Casting Crowns - Lifesong

Much like their brethren Mercy Me, Casting Crowns was thrust into the limelight from a worship band beginning. With steady chops honed from hundreds of shows/services a year and a simple, straight-ahead rock style, the Florida-based band found themselves on top of the charts thanks to the success of massive singles "Who Am I?" and "The Voice of Truth" from its self-titled debut (2003). Lifesong is a sensible sophomore follow-up that shows the band expanding its musical creativity while lyrically remaining true to the cause. There’s a common thread of humility throughout as front man Mark Hall sings of the disenfranchised ("Does Anybody Hear Her"), the heartbroken ("Praise You in This Storm"), and the remorseful ("Prodigal"). Hall even calls outside for songwriting help from the brilliant Nichole Nordeman in "Stained Glass Masquerade," a cautionary warning about church hypocrisy in the face of keeping it real. The radio-friendly, U2- ish "Lifesong" proves a savvy book-end to the penitent closer "And Now My Lifesong Sings." Both evoke strong messages that worship is all about how one lives a life and not what kind of songs they may sing. Lifesong is an impressive effort for a band that knows its strengths and how to play to them. --Michael Lyttle Amazon.com

Praise in the storm

As a victim of the flood in cedar rapids this song is the only thing that has got me through. It reminds me each time I hear it that everything I have is his, to give and take away. He is always there in the storm. June 23, 2008

Songs that make you think

I have been enjoying this cd for a few months now. The music is good, although a bit more contemporary than my usual taste. I am extremely impressed, though, by the powerful lyrics. Every one of these songs address issues that are real in our lives or lives of people we know well and, sadly, real problems within the church itself. These songs will really make you think and remind you to always praise Jesus, just in case you lose sight of the Truth. May 24, 2008

Excellent cd

The lyrics of these songs are wonderful. They make you think and not just bounce around. The songs speak for me when I can't speak. Just like the hymns of old spoke about the trials and life those writers went through, these do the same for our generation. April 18, 2008

Sharing the "Light"

Casting Crowns has shed an awesome "Light" into the world of Christian Music. I can start each day with an uplifting spirit and display the Light that I feel in my daily life to others just by listing to their music. Thanks! March 26, 2008

You will love this!

A terrific CD. Every song will move you. Our worship team does several of them now. February 22, 2008

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