Casting Crowns - Self-Titled

In short: A landmark album

There's a reason why these guys, on their very first album, were the fastest selling album of 2003. If you've heard it, you don't need any explanation. Quite simply, it's incredible. Every song is well written, and the lyrics are grounded in evangelism and praise.

It's no wonder. Hearing these guys in concert just a week after the album released, I heard Mark Hall tell the stories behind the songs. Wouldn't you know it... the songs were, almost without exception, all written specifically for a youth group. They were written as a musical challenge and as a way to bring kids to worship. What happened? The rest of us ended up getting challenged and brought in as well.

"What if His People Prayed?" What a question to ask. It's a beacon for Christians to follow, as Mark sings, "What if the armies of the Lord raise up and dusted off their swords?" Christianity is not just something to sing about for these guys, it's a higher standard of living that they remind us we are not to approach timidly. "Here I Go Again" is clearly a song for people who feel God calling them to reach out to others, but lack the courage to actually do the reaching. “If We Are the Body,” (their first radio hit) reminds us emphatically that we are indeed the body of Christ, we should be reaching out. It’s true that “Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come.”

Fear not, though, these guys are not just about telling us to get off our butts. They know the struggle of fully serving God, and offer encouragement as well. "Voice of Truth" reminds Christians that stepping out of the boat and going after Jesus is never without hardship, but also never without reward. "Who Am I?" gently reminds us that we belong to God by his choice, and that he knows us by name.

Total worship is the order of business too, with Darrell Evans' "Your Love is Extravagant" and "Praise you with the Dance," a spirited worship song of celebration.

All in all, I'd call this album the landmark release of 2003. Since it was also one of (if not THE) bestselling album of the year, I think others would appear to agree. Casting Crowns have, in their desire to deepen their faith and that of students, come up with an offering that covers all the bases. I'm placing this album next to Rich Mullins' "Songs" and Third Day's first "Offerings" CDs as being important for growing your faith.