Casting Crowns - Until The Whole World Hears (12 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

A Real Let Down for This Fan

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 11/20/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Like so many others, I discovered Casting Crowns with their debut CD. Their mix of worship, challenge, and encouragement have made all three of their previous releases some of my favorites in recent years.

Their latest disc focuses almost exclusively on worship music. Frankly, I've always felt that was their weakest element. This disc doesn't do much to change my mind.

It's not that the lyrics and the ideas are bad. They just aren't nearly as solid as they are when they are calling out the church or encouraging us. There is no "What If His People Prayed" or even "East to West" here.

Not that the songs here are bad. "Until the Whole World Hears" is a call to keep preaching the gospel. "To Know You" reminds us of all we can have in Christ. "Holy One" is a fast praise song based partially around Psalm 63. And as a bonus 12th track, we get "Shadow of Your Wings," which is an early incarnation of that song. Frankly, I like both versions. And they have a new arrangement of the classic "Joyful, Joyful" that I really enjoy.

But my favorite song on the disc is "Jesus, Hold Me Now." What's interesting is the verses are from their song "The Prodigal" from their second disc. They've given it an all new chorus and melody. If you didn't know, you'd say they wrote this song from scratch.

The other problem this disc has is the music. Too many of the songs use the same tempo and instruments. It lets them blend together instead of standing out so I can really connect with them.

After listening to it constantly for two days, I can say I like it. I just don't love it like I have their previous releases. Hopefully, this is an anomaly and not a sign of things to come from this great group."

~yet another amazing faith filled album~

Joey Sciarra | Connecticut | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Casting Crowns never seem to disappoint when it comes to making faith filled, amazing songs, that stick with you throughout the day. This album starts off with the upbeat, challenging title track, "Until The Whole World Hears" -- and the album ends with a bang, thanks to "Shadow Of Your Wings". In the middle are 10 single worthy songs - from slow ballads to rocking upbeat anthems - but each song holds a distinct Biblical message.

"If We've Ever Needed You" is one highlight on the CD, and it's a song that Mark Hall says God called on him to write at 3 AM one night. "Always Enough" is a very touching song that speaks about how all we need is Jesus - His love is really all we need, and is always enough. Both of these definitely have the potential to be huge future singles.

The best part of the CD may be found in two of the more acoustic songs - "At Your Feet (I Lay My Life Down)" and "Mercy". Lyrics that speak directly to your heart, and acoustics that will give you chills. Overall, this is another awesome album...if you're a fan of Casting Crowns, I highly recommend adding this to your collection!"

Fabulous God-honoring music

kbnh99 | Hampton Roads, VA | 11/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people will likely buy this CD for the title track which delivers a very compelling message to spread the Gospel of Christ. This song is all over KLOVE and you can probably sing it all by heart before you even own the CD. That is all good stuff, but what I really love about this CD are the songs that come after the popular title track. These are the songs that bring me back to this CD over and over again on a single trip in the car and then have me playing it on my stereo when I get home.

"Mercy", "Blessed Redeemer" and "Glorious Day" are more worshipful and less "rocky" than we are accustomed to from Crowns, but perhaps that is part of what makes them so powerful. The 30- and 40-something crowd will recognize "Glorious Day" as a remake (by Mark Hall) of the old hymnal standard "One Day." I always loved the hymn, but man! I love this remake even more! It screams of Christ's sacrifice for and promise to us. "Mercy" and "Blessed Redeemer" each feature Crowns' female background vocalists as the lead. Both women have beautiful, unforgettable voices which only enhance the messages of their respective songs. When is the last time your really thought about God's mercy for you? "Mercy" will make you think all day long and praise God for it. It is worshipful and prayerful. "Blessed Redeemer" reminds us of Christ's painful sacrifice to save us. We don't like to think about it, but sometimes we need to.

Bottom line: Definitely worth your investment, not for the outstanding title track but for the worshipful, God-honoring music that follows it."

Not as satisfying as previous effort?

eganov | WI USA | 11/18/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There's no question Casting Crowns and their music are faithful and Christ centered and that their music reflects that. As songwriters, volcalists and musicians they are at the top of the contemporary Christian music genre. So why did I describe this as not quite as satisfying as previous efforts?

Well, every group has some signature or hallmark that people identify with. Chris Tomlin - worship leader; Toby Mac - hip hop; Matthew West - real life;, etc. To me, Casting Crowns sung bodly in both word and music. Unvarnished truth with a beat. Upon hearing "storm hells rusty gate", "stop asking Oprah what to do", "ear pleasing candy man...a prophet in an Armani suit", "what if his people prayed" you want to jump out of your seat and yell "YES!" - finally, someone willing to boldly proclaim the Gospel (in word and music) regardless of the convential wisdom.

This album takes a step back from that. The music is lower key and the lyrics are more subdued - in a worshipful way. That is not to say it isn't as good, it's just different in a way that might disappoint those who liked the "get after it" attitude of The Altar and the Door."

Disappointment

Brent Woo | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 01/24/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"They've made an egregious error with this album. SIX of the songs have the exact same (or a very similar) intro bars! Listen to the first couple seconds of: "Always Enough" "At Your Feet" "Glorious Day" "Jesus, Hold Me Now" "Mercy" "To Know You". They all share the same unimaginative, pulsing keyboard background.

Casting Crowns produces some of my favorite worship songs, including "Who am I" and "East to West". But this album is a disappointment, not only intrinsically, but also as a reflection on the band as a whole. I realize now that "Who am I" and "East to West" ALSO have a similar intro. I feel no inspiration in any of the songs in this album and just like the cover, the music is colorless."

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