Casting Crowns [The Altar and the Door Live CD/DVD]
Posted October 07, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
I absolutely love Casting Crowns. I remember first hearing “Voice of Truth” on the radio waves back when I worked for a CHR affiliated radio station in Zephyrhills, FL in late 2004. That was all it took to get me hooked on one of the most successful Christian groups of the last five years. Having said that, I get excited when I hear that the group is releasing an album, whether it be a studio album, or in this case a live album.
August 19th, marks the release of Casting Crowns’ third live installment, this time covering the hits from their August 28, 2007 release, The Altar and the Door. In this third live release, fans can expect much of the same of the past releases. The biggest songs and performances from the selected album’s live national tour. I can say that I was part of this project in a way. Musically? No. Production? No. Then how was Jay Heilman of Christian Music Review involved with this Casting Crowns’ project? Well, I was a member of the audience at the show they recorded and used for this particular release! Yes, I am a part of Casting Crowns history. I tried spotting myself in the concert DVD that accompanies the CD, but no luck. There were just too many people there! Just kidding. J The concert contains the two biggest hits from Altar, including “East To West” and “Slow Fade”. Mark spends some time between each song encouraging the crowd in their personal walks with Christ. I guess it’s the youth pastor in him, but that’s what I really like about CC’s Mark Hall. He’s a straight forward, no non-sense and humble kind of guy.
The set-listing on this release was somewhat different then the others. While Live in Atlanta and Lifesong Live only contained songs from the corresponding albums, Altar Live included two other songs, one being “Praise You With The Dance” and the other, “Love Her Like Jesus”. You’ll especially like the little guitar-fiddle duel at the beginning of “Praise…” The wife definitely shows up the husband on this round! It was great to see this live too. It really got the crowd going, before Megan Garrett bursts into the vocals end of the track.
The group also performs my personal favorite from the album, “The Word Is Alive”. The message behind this song is definitely one that people need to hear. It teaches us to focus on God’s word and not denomination, version of the Bible or anything else that takes your focus off of Christ. The band is joined in “Somewhere In The Middle” by new artist and special guest, John Waller. While Waller only serves as background vocals on the track, but it is a time for people to catch a glimpse of what this extremely talented and ministry-first focused artist has to offer. We actually got the opportunity to hang out with John backstage just prior to performing with the band. He was humbled and honored that the band would ask him to come out and sing with them.
All in all, this live addition is a must have for Casting Crowns fans, but after three album-specific live releases, I wonder when the band will release a full-length concert DVD featuring hits from all of their albums. For those of you who are wondering what’s next for the band, you can check them out this fall when they release their first Christmas CD, Peace On Earth which is due out in stores on October 7, 2008.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Thus far I have enjoyed the Live releases from Casting Crowns and Altar Live is no different. As mentioned in the review, the only complaint I have is that I wish the band would do full-length concert CD/DVD that spans across all of their hits and more. Bottom line, the band delivers once again what is sure to become a fan favorite.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (85%, B)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
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