Casting Crowns
Positive Christian Rock
Casting Crowns’ 2003 self-titled debut album put this alt-rock/Christian band right on the track to earning their own crown among a crowd of contemporary Christian bands in a shockingly brief period of time. The band’s fast rise leaves you considering the void in contemporary Christian music. Casting Crowns gravelly-voiced lead vocalist, Mark Hall, is akin to the same found in hard-rock bands like Buckcherry and Nickelback, but without the notorious vices so characteristic of hard-rock.
Challenging Churchgoers
Record label Beach Street Records invited the band on for their introductory album, which has won critical and artistic notoriety. The album as a whole won big with the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Awards. Mark Hall won for best songwriter, the band for Group of the Year (2005) and the single “Who Am I” for Song of the Year. Christian audiences have placed Casting Crowns at the helm of contemporary Christian pop. The band has been applauded for challenging the jaded views of “plastic” churchgoers and for exploring other issues close to the hearts and minds of young Christian adults.
Their second album, Lifesong, has even managed to dance the line between CCM and mainstream. A decade or so ago, Jars of Clay did just that with their single “Flood.” Lifesong earned the band a Grammy in 2006 for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. Perhaps the time is right for “positive hits.”
Visit their Official Website.
Casting Crowns (2003):
- What if His People Prayed
- If We are the Body
- Voice of Truth
- Who Am I
- American Dream
- Here I Go Again
- Praise You with the Dance
- Glory
- Life of Praise
- Your Love is Extravagant
Lifesong (2005):
- Lifesong
- Praise You in this Storm
- Does Anybody Hear Her
- Stained Glass Masquerade
- Love Them Like Jesus
- Set Me Free
- While You Were Sleeping
- Father, Spirit, Jesus
- In Me
- Prodigal
- And Now My Lifesong Sings
