Music Review: ‘Until the Whole World Hears’ by Casting Crowns

Written by Mike Parker

There is an old adage that insists nothing succeeds like success. If that is true then fans of such mega-hits as “Voice of Truth,” “Praise You In This Storm,” and “East to West” will find a lot to like in Casting Crowns’ latest offering, “Until The Whole World Hears.” Hall and company continue to produce the same radio-friendly, yet lyrically weighty type of songs that propelled them to the upper reaches of the airplay charts 10 times in the past seven years.

Since bursting onto the Christian music scene in 2003 on the upstart Beach Street Records label, Casting Crowns has done nothing but dominate radio airwaves, concert halls and awards shows. Multiple Dove, Grammy and American Music Awards now grace the band’s trophy case, but if the lyrics of their songs are any indication these awards, while appreciated, have next to nothing to do with the driving force behind their music. Lead singer and primary songwriter Mark Hall continues to use his platform as frontman for one of the most popular bands in Christian music to deliver a message that challenges the church to live up to its high calling of being the hands and feet of Christ, while offering hope and comfort to a lost and dying world.

Opening with the title cut and their current radio hit, Hall encourages believers to “ready yourselves” to shine the light in the darkness. This pulsing, rock number segues effortlessly into a meandering piano prayer-ballad, “If We’ve Ever Needed You,” that confesses our utter dependence on God. The thoughtful, meandering melody continues through the confessional, “Always Enough,” but gives way briefly to an up-tempo pop treatment of the beloved hymn, “Joyful, Joyful,” before returning to the evocative prayer of adoration, “At Your Feet.”

Casting Crowns does know how to rock ‘n’ roll and occasional flourishes on this project remind the listener of that fact. “Holy One” embraces some crunchy guitars and insistent bass lines and “Shadow of Your Wings” sounds like it could have been cut by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. But it is the poignant, heart-tugging ballads that Casting Crowns is known for, and “Until the Whole World Hears” embraces them. “To Know you,” “Mercy,” and “Jesus, Hold Me Now” are all satisfying additions to the Casting Crowns playlist.

“Until the Whole World Hears” doesn’t break a lot of new ground for the band, but then I’m not sure it needs to. Casting Crowns is doing just fine by doing what they do best – singing songs that appeal to fans both inside and outside of the sanctuary.

Mike Parker covers entertainment for LifeWay.com from his home in Middle Tennessee. Visit him online at www.wordcrafts.net.

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