Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In my opinion Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall is one of the most gifted, and at times powerfully insightful composers on the whole CCM scene. Having acknowledged that it also needs to be observed that gradually Hall's function as a prophet within the Church has gradually diminished so that no longer are we going to hear such anthems of alienation as "If We Are The Body" with this album displaying a far more generic set of lyrics. As any record industry observer will tell you this is the bands most successful album so far with a chart position right up there beside John Mayer and Norah Jones. And certainly this is well crafted pop/rock with all the multi-layered dynamics you'd expect after hundreds of hours of labour with Pro Tools while Hall is in good voice on the title track and "Holy One" (the latter co written with Stu G and Jason Ingram) with his throaty growl a perfect fit against the blasting guitar chords. Some of the arrangements too are attention grabbing with "Joyfull, Joyfull" having the same kind of string arrangement which made Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' so enjoyable. But most of the lyrics here don't go much further than the increasingly stereotyped declarations of devotion abounding in contemporary worship. There's even an unnecessary cover of The Parachute bands "Mercy". Good to hear Casting Crowns Megan Garrett given a couple of chances at the vocal mic but in truth this album is a little disappointing considering some of the glories that preceeded it.

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.