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CD Review
Casting Crowns
Casting Crowns (2003)
Beach Street Records
Review by Jo van Leerdam
Casting Crowns is a band which began as a worship band and developed
into a group that is very committed to ministering to youth and
challenging them to fully live and obey the Gospel.
Mark Hall’s passion for youth ministry is reflected in his response to being invited to front the band as lead singer: “Rather than saying 'When do we leave?' or 'How much money am I going to get?" it was 'Am I still going to be able to be a youth minister?" "My response was something like, 'Sure, Mark, but your congregation may be a whole lot larger than you would have ever imagined.'" (www.castingcrowns.com) Judging by the songs on this album, that calling is taken very seriously indeed.
The lyrics are very different than what you usually hear in contemporary Christian music. These are all songs with which teens and young adults can readily identify.
They address social and personal issues that are very relevant and challenging for young Christians today, and boldly say some things that people might find hard to hear.
“What if His people prayed” asks questions like “What if we really did what God told us to? What if we made a stand for what God says is right? How would that change our society?” The suggested answers are confronting: children might be born instead of aborted; kids might be able to pray in schools; families might live according to the Word of God instead of the word of Oprah.
“If we are the body” speaks against spiritual snobbery and being exclusive as Christians. There are so many people who need our compassion and empathy. There is no room for being judgemental: “Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come”.
The lies Satan and the world tell us are refuted in “Voice of Truth”, which pleads with the listener to cling to the truth of Jesus with courage and faith. “Who am I” is a heartfelt response to the healing love of God in the life of someone who has struggled with self esteem (where Satan tells many lies) and offers a Godly perspective of who we are. “Here I go again” discusses how hard and frustrating it can be to share the gospel with our friends who don’t know Jesus, and the importance of having the courage to do that.
“Your Love is Extravagant” sings of the overwhelming love of God that amazes us and draws us into an intimate relationship with Christ. “Life of Praise” expresses a right response to God’s love – we praise Him not just for what He has done for us, but because He is holy and worthy of our praise. In Christ we find the strength and courage to heed the call to true faith and obedience that impacts our lives and our society.
This album is impressive, not just for its musicianship, but for the honesty and power of the lyrics. Mark Hall has a distinctive voice which delivers the lyrics well, and the music and backing vocals complement his voice and the lyrics perfectly. This album would appeal to anyone who enjoys music that ranges from ballad to medium rock, and would probably fit very well into the collections of many families.
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