The CD opens with two very challenging songs to the church at large. "What if His People Prayed" is a challenge about the forgotten power of prayer. I expect to here it as the theme for the National Day of Prayer in the future. "If We Are the Body" challenges us to reach out to those in need. Both are needed in my life, and are presented with catchy melodies that help you think about them even when you aren't listening to this CD.

The next two tracks are an encouragement to Christians. "Voice of Truth" is a prayer for more faith and a commitment to listen to God, who gives it. "Who Am I" is the kind of song I love, an expression of wonder and gratitude that "the Lord of all creation would care to know my name."

"American Dream" reminds us to slow down and not get caught up in the world around us. And "Here I Go Again" is a prayer for the courage to share our faith with others.

The last four songs are praise choruses. While they are good, they don't hold up to the song writing of the first six songs, which alone are enough to make the price of the CD worth while.

With catchy melodies and thought provoking lyrics, this CD should do well at radio and win the group many new fans. I'm enjoying this release immensely and look forward to whatever they may come up with next.


Quickly Became Favorite CD in My Collection!   September 18, 2004
 68 out of 71 found this review helpful

Out of the hundred-fifty-or-so CDs that I own, Casting Crowns climbed quickly to the top position and has stayed there for the last three months...there are no signs of it being replaced. Musically, the tracks are all varied enough, technical enough, and catchy enough to allow you to listen to the cd straight through multiple times in a row without feeling overwhelmed. There is not a single track on the CD that I do not like.

But lyrically is where Casting Crowns shines! The lyrics are as challenging and convicting as those of one of the visionaries in Christian Music: Keith Green. And, despite the focus of the majority of the songs on our personal walk (maybe I should say "because of the God focussed application to our personal lives..."), the tracks lift my heart up in praise in a way comparable to the best praise and worship disc. I do not give away reviews like this for nothing, but Casting Crowns earns it. Overall this is an extremely biblically solid, convicting, faith-enhancing, and actually even life-changing (I have "If We are the Body," "Who Am I," "Voice of Truth," "Here I Go Again," and "American Dream" in mind when I say "life-changing").


The music is great! The message powerful.   December 16, 2003
 30 out of 31 found this review helpful

I first heard this CD when my son brought it home from a Casting Crowns concert. I borrowed it and never gave it back. I put it in my car CD player, and it stayed there for over a month. I never got tired of it. The message is in your face, and the music ranges from somber and reflective to joyous. The female back up singers add a great compliment to Mark Halls lead vocals. The song "Praise you with the dance" has an awesome almost celtic violin solo that just lifts you up. The whole CD is fantastic and after seeing them live in concert, my wife and I bought 3 more copies to share with our friend and family for Christmas.

Mark Hall is the youth pastor at his church and still holds that position. For him and the band, its all about sharing the messege of faith. The band is actually the Youth praise band at his church. Music runs in Marks family. His father is our music minister at our Church and Mark even took time to sing in our choir at our Christmas concert at Church. He practices what he preaches. It doesn't get any more real. The power of the music can be awesome. When I saw them live I was so moved I had tears in my eyes. Thank You Casting Crowns.

Every song is a winner, you can't go wrong with this CD.


Casting Praise for Casting Crowns   January 1, 2004
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

I expected this to be a good CD, but it certainly surpassed my expectations in a huge way. So much food for hungry souls in this praiseworthy effort by Casting Crowns.
I would have bought this CD just for the opportunity to listen to the popular "If We Are The Body". With lyrics that should make us squirm in our comfortable Christian lives, Casting Crowns challenges us to step up to the plate and be the example that He expects us to be. The talent of these musicians is surpassed only by their devotion to the ministry of spreading His Word. Every track has you tapping your feet, singing in the car at the top of your voice, or swallowing a lump in your throat. This is a great CD to share with the unchurched who are searching and looking for answers in this frantic world.


Casting Crowns: A Melody of Faith   June 22, 2005
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Lately I have purchased many contemporary Christian bands and having a belief in God and his son and yet not adhering to a religion I have felt my inner faith in God and his workings strengthen through listening to these bands. 'Casting Crowns' is no different and has added to my increase in faith through worshipful music that is entertaining and brilliant. This group is made up of a number of individuals from different churches but an underlining faith in God and their faith in his workings. The songs on this album are breathtaking and glorious and many listeners will become fans of this group. The vocals are sung with a beautiful temperment and a emotional level that shows the faith in the lyrics and words sung. All 10 songs on this album are simply brilliant and radiant with faith in God and his powers. 'If We Are The Body' and 'Who Am I' are masterpieces of this album and their messages to the listeners is a example that Christian faith is alive and strong. This is soft rock with a slight twist of pop mixed in. The CD is a melody of faith, a faith in God and in each other has human beings.