Until the Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns made their Platinum-selling debut in 2004, and in only 5 years have risen to the top of the Christian music genre. Their claim to fame? Down to earth lyrics, and a raw pop/rock style that captures the audience and relates with the listener. Besides a less-than-interesting Christmas project, they have been successful in creating memorable albums that range from worship ballads to grinding rock tunes, thus creating their vast fan base and making themselves popular in many genres. Now, almost exactly two years since their last effort, the band is releasing their much-hyped fourth collection, “Until the Whole World Hears.”

Beginning with the punchy guitar riff and sincere words of the title track, this kickoff song will put fans in the right mood, and it invents an upbeat, but meaningful start for the disc. Next up is the soaring, “If We’ve Ever Needed You,” lead singer Mark Hall’s vocals sounding better than ever as the chorus brings us to what is yet another rewarding song, which carries even more material that than it’s predecessor. Getting mid-way through the listing, a series of near perfect pieces ascend to the climax of the CD, with tunes such as “Glorious Day” and the soon to be classic, “At Your Feet,” this is exactly what Casting Crowns is all about. Even farther down the line, we find more of a worship feel that was left somewhat behind in the first half. From the powerhouse refrain of “To Know You,” to the soft sweetness of the finale “Blessed Redeemer,” the variety of sounds and styling of the record keep things interesting, while never loosing their trademark touch like their other albums. Also containing a bonus track, the rocking “Shadow Of Your Wings” is a could be Third Day hit, but somehow (and not surprisingly) it didn’t make the final cut for the main gist of the record.

You could look at this music two ways in my opinion: One, it’s just another CD full of Christian cliché’s and nice, but all to familiar lyrics and melodies. Or, two, you could look at it as (this is my opinion) an unblemished project full of hits to be and thoughtful, even if not groundbreaking, songs that make up for a ultimately victorious endeavor. So, I will leave it up to you to decide you own path…but if you have liked this band’s music in the past, I think I would give it two thumbs up for you. But if not, it probably doesn’t really matter even if you’ve read this far. ~ Christian Lingner

4 1/2 of 5 stars