Until The Whole World Hears

All I had hoped for and more...
I spend a lot of time in my car and have been waiting, not very patiently, for this release. Casting Crowns can bring me into the presence of the Lord like no other group. The lyrics speak with such reverence. Their music is just my style. I am so blessed by this CD. It will be worn out no doubt. I might as well order a back up now.

A Real Let Down for This Fan
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.

Fabulous God-honoring music
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.

good, but not great
Let me start by saying I loved Casting Crowns' previous CDs. But, this one lacks some oomph. It doesn't have the same energy of the others. The title song "Until the Whole World Hears" is the best & there are a few other good ones too. But, most of the songs are slow-paced & don't have the same feel/sound that their albums have. I've only listened to it once through, so maybe my opinion will change more in favor of it. The lyrics are good, more of a praise album than the others.

Not as satisfying as previous effort?
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.