Music Review: Lifesong by Casting Crowns

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Many new songs that will encourage and challenge you.
Cons: "While You Were Sleeping"
Bottom Line:
Many more great songs
Only one to watch out for
Disc well worth getting




Casting Crowns Offers a Great Sophomore Release

Casting Crowns took the Christian music world by storm with their 2003 debut. Finally they are following up with Lifesong. I'm happy to say I like it just as much as the first one.

Once again they share the focus among challenging the body of Christ, encouragement, and worship. The title track is a prayer of dedication really, asking that everything we do may be an act of worship to God. This is reinforced well with the final track which gives the reasons that our "Lifesong" should be singing to God.

"Praise You in this Storm" hit my right off the bat. I like the reminder of the verses that God is with us in the storms of life. I just wish my attitude was more like the chorus of praising Him no matter what.

"Does Anybody Hear Her" is another challenge to get out of our comfort zone, look past our prejudices, and help those around us in need.

"Stained Glass Masquerade" tackles the shallowness of many of us who act like we are perfect people when around Christians. It's a trait I recognize too well in my own life and think I need to really take to heart the challenge presented here.

"Love Them like Jesus" is described as a sequel to "Here I Go Again" from their first CD. It reminds us that our job when comforting others is to point them to Jesus, the only person who can truly help.

"Set Me Free" uses a driving beat to retell the story of a demon possessed man Jesus healed.

"While You Were Sleeping" is the only misstep on the album to me. While I agree with the idea that America is far from God with our policies, I think the comparison between Bethlehem and Jerusalem of Jesus' day goes too far.

"Father, Spirit, Jesus" is a wonderful praise chorus.

"In Me" takes the fear of failure and puts it on Jesus since He's the only way we'll do what He tells us to. Once again, the lyrics are great at reminding me how weak I am on my own but that I have straight in Him.

Finally, "Prodigal" is a great ballad of repentance inspired by the famous parable. Is there no limit to the great songs that can come from that story?

One of the things I liked about the first CD was the great lyrics, and they are still front and center here. It's taken a few extra listens to fully appreciate Lifesong, but I know I'll be listening to it for a long time to come.