Casting Crowns Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
The Midas touch continues. There may be an eventual misstep in the best-selling worship group's career -- they always come at some point -- but this surely isn't it. Rather, Peace on Earth is another victorious achievement. It boasts the same mass appeal of the group's three previous studio albums. Few fans of contemporary worship music are strangers to the Casting Crowns sound. Now putting that stamp on a holiday album, lead singer Mark Hall didn't have to reach very far to find a worship theme among the vast Christian holiday songbook. In fact, given Casting Crowns' immense popularity, it seems they could have laid down ten songs at random and probably created another gold record. But give credit to Hall and his impressive supporting cast for handpicking a cohesive set of songs that brings out the worship aspect of the holidays. Highlights include the original version of "While You Were Sleeping," which Hall first penned as a holiday song, and a sensational instrumental arrangement of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" that shows off Melodee DeVevo's sensational violin playing. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
'The Altar and the Door'
Release Date 8/28/2007
Tracks 10
Label Reunion
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Expectations ran sky-high for Casting Crowns' third studio album following a couple of years as Contemporary Christian Music's best-selling and most-played artist. The looming question wasn't whether lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall would drastically change his formula -- that was doubtful after the group's first two albums were certified Platinum faster than any other artist in CCM history (Jars of Clay was the only other group to accomplish the feat). The question for fans was whether or not the runaway success would change the band's heart. Casting Crowns rose to prominence due to Hall's "painful but true" storytelling of the Christian condition and his comforting calls to reform. The Alter and the Door picked up where Lifesong left off, this time with a slightly greater dose of rock. This time around, songs centered on the disconnect between the faith believers feel during worship and the doubt that plagues them during the rigors of daily life. In other words, how to overcome the spirit being willing but the flesh being weak. Where former albums drew their strength from ballads and AC pop, Alter gave the world upbeat rock classics. The first three tracks showcase more grunge guitar than could be heard on all of Lifesong. "What This World Needs" is a tense, fast-paced rocker that opens the album with the same urgency as Jars of Clay's "Work." "Every Man" and "Slow Fade" also draw on mature rock themes. The band still offers a handful of its signature ballads, reaching a pinnacle on "The World Is Alive" and "I Know You're There." Casting Crowns gave fans no reason to be disappointed on Alter, and anyone living under a rock who was unfamiliar with the band at the time of its release would find little to dispel the group's reign among CCM artists. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Casting Crowns followed up their 2005 breakthrough sophomore effort Lifesong with this live CD/DVD set Lifesong Live. The CD is short in length -- just seven songs -- yet rich with the septet's pop worship sound. The live element adds enough of a new dimension to distinguish this set from its studio predecessor. By stepping up the tempo on numbers like the hit title track and concert closer "Father, Spirit, Jesus," vocalist Mark Hall breathes a bit of new life into the set list. Most tracks still lean towards humble, praise-oriented themes. The DVD is no more glamorous or pretentious than the audio disc, making the pair a solid introductory point to the band's unassuming personality. Bonus features include a "behind the scenes" featurette, a gospel message from Tony Nolan, tour notes, and the music video for "Does Anybody Hear Her." Followers of the band will enjoy the concert ambiance and inter-song dialogue, though casual listeners may prefer the more refined production work on Lifesong's original studio recordings. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One of the brightest spots on the CCM map in 2005, Lifesong was powered by a second dose of Mark Hall's earnestly challenging worship themes and a penchant for reflective pop. The Florida band's sophomore album was the number two best-selling Christian record in 2005. It nearly went gold after four months in release and came a mere 20,000 units short of overcoming Switchfoot's Nothing Is Sound for the top spot. The mega-hit title track seemed ubiquitous for months on end, culminating in a pair of Dove Awards for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Group of the Year. Hall's artistic balladry buoyed other hits, including "Does Anybody Hear Her," the story of a wayward young woman and the church masses who unrighteously judge her rather than reach out. This type of "painful but true" storytelling never seems heavy-handed, which may explain the CD's runaway success. Listeners seemed to take comfort in the Scripture-based calls to action that challenged churchgoers to admit their shortcomings. Songwriting credits include Nichole Nordeman on "Stained Glass Masquerade." From start to finish, the album showcases songwriting that is consistent, polished, and potent, furthering the septet's reputation as one of Christian music's most popular acts of the 21st century. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In September 2003, pop/adult contemporary group Casting Crowns released their self-titled debut. After hearing one of their independent projects, Sawyer Brown's Mark Miller signed the band -- composed of members Mark Hall (lead vocals), Chris Huffman (bass), Melodee DeVevo (violin/vocals), Juan DeVevo (guitars/vocals), Andy Williams (drums), Megan Garrett (keys/vocals), and Hector Cervantes (guitars/vocals) -- to the label he founded, Beach Street Records. The album is comparable to releases by CCM veteran Steven Curtis Chapman, Caedmon's Call, and Phillips, Craig & Dean. The project, produced by Miller and Chapman, features ten tracks aimed at encouraging and challenging the body of Christ. "If We Are the Body" examines the inner circles within churches that can leave newcomers feeling unwelcome, while "Voice of Truth" speaks of obeying God despite fear. Additional songs include "Who Am I" and "What If His People Prayed." ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater, All Music Guide
