Theresa L. from BRISTOL, CT Reviewed on 8/24/2010...
Great CD!
Gina J. (HappyFeet) from MARION, MI Reviewed on 12/23/2008...
The title song is magical. All the songs ring true. They make me cry with joy, and with pain. I love the harmonies, also.
VALERIE P. (that-girl) from ATLANTA, GA Reviewed on 11/23/2007...
Top-ranked Christian band from Atlanta, GA.
CD Reviews
Strong Sophomore Release
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 09/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Casting Crowns took the Christian music world by storm with their 2003 debut. Finally they are following up with this second CD. I'm happy to say I like it just as much as the first one.
Once again they share the focus among challenging the body of Christ, encouragement, and worship. The title track is a prayer of dedication really, asking that everything we do may be an act of worship to God. This is reinforced well with the final track which gives the reasons that our "Lifesong" should be singing to God.
"Praise You in this Storm" hit my right off the bat. I like the reminder of the verses that God is with us in the storms of life. I just wish my attitude was more like the chorus of praising Him no matter what.
"Does Anybody Hear Her" is another challenge to get out of our comfort zone, look past our prejudices, and help those around us in need.
"Stained Glass Masquerade" tackles the shallowness of many of us who act like we are perfect people when around Christians. It's a trait I recognize too well in my own life and think I need to really take to heart the challenge presented here.
"Love Them like Jesus" is described as a sequel to "Here I Go Again" from their first CD. It reminds us that our job when comforting others is to point them to Jesus, the only person who can truly help.
"Set Me Free" uses a driving beat to retell the story of a demon possessed man Jesus healed.
"While You Were Sleeping" is the only misstep on the album to me. While I agree with the idea that America is far from God with our policies, I think the comparison between Bethlehem and Jerusalem of Jesus' day goes too far.
"Father, Spirit, Jesus" is a wonderful praise chorus.
"In Me" takes the fear of failure and puts it on Jesus since He's the only way we'll do what He tells us to. Once again, the lyrics are great at reminding me how weak I am on my own but that I have straight in Him.
Finally, "Prodigal" is a great ballad of repentance inspired by the famous parable. Is there no limit to the great songs that can come from that story?
One of the things I liked about the first CD was the great lyrics, and they are still front and center here. It's taken a few extra listens to fully appreciate this CD, but I know I'll be listening to it for a long time to come."
Another Classic!
David R. Bess | Charleston, WV | 08/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's tough for a band like Casting Crowns to follow an initial CD that has become a classic with an equal or better offering. This title however, does that very thing! The lyrics are powerful and Biblical, and the music is top-notch. Each track addresses the church in a prophetic manner, reminiscent of the music of the late Keith Green.
The track "Stained Glass Masquerade" is especially appropriate, challenging church members to pull down spiritual facades and to embrace one another's humanity.
I'm thoroughly impressed -- Lifesong is definitely a must-have for any contemporary Christian music lover!"
In Keith Green's footsteps
Torben | Georgia, USA | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a time and day where most Christian music focus on self-centered songs and "I love you, and I want to dance for you"-kind-of-worship, it's incredibly refreshing that there is a band like Casting Crowns.
Where most Christian artists take the easy way out and send out yet another worship-album with the same 10-15 songs that everybody else has recorded already, or choose to just sing happy songs about random things, Casting Crowns take the road less traveled.
We desperately need more bands/singers like Casting Crowns who first and foremost are characterized by a true honesty about their faith (including weaknesses!!) and a deep hunger for more of the true God. They go in the footsteps of the one and only Keith Green who challenged and keeps challenging people all over the world with his no-compromise-songs and his wake-up-calls to the church.
Casting Crowns urge all of God's children to stand up from our sleep, to truly get to know the real God (and not the prosperity-"gospel"-god!), and to go out in the world of unbelievers and make a radical difference as God's hands and feet and "love them like Jesus"
Excellent album! Can't wait for #3:-)
Torben - "I will praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, because You are who You are no matter where I am""
WOW
Josh Wax | Denham Springs, La | 09/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"pretty much all i can truly say about this album is "wow". i liked the first cd a lot...but it doesn't compare to this one. songs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 all give me chills. #7 is by far my favorite song.
this cd is definitely going to be in my cd player for a while, and i'll definitely be sharing it with anyone who will listen...if you're able to get it, i would definitely suggest you do that."