Customer Reviews

The Altar and The Door

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I remember the first time I heard Casting Crowns on the radio several years ago. It wasn't Mark Hall's voice, the band's music, or even the harmonies sung that drew me in. It was the lyrics. I was going through a situation that "Voice of Truth" so eloquently and accurately addressed. I honestly felt the Lord meant for me to hear that song at that particular time. I decided to go ahead and buy that album and found every song spoke volumes to me. Now here we are 3 albums later and once again, Mark and his amazing ensemble of musicians have done it again. They have put together an album that speaks volumes to my heart.

I really like the way that Casting Crowns' albums generally have a theme. This album is no exception. I find the theme throughout this album is about staying in our comfort zone also known as the middle ground- the safety zone. But he also addresses the middle as in the 'gray area' which we all have to deal with on a daily basis no doubt. Mark sings about how we all have good intentions but when it comes to stepping out of our comfort zone for God we say...'no way!'. We give God a list that says I'll do this and this but there is no way I can or will do that or that. Fear is usually the biggest reason most of us don't step out of our comfort zone. I am in no way pointing a finger because I find I am probably the guiltiest of all at doing this. That said, this album truly helps me to understand why I do what I do and how to remedy it. It inspires me to seek out the Lord in His Word and in prayer and meditation.

The first song on the album: "What This World Needs" is a great way to start off the album. It has a rocky edge that draws you in to its chorus and before you know it you are singing along. I actually had to listen to this song several times before I could fully appreciate what Mark was trying to say.

Song #2: Every Man- This song references the fact that no matter who we are or what we've done there is Hope for us. Hope comes in the form of Jesus Who knows how we feel and can understand what we are going through.

#3: Slow Fade- This is an amazing song that helps us realize that no one goes from being on fire for the Lord to dabbling with sin in one day. No, instead it is a slow fade. Satan knows the best attack is a gradual attack which makes black and white fade into gray.

#4: East to West- One of my favorites on this album. This is one of the songs on this album that speaks to me personally. It is with songs like this that I wonder if maybe God isn't giving Mark a look into my heart. (As if I'm the only one struggling with issues like this. ;-) )

#5: The Word Is Alive- As the title indicates, this song is about the Bible and how It brings forth hope to the hopeless and frail.

#6: The Altar and the Door- One of my favorites also. "The Altar and the Door" musically has a lot to offer. It is very upbeat and easy to sing along with. This song is one of the many that teaches about how we get caught in the middle and lose our follow through between the altar and the door. I believe we all are guilty of this at some point in our walk with the Lord.

#7: Somewhere in the Middle- This is my absolute favorite song on the album for several reasons. One of which is that this song is easy to sing along with and secondly, because it is such a deep song that carries a great amount of meaning. I really think it should be my "anthem". I admire Mark's clever word play- "Fearless warriors on a picket fence, Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense, deep-water faith in the shallow end, We are caught in the middle with eyes wide open to the differences, The God we want and the God who is..." What Mark illustrates here is how contrary and fickle we as the body of Christ can be. We know right from wrong and we know how to discern truth from fiction, but yet we stay in the middle ground where it is safe and easy instead of standing up for what is right...which reminds me of the great story of the three young men thrown into the fiery furnace.

#8: I Know You're There: This song is great! One of the ladies from Casting Crowns sings this. She does a terrific job and is able to carry her own without any problem. This song is about knowing that God is always there for us.

#9: Prayer for a Friend: This song, which sounds close to a ballad, is about those we are closest to getting caught up in the world and we want nothing more than to bring them back to the Lord.

#10: All Because of Jesus: This is a praise and worship song that I think will one day be sung in churches all over the world.

#11: White Dove: This song is completely different from anything Casting Crowns has ever done. I am not a big fan of it though I have to applaud them for trying something different.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who worships with music. I also recommend it to anyone who is feeling lost in this big world. Casting Crowns does a great job of helping its listener connect (or re-connect) with God.

One more note: This album is GREAT to work out with!!! I do my strength training and cardio workouts with this album. I also like jogging to this album.

Christian soft rock group Casting Crowns has taken the Christian music world by storm thanks to two strong previous releases. And their third project should continue the trend.

The group has captured audiences with challenging lyrics and great music. There's nothing earth shattering with either, but both work together to create some great music.

The disc starts off with the rock anthem "What This World Needs." Think "If We are the Body" but faster. The song reminds us that the world needs Christ more then it needs 100% perfect outward appearances. After all, the heart is what counts.

The title of the album comes from the idea that somewhere between hearing what we should do during church (the altar) and driving away (the door), we loose the certainty and conviction we had. I'll just say been there, done that. That theme is explored in two songs. The first is the title track, which really explains the theme better then I ever could. And it's rather convicting to hear my struggle put into words. The second is the next track, "Somewhere in the Middle." In fact, the phrase "between the altar and the door" shows up in this song, too. The song is a challenge to get out of the luke warm world we too often live in.

As with other Casting Crown's CDs, this one features a couple worship songs. And, once again, they don't grab me. There's nothing wrong with "I Know You're There" and "All Because of Jesus," but they aren't as special as some of their other tracks.

My two favorite songs are back to back. "Slow Fade" is a challenge to all men to not fall away from the faith. It really drives home the importance of constantly standing guard because no one crumbles in a day. It's a slower song with a haunting sound. And it ends with lead singer Mark Hall's daughter singing "Because Little Eyes." It's enough to give me chills.

Appropriately enough, the next song is "East to West." As you might guess, this song talks about forgiveness. It explores the difficulty we have in accepting God's forgiveness and the weight of shame we try to live under. As with so many of their songs, the lyrics are powerful.

Musically, there are few surprises here for the long time fan. But that's just fine because their music is wonderful.

I'm surprised I haven't worn out Casting Crown's first two releases I've listened to them so often. This one will certainly suffer the same fate.

Casting Crowns should write a book titled, "This is how you write music that blesses people." I have never heard a song by these guys I didn't like. I studied music for three years on the college level, and I find I am more critical than most when it comes to giving 5 stars. This CD really deserves 4 and three quarter stars. What I appreciate about this band is that they continually write excellent hooks, beautiful melodies, and outstanding lyrics. Their music catches your attention, and motivates your heart. They are accomplishing exactly what they have set out to do, to bring people closer to God. Excellent CD, you can't go wrong here.

If you enjoyed songs like 'What if His people prayed?', and 'We are the body.' Than you will love 'What this World Needs.' Once again Casting Crowns releases a well timed, well produced, well sung cd. With their soft core rock style (that gets me everytime) its no wonder they sell out everywhere they go. I loved this cd. Instead of being another worship band (which is not a bad thing) Casting crowns continues to challenge 'everyday Christians' to take further steps in reaching their families, friends, and God. And to do so we need to take that first step of looking at ourselves in the mirror.

I liked their first two albums much better but this one is still worth buying. I think they had too much large chorus work and little kids singing at odd times but I love CC so I would still buy it again having heard it.

If I had it to do over again I might pick up a different CD from this one. With that said it is a good CD, once again hitting on Christian principles of living out your faith in a genuine way. I was a little disappointed though, it seemed to me that they rehashed some of the themes from their old albulmns, and the songs sound a little stale. Nothing really struck me with "wow". I know they do what they do with much personal conviction, I guess I had a hard time seeing that this time around.

Listening to this album is a significantly different experience than listening to the previous two albums from Casting Crowns. In the first album, it felt like we were being taught about who God is, and who we are in the church. The second album was virtually transcendent, as if the songs were raising us up and away from our normal lives with every song. In this album, to me it feels like the band is among us rather than elevated teachers, and they are going through the cycles of discipleship with us. It is a different experience for sure, as we see flaws healed through the word, and our own spirits gently nudged toward being better.

Message-wise, this album is just as fantastic as ever. Reading the biblical verses attached to the lyric sheets is a great opportunity for spiritual growth, and can help grasp hold of the lessons that the songs are teaching. If anything, this album is a guide to discipleship. It teaches very well how to be a living example of the power of faith. The messages in this album are significantly more coherent than in the first two albums. Many of the songs focus on letting yourself live by faith, and being careful not to let the teachings of the altar leave you by the time you reach the door.

Musically, this album is caught somewhere in the middle of Casting Crowns and Lifesong. In the first album, lightning struck 6 times, and then the back half of the album was essentially dead. In Lifesong, lightning struck 11 straight times. And even though the best tracks were not quite at the same level as on the first album, I have never heard a stronger second half of an album from any group of any genre. Every single song was inspired, taught a meaningful lesson, pulled your mind into a higher level of reality, and had music that stuck with you. Here, what we have is something halfway in-between. The title tracks are excellent, yet not quite as good as their previous smash hits in my opinion, and the back half of the album is still very good, but not quite as good as Lifesong's. Yet they are still meaningful and fun to listen to, unlike the bleakness of the original's balk half. So, here are my thoughts on each song, to further express my points:

EDITS: now that I've had this album for a while, and had time to really live with the music, the ratings and words are updated. A few of the songs have grown on me, and others haven't.

1. What this World Needs - 8.5/10
The message of this song is very good: to keep from strapping our own views on to the Gospels. It expresses the biggest problem with the church nowadays. People are so intimidated by the preaching of false teachers that they reject the church altogether. The melody is fairly good, but this song is all about the message, and it's a good one. The words really stick in your mind, and remind you that discipleship isn't about you, it's about Jesus.

2. Every Man - 10/10
"Every Man" gets the award for best melody on this CD. After the first listening, this was the first song that I went back to. It begins simple, with a cry from the world, then gets more intense as it proclaims "Is there hope for every man?" and finally ends with a touching, almost a-capella moment stating that there is hope... in Jesus. The message isn't the focus here, but the musical parts are fantastic. It's tied for my favorite track with "Slow Fade" and "East to West".

3. Slow Fade - 10/10
This song's words are sensational; reminding us that we do not crumble in a day... it is by a series of gradual compromises that we fade from living with God's purpose for us into the grey territory of worldly distraction. It is a message to constantly be vigilant, examining, staying alert to where we are and where we need to be. The melody isn't as good as the previous song, but by the sheer power of the lyrics, it really grows on you fast. Fantastic stuff here.

4. East to West - 10+/10
This song is the pinnacle of the album. The message is quite interesting. Although you have been born again, and are without sin in the eyes of God, guilt can overtake you and make you feel unworthy and on the brink of losing salvation. The great message to take refuge in the arms of mercy drives it to be a great song. The sound is a lot like "Stained Glass Masquerade" and "Does Anybody Hear Her", evoking a subtlety toward the shameful side, feeling as if other Christians are so far above you, and you feel as though you will fall. This song is fantastic at capturing a feeling and then giving an answer as to how to overcome that feeling. The melody combines with the words in a way that only Casting Crowns can do it that makes you feel engulfed by God's mercy. It is amazing.

5. The Word is Alive - 8/10
Another message to the discipleship community, this song reminds us that the Word of God is forever, though the world and its glories will fade. The attached verses remind us that the Word is a gift, and that it reveals the truths and eternities of the world to us. Good message, and I especially liked the great verses on the pamphlet to meditate on. The melody is okay, but it lacks the punch of the first 4 songs.

6. The Altar and the Door - 8/10
This song is somewhat confusing to classify. I like the melody a lot. It is different than what we expect from Crowns, with a really bouncy sound to it, contributed by the rhythmic guitar background. The words are kind of confusing, though. It seems like an elaboration on the feeling of unworthiness and desperation for remaining Godly. Especially in the middle, it plays almost like a prayer of desperation. The feeling is common, and anyone who's tried to sacrifice their will to God can probably attest. The lyrics don't have the impact of Slow Fade, which shares a similar message, but it's still a fun song.

7. Somewhere in the Middle - 8.5/10
This is third song on the album encouraging us to spiritually renew ourselves so that we don't slip into the grey middle ground between God's light and the world. Much like the previous song, it plays like a prayer and a meditation. This one does have a lesson, though: trade your dreams for God's. You may not be strong enough, but He is. I'm also a big fan of the melody of this song. It's not as bouncy as the last one, but the stretch of "Fearless warriors in a picket fence...." will stick in your head. Good stuff. Great to just sit and enjoy listening to.

8. I Know You're There - 9/10
This is one of Casting Crowns' best songs of worship. It really captures the heart of worship, and the act of being a living sacrifice to the will of God. It's not exceptional, but the lyrics recapture the power of the back half of Lifesong, which is great for a song that is not one of the songs intended to be a hit single. It makes you want to raise your hands and proclaim that God is with us. Great song!

9. Prayer for a Friend - 7.5/10
This song was intended for discipleship, much in the way that "Here I Go Again" was on the first album. As a whole, though, this was one of my least favorite songs on the album. I liked the use of acoustic guitar, and it was kind of touching, but it had little sticking power. You'll enjoy listening to it whenever it comes on, but it's obviously not one of CC's better songs.

10. All Because of Jesus - 7.5/10
This song is a bit basic for my tastes. Yes, it is a proclamation, yes, it is supposed to be that way, but so many other songs say the exact same thing so much better, which reduces this song's value. That, and the sound is a bit to similar to "Father, Spirit, Jesus" from Lifesong if you ask me. And that song is a lot better, which makes this song mostly forgettable. Again, though, I don't skip over it because it's still fun to listen to, but it just doesn't stand out enough to score in the 8's.

11. White Dove - 9/10 (bonus track, located at 7:20 on "All Beacuse of Jesus")
And here we have one of the most beautiful songs Casting Crowns has written. This song has zero message, as the words kind of sounds like a foreign language at points, and the words which are determinable are about a white dove flying free, and hope in general, but the melody is so soft, so haunting, so beautiful, it goes straight to the heart. This song is like nothing Casting Crowns has ever done, utilizing violin, acoustic guitars, and a soft duet. But it worked. It is a beautiful piece of music.

AVERAGE SCORE: 8.7 / 10
ALBUM SCORE: 4.5/5

As my title suggests, Casting Crowns wants the people to get up and do, rather than sit back and watch, as the title to this CD subtly suggests. Once you get into this disk, you'll get what I mean. The major message that I'm taking from this one that we still have to be Christians outside of the building that some call a "church". If you look the word up, a church is actually a group of people acting together or gathering together to serve Christ. Serving Christ doesn't mean just sitting together on a Sunday morning in a building together and listening to the pastor and singing and reading the Gospel. Sure, all of these things are great, but the way to really connect with your true Christian calling is by serving the Lord through outreach and participating in our communities the way his Son did. These truths are evident in the tracks "The Altar and the Door", "What this World Needs", and "Somewhere in the Middle". Another theme that I found on this disk is forgiveness. This is found in my second favorite track "East to West". I think this one is about a guy that is ashamed of something that he's done in the past, and if he can't receive forgiveness, he'll do it again. However, the message here is that through God, you can find anything you need, and that HE is merciful and full of forgiveness. Very powerful stuff. My favorite track though would have to be "The Word is Alive". The message to this one is self evident. All in all, Casting Crowns hasn't made a bad CD yet, and I don't expect them to really. Please buy this CD and listen to it closely. Its messages may change you, or at least encourage you. Peace and Love.

Great album: a message in every song. Good follow up to Lifesong. Kept with upfront/tell it like it is messages, a little softer on music/melodies on most of the tracks; as compared to their previous albums. If you liked their previous albums; you will appreciate this one just as much, if not more so.

Again, a great one from this group. If you've known any songs from Casting Crowns you cannot miss out on this CD. Don't just download the songs you hear on the radio. Every song on this CD is a testament to the life we live in Christ.