The Altar and The Door CD

After rising from the thriving Atlanta music scene to become one of CCM's top bands, Casting Crowns follows up their string of Platinum selling albums with The Altar and The Door. Perfectly encapsulating their seamless blend of adult contemporary and worship styles, the group's hotly anticipated third studio album includes the radio hit "East to West" plus nine more fresh original compositions.

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When you’ve sold millions of records and delivered great singles such as “Who Am I,” “Voice of Truth” and “Praise You in This Storm,” the arrival of a new album carries a high level of expectation. The good news is Casting Crowns once again meets and exceeds those high expectations with this compelling new release. Lead vocalist/principal songwriter Mark Hall and his group have made a point to stay grounded in their home church, not letting their music industry success interfere with the foundation of their music ministry; and the wisdom in that decision can be heard in these powerful songs.

As a songwriter, Hall has the ability to create stirring anthems, easily embraced by the masses, and he also has a gift for penning achingly vulnerable, introspective songs that often make individuals feel he’s been reading their journals. “Slow Fade,” for instance, is a cautionary tale urging believers to make the right choices. The potent hook line states, “People never crumble in a day, it’s a slow fade.”

The track “The Word is Alive” is a celebration of the power of God’s Word and its impact. “What This World Needs” is a hard-driving number with more of a rock edge than Crowns’ usual radio fare that boasts an in-your-face lyric about the current state of our society. “Prayer For a Friend” is a sweet, simple song of intercession with a pretty melody and heartfelt vocal performance by Hall. The title track is the type of radio-friendly yet lyrically substantive song that has propelled Casting Crowns’ career thus far.

With this new set, Hall and his companions again deliver songs that are musically engaging and lyrically insightful. The band has a gift for being entertaining, challenging, thought-provoking and encouraging all within the course of one finely crafted album. Few acts more eloquently capture the complexities of being a Christian in today’s tumultuous world, but these fine folks continue to help light the path for the rest of us.

DEBORAH EVANS PRICE- CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

8 of 90 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Pamela White (Terre Haute, IN), June 09, 2009

I'd been hearing East and West on WBGL for weeks and was really drawn to it, so decided I wanted the album it was on. I'm as impressed by the other music on the album as I was with the song for which I bought the CD in the first place.

Reviewed by Todd Brown (Sigel, PA), May 03, 2009

I love every song on this cd. I can't remember ever being able to say that about any other cd I’ve ever purchased.

Reviewed by Kim Leffingwell (Chester, CT), February 20, 2009

Great music! Casting Crowns has really got it right. Nice mix of sounds too. My boys like it and so do I.

Reviewed by Lynn Austin (Palm City, FL), January 28, 2009

First time listening to this band...loved it! Will be seeking out other CD's to listen to.

Reviewed by Chelsea Barnes (Scarborough, On,), January 17, 2009

This Casting Crowns CD is amazing, and very inspirational. They always have good music to ministy to the soul.

Reviewed by Brianne Dirks (Dalton Gardens, ID), January 07, 2009

Best CD we own. Best ever by Casting Crowns. There are some amazing songs on this one.

Reviewed by Wendy Clune (Buderim, Qld 4556,), January 05, 2009

The Altar and The Door is a fantastic album, packed with great music and poignant lyrics, especially the award winning "East to West" and my personal favourite, "I Know You're There". Casting Crowns continue to challenge our common complacency as 20th Century Christians with songs like the title track, and many others. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Leta Jones (Clinton, MS), January 02, 2009

i love anything that casting crown does. they are very in tuned to GOD and spiritual. make me forget all my problems.

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Author: Cyndi
Submitted: October 31, 2007

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