After two Platinum-selling albums (Casting Crowns & Lifesong), two Platinum live projects (Live from Atlanta & Lifesong Live), numerous awards, and one of the most successful headlining tours in our industry, one might expect a different Casting Crowns. Those who meet this exceptional group, however, quickly realize they are still the same down-to-earth people with ministry at the heart of what they do both on the road, and in their local churches where each of the members serve on-staff or as laypeople, including lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall who still holds his post as youth pastor at his home church.
Casting Crowns' third album, The Altar and The Door, draws on this first-hand ministry experience with real people, real life struggle and the faith that overcomes. "At the altar, everything makes sense," says Hall. "When we're in the church and spending time with God, we know what we're supposed to do and how to live. Everything is black and white. But somewhere between the altar and the door, when we leave and go out into our lives, it all leaks out. Everything gets gray again. It's like we have these two lives, and the Christian life is the journey between the altar and door....trying to get the things you've got in your head, into your hands, into your feet, and into your life. This album is all about that journey of realization, the struggles we encounter and the victory of seeing it as possible."
The band is excited about the next ministry chapter to unfold, and is already planning Fall and Spring legs of The Altar and The Door Tour. With the debut radio single hitting in June and widespread media coverage starting late summer through the fall, this album is set to be another phenomenal release setting records and, more importantly, impacting hearts.
Video: "East To West: EPK"
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Their Best Work!| Posted December 15, 2010
I have to say that I have loved all of the songs/albums that Casting Crowns has made. But "The Altar and the Door" beats all.
Great message in each and every one of the songs that really makes you think and worship Christ in a whole new way.
The Altar and the Door| Posted December 23, 2009
The much anticipated release from Casting Crowns has been out on the streets for a few weeks now and has enjoyed multiple rpm's in my CD player. Whether you're a fan or not, if you've listened to them you know their debut CD was simply awesome. And they didn't disappoint on their softmore effort, "Lifesong". Minus a Live version of the debut album, "The Alter and the Door" is technically the third release by Crowns.
With a balanced mix of worship tunes and challenging anthems, the greatest drawback to "The Alter and the Door" is that it is limited to only 10 songs (plus a hidden track that will transport you to Oahu). Splattered with the fingerprints of other talented songwriters such as Nichole Nordeman (Every Man) and Steven Curtis Chapman (The Word is Alive), the hardest impacting songs on this disc appear when when the band members keep songwriting duties in the family.
If Christians sat up and took notice when hearing "If We Are The Body" for the first time, there are bound to be some ripples throughout the church when listening to what I believe is the best song on the album - "What This World Needs". Check out these lyrics penned by front man Mark Hall and guitarist Hector Cervantes:
Verse: What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind, Another two bit politician peddling lies, Another three ring circus society. What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you, Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth, Another prophet in an Armani suit.
Verse: What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside, Have we become so blind that we can't see, God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt. What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance, Blending in so well that people can't see the difference, And it's the difference that sets the world free.
Bridge: (spoken) People aren't confused by the Gospel. They're confused by us. Jesus is the only way to God but we are not the only way to Jesus. The world doesn't need my tie or my hoodie, my denomination or my translation of the Bible. They just need Jesus. We can be passionate about what we believe but we can't strap ourselves to the Gospel. We're slowing it down. Jesus is going to save the world but maybe, the best thing we can do, is just get out of the way.
Chorus: What this world needs, is a Savior who will rescue, A Spirit who will lead, A Father who will love them in their time of need. A Savior who will rescue, A Spirit who will lead, A Father who will love - that's what this world needs.
Current radio favorite "East to West", the album's namesake "The Alter and the Door", the song that cemented the albums theme "Somewhere in the Middle" along with the worshipful "All Because of Jesus" should provide radio exposure well into 2008. And Mark's personal comments in the liner notes are worth bypassing the temptation to download this CD from iTunes and driving down to your local Christian bookstore to pick up your copy.
...Lord, this time I'll make it right, here at the altar I lay my life. Your kingdom come but my will was done. My heart is broken as I cry, like so many times before but my eyes dry before I leave the floor. Oh Lord, I try but this time, Jesus, how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through - between the altar and the door?
The Best Album...Ever!| Posted August 27, 2009
Not only is this Casting Crowns' best work, but it is the all-time greatest album in my opinion.
"What The World Needs" is an excellent album opener and energetically rockets the compilation into motion.
"Every Man" I was a bit dissapointed with as a single but it's great for the CD. The lyrics are also painfully true.
"Slow Fade" is perhaps the best lyrically. "It's a slow fade/when you give yourself away/it's a slow fade/when black and white have turned to gray/. The music is also irresistable.
"East to West", the first single, can at times put me to sleep, but I love the lyrics and the tune can become catchy as well.
"The Word Is Alive" illustrates a wonderful truth but is near the bottom of my favorite songs on the CD.
"The Altar and the Door" is definitely my favorite on the CD. With catchy guitar licks and an unforgettable chorus, this is not one you can pass up.
"Somewhere in the Middle" is excellently worded but will put you to sleep.
"I Know You're There", the only song not led by Mark Hall, gives a female voice. Not the best. Take it or leave it.
"Prayer for a Friend" is definitely the worst on the CD. It is a follow-up of "Here I Go Again" from their original self-titled release in '03.
"All Because of Jesus", a remake of Fee's instant hit, is well played but the hidden track at the end of the song is one of the worst sounds that my ears have heard in a while, second only to MercyMe.
The CD is awesome overall and I highly reccomend it. I can't wait for their 11/17/09 release, "Until The Whole World Hears".
Absolutely the best!!!| Posted April 25, 2009
I have to say, I love this album! Here's why;
What This World Needs: The message is clear, the tune is unusual, and the background kids are a neat touch. However, it is a little hard to sing along to.
Every Man: Also difficult to sing with, but rings true. If you ask me, it should be the theme song to a TV series portraying a week in the life of ordinary people with tough days.
Slow Fade: Really speaks to those out there who think that they can get away with just a little backsliding. Good for role models of any kind, although directed to dads. Reagan is cute.
East To West: Who hasn't had days like this? Feeling so close to falling. Good tune, vivid pictures in my head.
The Word Is Alive: A very uplifting song. Although the title brings up thoughts of "Eek! It's alive!!!" lol, it's very vibrant.
The Altar And The Door: Very catchy. I love singing along to it. Mark says he wrote it on the bus to Nashville on a 4 hour ride. It shouldn't have had a "fade out" ending though. I memorized it.
Somewhere In The Middle: Metaphorical and slow, but that doesn't hurt it any. Doesn't get all cliche (sometimes my writing does)
I Know You're There: A rare one where the female vocals get the spotlight all to themselves. It works well.
Prayer For A Friend: Quiet like a real prayer, a reflection. I memorized this one too. I know so many people like this.
All Because Of Jesus: After hearing their version and Fee's, I like theirs better. It has more pep. A great song too. Profound without using many words.
White Dove (bonus track): Sung in Korean and English. I couldn't really tell who's singing lead because it's such a different style song from their usual repertoire. A song about peace, a universal wish we all have. It works well and ends this CD off beautifully.
I can't wait to get a copy of this. (I borrowed it from the library.)
A masterpiece...| Posted March 10, 2009
Casting Crowns has continued to wow the world with their truly inspirational music which both teaches and relates to the lives of many who have heard Mark Hall and the rest sing to their heart's content. Their single "East to West" was #1 on the Christian hits charts for 19 consecutive weeks. Other singles include the title song "The Altar and the Door" and "Every Man", another one of their hit singles. One of their more soft touching songs "Prayer For A Friend is also included.
God bless them and let's be ready for their next work of musical art.
Timeless| Posted February 12, 2009
This is an amazing CD. I have had for over a year now and I listen to it over and over again! I also for the first time today, saw Fireproof, and it turns out that one of the songs off of this album is featured in the movie..."Slow Fade"
A definite must-have for all who love good, quality, Christian music with a message
Alter And The Door| Posted December 20, 2008
I had to add this one to my collection for a reason. It's really good. This band just keeps rolling out hit after hit! I can't wait to see more!
I can't choose a favorite to be honest, I like them all, so you'll just have to listen to them all and try to choose for yourself. It'll be hard!
Just Stop Making Music Casting Crowns.| Posted November 16, 2008
Just stop making music Casting Crowns. Your lyrics rock, but the music is boring, mundane and all-around sickening. C'mon, put us out of our misery. Please. I'm begging you!
The Altar And The Door| Posted November 14, 2008
OK,so everybody who's anybody knows who Casting Crowns is and that they are an incredible worship band. But some argue that they are overrated and that thier lyrics are good but the music stinks. I personally think that they're a REALLY awesome act and that this cd is a testiment to that. The lyrics are amazing(as usual) and the music is better than alot of other praise and worship acts.So I say 5 stars baby!!!
love it!!!| Posted September 25, 2008
LOVE IT!!!! LOVE IT!!! I am happy that i got this cd... i've been wanting to get it!! and i love it!!!!!!!love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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