When you've become one of contemporary Christian music's biggest stars, there are a lot of temptations to change your sound or tone the message down a little to reach a larger audience. But the anthemic, guitar-based Casting Crowns simply use their music as a pulpit ever more. Despite (or, perhaps, because of) all the world tours, platinum records, and Dove and Grammy awards, the members of the band still serve as ministers at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. This is honest and often gorgeous music that deals with doubt and pain, and how difficult it can be to live up to one's principles. "Slow Fade," an irresistibly slow-burning number, counsels listeners not to stray: ""People never crumble in a day, it's a slow fade." The album's two covers--a rousing take of Steve Fee's "All Because of Jesus" and a spirited version of Chandler's "I Know You're There"--count among the album's many highlights. --Mike McGonigal
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
