Published Wednesday 13th March 2013

Casting Crowns - The Acoustic Sessions Vol 1
	STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 132294-20111 LABEL: Reunion 602341017824 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2013-01-28 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman Multi award-winning Atlanta band Casting Crowns have chosen to turn off their amps and lay down their electric guitars to record acoustic versions of some of their greatest hits. Whilst proceedings get off to a stripped-down voice and piano start on "If We Are The Body", the band thankfully don't scrimp on the instrumentation elsewhere with full-blooded versions of the likes of "Set Me Free" and "Only You" proving to be valid alternatives to the plugged-in originals. As ever, Mark Hall is on top vocal form and refuses to hold back his trademark gritty delivery making challenging songs such as the conscience-pricking "American Dream", the aforementioned opening track and the confessional "Here I Go Again" even more affecting. Other Casting Crowns favourites like "East To West" and "Who Am I" are thrown in for good measure in this intriguing and worthy diversion for one of Christian music's most popular outfits. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date. Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.
Product Description
Ever committed to the simple but profound story of truth, Casting Crowns has impacted millions with powerful songs like East to West, Who Am I? and If We Are the Body. Now fans can experience these favourites and more on the new acoustic project *The Acoustic Sessions: Volume 1*. In times of difficulty and in moments of praise, these songs have provided the words so many hearts long to communicate. It will include two brand new songs. A must-have for any Casting Crowns fan.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 15:29 on Oct 11 2013

This is one of the very few cds I have for 2013 year in ccm. The listener will note that right off the bat the songs do not all carry that familiar "acoustic" sound. The songset begins with debut song heart puller "If We Are the Body"; I have the video for this favorite. Great lyrics to "American Dream" that many can relate, I like this acoustic version. "Who Am I" is another debut favorite, I have a live version of Mark singing lead: I love this song! thanks Mark. "Here I Go Again" speaks as only it can, a constant reminder that we should never give up! The words of "Delivered" reminds me of Psalms 116 scripture.
I really like this recorded version of "Somewhere in the Middle" the piano enhances the lyrics beautifully.
Great lengthy instrumental intro on "Set Me Free", 5 1/2 minutes of awesome ccm. The cd ends with another song from 2003 debut, "Praise You in this Storm", a song that reminds me of the biblical account of Paul & Silas in prison. Singing does wonders for the soul. God bless, Don

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Casting Crowns - The Acoustic Sessions Vol 1

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