Disc #37: Casting Crowns (Lifesong)

Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Lifesong
Released by Provident Label Group in 2005

Before you begin reading this post, click on this link to the title track for this album. I think it sums up the general feel of the album, and can double as the soundtrack for today's review. A big thank-you once again to Mike and Jan for getting us these wonderful discs.

This album is the band's sophomore disc, and is of course the follow-up to my last review , which was of their debut album. In my mind, this disc is a direct continuation of their first, if not a step forward into something new. If the first disc was mainly focused on pointing out the short-comings of the church, this one suggests how we might respond to those challenges.

However, it wouldn't really be a true Casting Crowns album without reminding us at least a little bit of how we're messing things up as a group of people. "Stained Glass Masquerade" and "While You Were Sleeping" are probably the most direct of these types of songs on the album. Though it may just seem like non-constructive criticism to some, the band refers to it as "a ministry of discipleship". I think it's very important to point out the problems in the way me live as a body of believers, but it is almost more important to try and find a solution and take steps towards it.

If you're going through a tough spell in life right now, listen to "Praise You in This Storm". If you like, you can check out the lyrics here. This song depicts an individual who is overwhelmed by the storms of life, yet in his trials, he still looks to the one who is with him. Just remember, there's always someone there for you, no matter what you're going through.

Musically, the overall sound of this album is much bigger than their debut. You will hear more tracks with string arrangements and heavy power chords from distorted electric guitars than on their first disc. The sound isn't much more complex than it's predecessor, but its got more depth.

All being said, I think I like this album about the same as the last one. in fact, I might like the music a little more but the lyrics a little less. That being said, it's not by much. Therefore, I will give this album the same score as the last on The Mike Jones Scale of Disc Awesomeness:

8

Please join me next time as the experiment continues with Disc #38: Chantal Kreviazuk (Colour Moving and Still).