong Christian message, great lyrics, excellent musicianship and some of the best worship music in the Christian music scene.

“Gravity” and “Need,” with their excellent guitar work and driving choruses, will please old-time Kutless fans, although even here, the new sound is evident. “If It Ends Today,” the album’s opener, is a rousing, guitar-rich rocker and one of the album’s best.

While some may lament the passing of the constantly hard-driving Kutless of earlier days, many — myself included — will see this as the natural evolution of a really great band. This may be the best yet.