Live from Atlanta
“Live from Atlanta” is Casting Crowns first live album, and was recorded in 2003 and released in 2004. It contains a CD with five of their more popular and excitable songs from their debut album “Casting Crowns”, and one previously unreleased. The DVD contains the live performances of the songs and also has many extras including interviews and Mark Halls’ personal testimony. This CD/DVD collection was recorded in Casting Crowns home based church and catches the excitement of both the band and the congregation as they celebrate the successful release of their debut album.
Lifesong - Album Review
The atmospheric and clearly loved “If we are the body” is an obvious favourite with the congregation. This popular and compelling Christian music song begins the live CD extremely well, and the singing along of the congregation adds excitement to this astounding song.
The cheering at the beginning of “Who am I” depicts another much-loved song. This Christian music song is not as upbeat or has as much atmosphere as the previous song but these beautiful lyrics require intense listening, and that is exactly what the crowd appear to be doing. The uplifting prayer by Mark Hall that ends this song is an excellent finish and the congregation clearly loved it.
The live version of “Voice of truth” is rather disappointing. The drum beat and guitar has been taken away leaving a weak sounding piano with Mark Hall singing. As the music was the highlight from the “Casting Crowns” track, this song is ineffective and not as enjoyable to listen to.
Casting Crowns live version of “Here I go again” contains great lyrics and Christian music that can only be described as average. Aside from the applause at the end, this track is the same as the one on their debut album, and so there is only a little atmosphere displayed. The lyrics, however, are inspirational and require listening to.
“American Dream” is an obvious favourite with the congregation and has powerful lyrics and an energetic beat. These lyrics contain a message that desperately requires intense listening to, and Casting Crowns clearly impresses the crowd as this song ends with twenty seconds of applause.
The bonus track “Beautiful Savior”, is a well known Christian music song and sung with obvious enjoyment. Casting Crowns makes this song their own which make it more interesting to listen to. It may seem to drag a little, but finishes off the live CD excellently.
Live from Atlanta DVD Review
The live performance of the five songs listed above tells us a lot. Although the Christian music may be great, the congregation might not have thought so, and this becomes apparent through this footage. Mark Hall always looks as though he is enjoying himself immensely, but the congregation often looked lethargic. It may help to watch “Heart of music” before watching the live performances as all the songs are explained by Mark Hall and how he came about writing them. This will make the songs more enjoyable as they will have a deeper meaning.
In “If we are the body” it looks as though Mark Hall enjoys the song more than anyone else, and he is very expressive. This contrasts with the somewhat inexpressive congregation, although there are a definite few who seem to enjoy it.
The cheering at the beginning of “Who am I” portrays that this is a much loved song. Mark Hall liked to perform this song, and this is apparent through his facial expressions. It is such a shame that the congregation didn’t seem to like it as much.
“Voice of truth” was done as a solo by Mark Hall, who was on the piano. It is no where near as excitable as the previous two songs, and so is rather dull to watch. However after watching the testimony of Mark Hall (which the “voice of truth” is based on), this song has so much more meaning, and to watch Mark Hall on his own singing about issues very close to his heart is both emotive and effective.
Mark Hall sings with emotion and expression in the song “Here I go again”, and his love to minister shines through. Although the congregation look lethargic again, they may just be listening intently to the compelling lyrics.
“American Dream” is a powerful song with an important message that needs to be portrayed. The audience are much more expressive and excited in this song, and so depicting that this song is very much loved. All of Casting Crowns performed this song with obvious enjoyment.
The “American Dream” video reflects the lyrics perfectly. It is a very emotional video, showing how the man puts work before his family, and how this “American Dream” ultimately crashes. The only criticism would be the many shots of Mark Hall which can become annoying after a while.
The explanations of the songs are all in the “Heart of music” which consists of interviews with Mark Hall. The testimony of Mark Hall is both interesting and emotional and is definitely worth watching. All the songs will be much more meaningful after this footage is watched. It may have been more effective if other members of Casting Crowns had put forth their own ideas regarding the songs as it may seem as though Mark Hall has all the ideas.
Finally we get to meet the rest of Casting Crowns in “Meet Casting Crowns”, and it is so refreshing to listen to the other members of the band and not just to Mark Hall. They talk about how the band got together and what the name “Casting Crowns” means. The importance of the congregation and of course the importance of God is also talked about here. This is an honest and laid back look into the life of “Casting Crowns”.
“Jumpstart ministry” contains interviews from the youth who Mark Hall ministers to. They talk about their favourite songs and some of the things that have been taught to them. Mark Hall is also advertising “Jumpstart ministry” which is a weekend designed for empowering people to jumpstart their ministry journey.
