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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AWESOME ALBUM| Posted January 15, 2008
I loove all of CC's album's,but this one is probably the best!Mark's song all have an awesome message,and always get the message across!I REALLY like "East to West"!!
Best Album| Posted January 12, 2008
I love the first two albums by Casting Crowns but so far this is definately their best album. The lyrics from the songs are extremely powerful, as I've come to expect from Casting Crowns. About the only songs I'm not crazy about on this CD are "Prayer For A Friend" and the bonus track "White Dove" just because their not my style.
If you don't have this CD it's definately a must for your CD library.
Bridging the Age Gap| Posted January 12, 2008
Casting Crowns has managed to do what few groups have done by successfully bridging the age gap with their music. I love their music and I'm able to listen to it with my grandchildren who like it just as much as I do. My husband calls their songs, musical sermons, and he's right. The lyrics speak frankly about what every believer faces in their life. God has blessed them with talent and given them a message to share and He's blessed all of us with the opportunity to receive that message.
Altar & the Door| Posted November 06, 2007
I really love this CD. it isn't as good as their self-titled debut. but it's up there. I like "East to West" and have liked it ever since i heard it on the radio. this is a great CD. and they're not ashamed to sing about God, which is awesome!
Best Christian Song Played Today| Posted November 01, 2007
Casting Crowns were discovered just four years ago by a Christian music legend himself – Steven Curtis Chapman. After landing a recording contract with Reunion Records and vaulting to fame with songs such as Who Am I and Voice of Truth the band instantly became one of today’s most successful Christian artists. Their achievements include 2 Dove Awards, 1 Grammy Award and 8 GMA Music Awards. The band’s success continues to grow gaining more and more radio play and fans every day. After releasing two studio albums along with other Live recording albums and DVD’s the band set August 28th 2007 as their release date for the third Studio album, The Alter and the Door. In early July the band released their single East to West to their MySpace page and radio airwaves urging fans to order a copy of their new album, quoting that they should not be disappointed with the direction the band has went, referring to the style of the songs.
One thing that Casting Crowns should be noted for is that their lyrics speak what most people want to say. Speaking in real terms and sharing the bands feelings and struggles is what I feel makes Casting Crowns a fan favorite. East to West is no different than their other material in this means, and speaks exactly what millions of people feel on an everyday basis.
The opening lines set the mood for the song by sharing that we ‘yearn for peace and rest’ even when we are surrounded by yesterday’s chains that keep us tied to the bondages of our past. Even though we know that Jesus casts our sin aside once we ask for forgiveness, we still don’t fully live in that freedom.
Mark Hall (lead vocalist) breaks into the course by asking Jesus to show him just how far He has cast them, and then referring to the East to West - which shows that there is no possible limit in the distance. Christ’s truth gets drowned out while we are in storms of life, and in our human nature we forget that Jesus still does cast our sins aside.
Time and time again the song goes back to how the war begins at the start of everyday and how we are constantly reminded of our faults and failures. During these times we let go of the truth Jesus spoke of and find ourselves standing, thinking ‘just how far is the east from the west’. Again the course breaks out asking Jesus to show us just how far the east is from the west and is finally answered – from one scarred hand to the other.
Frankly, East to West is possibly one of the best Christian songs that is being played today. All throughout the song the truth of Christ’s forgiveness is displayed and I feel this is the most important message to portray to people. Vocally, I feel that this is some of Casting Crowns' finest, and I, along with thousands of fans am extremely excited for the success of their new CD release.
Great Album| Posted October 18, 2007
The way this group approachs their songs is just amazing! I not only love to listen to the way the words are put, but the music is beautiful! But most importantly it shares the Word of God, and in a day where just that is being over looked that is just what we need! I myself feel that the music is for all ages and is very calming and encouraging. And now adays that is more important then ever.
Loved it!| Posted October 16, 2007
When I first listened to the cd, I wasn't sure if I liked it as well as their previous music. The more I listened to it, the more it got to me, and now I absolutely love this cd! Casting Crowns has always been one of my favorite bands, and they did not disappoint me with this cd.
Wow.| Posted October 13, 2007
Wow. What else can I say? And even as a huge Casting Crowns fan with great expectations, The Altar and the Door exceeded all expectations. The song 'The World is Alive' and 'East to West' are my favorite songs on the album, the sound is amazing and we all know that lead vocalist, Mark Hall, could sing the phone book and it would become a hit. 'Payer for a Friend' is so powerful it brought be to tears. Casting Crowns has a great sound, great lyrics, and fantastic vocals, their talent blows my mind. God has really used them in my life and many others as well and I'm sure that He will continue to use them in the lives of many others in the years to come.
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