Strong Tower

I usually do not like music albums entirely of cover songs. And I usually dislike albums that are entirely covers of worship songs.

I have to break from the usual and recommend Strong Tower by the band Kutless, a Christian rock band that is being compared in scope to old giants of Christian music such as Petra. I bought their first two grunge-flavored albums and loved them immensely. I stayed away from Strong Tower, until I listened to my brother's copy this weekend. This album is both entirely representational of their style and dichotomous, simultaneously.

What struck me most about the album is the sincerity. Jon Micah Sumrall's voice is full of conviction. It doesn't feel like a production; it feels like he's singing to Jesus, and the instruments, whether soft (as they are at times) or loud and distorted are entirely complementary.

From the worshipful yet crunchy and poignant opening guitar riffs of the classic "We Fall Down" to the closing, violin-dominated "Arms of Love," this is a collection of music I have been singing along to in my truck, walking across campus, in the shower, everywhere. "Finding Who We Are" gets no points for creativity, but creativity isn't necessary. The conviction of the simple words that are sung is stirring: I worship you / Father of Lights / Spirit of Truth / And I worship you / Jesus we call on you / Yes we call on you//. The version of the classic "Take Me In" is dark and brooding, as it should be. //Take me into the Holy of Holies / Take me in by the blood of the Lamb / Take me into the Holy of Holies / Take the coal / Touch my lips / Here I am. Once again, the musicianship and singing are so anointed, unique, and convicting I could have sworn this relatively young band penned this old worship song. "Draw Me Close" returns for a sound comparable to "We Fall Down", followed by a great rendition of the beautiful "All Who Are Thirsty." "Strong Tower," the title track, is a song written by the band that doesn't fail to redirect our trust in God, a la Psalm 62, "He is my defense, I shall not be moved." "I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121)" is another album highlight. Kutless does justice to this Brian Doerksen song by bringing back their normal edgy guitar sound with a thundering chorus.

Whether it is guitar-driven, as this album is, or led by a men's chorus ensemble, worship music is something that has existed as long as there have been words. It's important to remember that. As a Christian, we can be proud to say that rock n' roll may come and go...but there has always been worship music...whether it's a college student with an acoustic guitar or a shepherd boy with a harp.