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| ><> CMR Album Review <>< |
'Hearts Of The Innocent'
[Release Date: March 21, 2006] (BEC Recordings)
Track Listing
1. Hearts of the Innocent [Listen]
2. Shut Me Out [Listen]
3. Beyond the Surface [Listen]
4. Smile [Listen]
5. Promise of a Lifetime [Listen]
6. Winds of Change [Listen]
7. Somewhere in the Sky [Listen]
8. Mistakes [Listen]
1. Hearts of the Innocent [Listen]
2. Shut Me Out [Listen]
3. Beyond the Surface [Listen]
4. Smile [Listen]
5. Promise of a Lifetime [Listen]
6. Winds of Change [Listen]
7. Somewhere in the Sky [Listen]
8. Mistakes [Listen]
| 3.8 |
| 2.6 |
| 1.9 |
| 0.9 |
| 9.2 |
| 92% A- |
| ><> Review Written By: Jay Heilman (jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org) <>< ><> Date Written: May 26, 2008 <>< |
| [ Main Review ] |
| [ Writer's Closing Thoughts ] |
| I really enjoyed Hearts of the Innocent. To this day it remains one of my favorite hard rock albums. I think Kutless is often under appreciated for the music that they put out. In a world of 'watered-down' rock music, the message that they bring is much needed in this time. If you are looking for some good entertainment for forty-five minutes or so, this album is a good one to pick up. If you are looking for some thought-provoking, empowering, uplifting and ministering music, then this one is definitely one to get. I can't wait to see what the band has in store for their next album, To Know That You're Alive. Like em or not, Kutless isn't going anywhere. In my opinion that's a good thing. Trust me. |
NOTE: This album review was originally written in January 2006, but with the loss of much
of our site data in 2007, this review was lost. This one was written again in May 2008.
Kutless' album, Hearts of the Innocent comes across boldly to me when I first delve into
one of the best records I have heard so far in 2006. I was lucky enough to get the album
probably further ahead of time then I should have (I think my copy came from the studio or
something!), so nonetheless I was excited about getting a copy early.
For those folks out there who think that Kutless sounds too much like a Creed knock-off,
you are wrong and haven't listened to any of their other music. I was a fan of Creed, and
having seen both of these groups in concert, I see several differences between the
groups. Plus, Kutless makes no bones about being Christians in a Christian band rather
then putting their talents off as something that came by just practice and self-notoriety.
Having said that, I was really impressed with the music and message behind Hearts and I
think many Kutless fans will agree that the group has never been one to 'water-down' it's
message. The first track, "Hearts of the Innocent" start out with a cool and crunchy grunge-
rock styled guitar intro. The chorus states a lot when it comes to being a proven and
effective witness for Christ. We're the light of the world and people need to see Christ in
us, but so many times even we as Christians don't reflect the Savior in our lives and
actions. The verse just before the chorus gives a vivid intro into what the message of the
song centers around, "This vicious cycle must come to an end", which goes on to say in
the chorus, "To See them hurting / feels like knuckles in the back of my head".
I absolutely love the message and music of "Shut Me Out", the album's first single. Just
the first verse blows me away! "Tell me something I don’t already know / I know that you
can’t stand these things I’m preaching in the streets / But how can I contain the truth I hold
inside / With all the hurting people that I see so I don’t mind", the chorus goes on to say,
"There’s nothing you can say / That will take me away from this life / There’s nothing you
can do / To shut me up when I’m speaking the truth" Amen. I think a lot of Christians
today are afraid to speak about their faith in Christ. Afraid the people will make fun of
them, ridicule them. You know? I think this song speaks volumes about us as believers
not caring, because it's the truth we speak and people need to hear that truth!
I have seen myself in the situation talked about in the song, "Smile", except for not on a
plane. (lol). Speaking to someone cordially about my faith and any differences I may have
from their beliefs and mine. Sometimes there comes times where I have the opportunity to
witness to someone of a different religion. Particularly someone I met who is a Jehovah's
Witness, whose beliefs were totally different then the Baptist doctrine I have studied and
learned from. Telling him about my beliefs compared to his with a smile on my face made
the difference in the world. I think Jon Micah touches on this with "Smile". Talking of your
faith with a smile truly says it all.
"Promise of a Lifetime" was a great reminder of God's promise to us as believers. Jesus
Himself says in Matthew 28:20 that He is with us always. That promise is reiterated in
Hebrews 13:5 as well. "Promise of a Lifetime" would definitely be one of the lightest
moments on the record other then "Smile", but it fits well in with the overall message and
musical directions that the album takes.
Jump ahead to "Mistakes". This song reminded me of my own life as both a Christian and
non-Christian. I grew up twenty-two years without Christ, and made many mistakes in that
period of time. I wished I would have known the outcome of choices I made before I made
them, but then again that's part of life. The chorus says, "There’s so much I could say /
There’s so much that I’ve learned don’t make my mistake / There’s no time to delay / Take
my hand and learn from my heartache". One thing I have learned since giving my life to
Christ is, the Lord forgives me of those mistakes (sins) but also allows me to learn from
them. I hope and pray that my children learn from the mistakes and that my wife Shannon
and I have made over the years. I couldn't bear to see them go through the heartache
and situations that I have had to endure over time.
The message behind "Changing World" I think happens so much in our lives just prior to
letting Christ take control. We all have these "plans" of where we want our lives to be in
the future. But as Jon Micah points out in the chorus, "Though something’s gone /
There’s nothing wrong with my changing world", which depicts that nothing is wrong with
change. I think as human beings we are afraid most of change. Not knowing what will
happen from day to day scares some people to death. The second verse speaks truth
when it says, "I need to let go of my destiny / I need to trust in things unseen / I believe in
having faith / Though I yield my control". That's the key. Yielding total control to Christ.
That's what I had the hardest time doing. Example, I used to listen to mainstream hard-
rock and metal bands like Metallica, Alice In Chains and Sevendust. When I gave my life to
Christ, I thought, "Well, I can still listen to this music and it won't matter". It did. The
messages of this music was often negative and I wanted to get away from it, but couldn't. I
said half-heartedly to God in a prayer, not thinking that He could possibly help me rid
myself of the mainstream music, to help me move past this music. God answered that
prayer. It was in the form of girlfriend (and future wife) throwing all of my CDs in the trash
one day. There were probably fifty of them or so. I questioned her of course, and she
said "I have no idea where they are, did you misplace them?" Oh how mad I was. But you
know what, I forgot about them and the Lord opened up to me a whole world of new and
exciting music. Christian rock. Amen! I did find out three years later that she had thrown
them away as a last ditch effort to get rid of it for me. God worked. In the form of my wife's
hands, but He worked it out. I wasn't mad either, I was glad I rid myself of the negative
impact that mainstream music had had on me!
Back to the review now..... Sorry!
"Million Dollar Man" is an interesting song. I don't know if the group had anyone in mind
when they were writing this song, but it got me thinking. What if I was a millionaire? Would
I still serve God like I do now? Who knows? I am happy with what God has given me
though and sometimes that doesn't appear as much. But you know what, the Lord has put
that happiness and contentment for what He has given to me. I realize that everything that
I have has come from what the Lord provides. "Million Dollar Man" talks of a man who has
everything, but true happiness. Something he can only have when he has a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. The money, the cars, the rings. The grass isn't always
greener on the other side, unless of course you are standing on the 'wrong side' of the
fence. Paul mentions this in 1 Timothy when he says, "For the love of money is the root of
all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows." True, sad to many, but very true.
The album closes out with the song "Legacy". Musically I liked the track a lot. It had some
good rock guitars, reminding me of that old AIC I used to listen to. You can control your
future to a certain degree, with Christ's help of course. The verse in the chorus mentions
this when it says, "You have the power you need to change your legacy". What will your
legacy be to the world? What will you be remembered for? Will you be an influence for
Christ even after you have left this life and moved onto eternity?
"Think of the future and when you are gone how will you be remembered then /
For all time you can be the one who changed the name"
You have control over what people will think of you when you are gone. Make a
difference, your legacy is all that will remain when you are long gone from here.
of our site data in 2007, this review was lost. This one was written again in May 2008.
Kutless' album, Hearts of the Innocent comes across boldly to me when I first delve into
one of the best records I have heard so far in 2006. I was lucky enough to get the album
probably further ahead of time then I should have (I think my copy came from the studio or
something!), so nonetheless I was excited about getting a copy early.
For those folks out there who think that Kutless sounds too much like a Creed knock-off,
you are wrong and haven't listened to any of their other music. I was a fan of Creed, and
having seen both of these groups in concert, I see several differences between the
groups. Plus, Kutless makes no bones about being Christians in a Christian band rather
then putting their talents off as something that came by just practice and self-notoriety.
Having said that, I was really impressed with the music and message behind Hearts and I
think many Kutless fans will agree that the group has never been one to 'water-down' it's
message. The first track, "Hearts of the Innocent" start out with a cool and crunchy grunge-
rock styled guitar intro. The chorus states a lot when it comes to being a proven and
effective witness for Christ. We're the light of the world and people need to see Christ in
us, but so many times even we as Christians don't reflect the Savior in our lives and
actions. The verse just before the chorus gives a vivid intro into what the message of the
song centers around, "This vicious cycle must come to an end", which goes on to say in
the chorus, "To See them hurting / feels like knuckles in the back of my head".
I absolutely love the message and music of "Shut Me Out", the album's first single. Just
the first verse blows me away! "Tell me something I don’t already know / I know that you
can’t stand these things I’m preaching in the streets / But how can I contain the truth I hold
inside / With all the hurting people that I see so I don’t mind", the chorus goes on to say,
"There’s nothing you can say / That will take me away from this life / There’s nothing you
can do / To shut me up when I’m speaking the truth" Amen. I think a lot of Christians
today are afraid to speak about their faith in Christ. Afraid the people will make fun of
them, ridicule them. You know? I think this song speaks volumes about us as believers
not caring, because it's the truth we speak and people need to hear that truth!
I have seen myself in the situation talked about in the song, "Smile", except for not on a
plane. (lol). Speaking to someone cordially about my faith and any differences I may have
from their beliefs and mine. Sometimes there comes times where I have the opportunity to
witness to someone of a different religion. Particularly someone I met who is a Jehovah's
Witness, whose beliefs were totally different then the Baptist doctrine I have studied and
learned from. Telling him about my beliefs compared to his with a smile on my face made
the difference in the world. I think Jon Micah touches on this with "Smile". Talking of your
faith with a smile truly says it all.
"Promise of a Lifetime" was a great reminder of God's promise to us as believers. Jesus
Himself says in Matthew 28:20 that He is with us always. That promise is reiterated in
Hebrews 13:5 as well. "Promise of a Lifetime" would definitely be one of the lightest
moments on the record other then "Smile", but it fits well in with the overall message and
musical directions that the album takes.
Jump ahead to "Mistakes". This song reminded me of my own life as both a Christian and
non-Christian. I grew up twenty-two years without Christ, and made many mistakes in that
period of time. I wished I would have known the outcome of choices I made before I made
them, but then again that's part of life. The chorus says, "There’s so much I could say /
There’s so much that I’ve learned don’t make my mistake / There’s no time to delay / Take
my hand and learn from my heartache". One thing I have learned since giving my life to
Christ is, the Lord forgives me of those mistakes (sins) but also allows me to learn from
them. I hope and pray that my children learn from the mistakes and that my wife Shannon
and I have made over the years. I couldn't bear to see them go through the heartache
and situations that I have had to endure over time.
The message behind "Changing World" I think happens so much in our lives just prior to
letting Christ take control. We all have these "plans" of where we want our lives to be in
the future. But as Jon Micah points out in the chorus, "Though something’s gone /
There’s nothing wrong with my changing world", which depicts that nothing is wrong with
change. I think as human beings we are afraid most of change. Not knowing what will
happen from day to day scares some people to death. The second verse speaks truth
when it says, "I need to let go of my destiny / I need to trust in things unseen / I believe in
having faith / Though I yield my control". That's the key. Yielding total control to Christ.
That's what I had the hardest time doing. Example, I used to listen to mainstream hard-
rock and metal bands like Metallica, Alice In Chains and Sevendust. When I gave my life to
Christ, I thought, "Well, I can still listen to this music and it won't matter". It did. The
messages of this music was often negative and I wanted to get away from it, but couldn't. I
said half-heartedly to God in a prayer, not thinking that He could possibly help me rid
myself of the mainstream music, to help me move past this music. God answered that
prayer. It was in the form of girlfriend (and future wife) throwing all of my CDs in the trash
one day. There were probably fifty of them or so. I questioned her of course, and she
said "I have no idea where they are, did you misplace them?" Oh how mad I was. But you
know what, I forgot about them and the Lord opened up to me a whole world of new and
exciting music. Christian rock. Amen! I did find out three years later that she had thrown
them away as a last ditch effort to get rid of it for me. God worked. In the form of my wife's
hands, but He worked it out. I wasn't mad either, I was glad I rid myself of the negative
impact that mainstream music had had on me!
Back to the review now..... Sorry!
"Million Dollar Man" is an interesting song. I don't know if the group had anyone in mind
when they were writing this song, but it got me thinking. What if I was a millionaire? Would
I still serve God like I do now? Who knows? I am happy with what God has given me
though and sometimes that doesn't appear as much. But you know what, the Lord has put
that happiness and contentment for what He has given to me. I realize that everything that
I have has come from what the Lord provides. "Million Dollar Man" talks of a man who has
everything, but true happiness. Something he can only have when he has a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. The money, the cars, the rings. The grass isn't always
greener on the other side, unless of course you are standing on the 'wrong side' of the
fence. Paul mentions this in 1 Timothy when he says, "For the love of money is the root of
all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows." True, sad to many, but very true.
The album closes out with the song "Legacy". Musically I liked the track a lot. It had some
good rock guitars, reminding me of that old AIC I used to listen to. You can control your
future to a certain degree, with Christ's help of course. The verse in the chorus mentions
this when it says, "You have the power you need to change your legacy". What will your
legacy be to the world? What will you be remembered for? Will you be an influence for
Christ even after you have left this life and moved onto eternity?
"Think of the future and when you are gone how will you be remembered then /
For all time you can be the one who changed the name"
You have control over what people will think of you when you are gone. Make a
difference, your legacy is all that will remain when you are long gone from here.
9. Push Me Away [Listen]
10. Changing World [Listen]
11. Million Dollar Man [Listen]
12. Legacy [Listen]
