Casting Crowns released their first Christmas album in 2008, and although the title “peace on earth“ may seem an impossible dream during the times we face, Jesus says: “They will know that you love Me by the way you love each other.“ Mark Hall wants us to remember that there is always hope as long as the people of God are here on the Earth.
The album opens with an upbeat rendition of “Joy to the world”. Casting Crowns keep their signature rock feel throughout this Christian music song, and this makes for fantastic listening – great for any Christmas party!
The listeners are now treated to a classic in “O come all ye faithful”, which is given a Casting Crowns makeover with fantastic vocals and music. A really well put together song which is an asset on the album. The passion that Casting Crowns feels for Jesus Christ shines through in this album which is so refreshing to hear amongst Christmas albums.
The serene melodic “Silent Night” is next on the album which is beautifully sung. Such a well-known song that is a real gem, and a great song to play in the background of a Christmas service!
“While you were sleeping” was taken from their second album “Lifesong”, and adapted for “Peace on Earth”, this is a great choice of song to put onto this album. Although this song could definitely be classed as a Christmas song, it has a very important message in it which reminds us to be on the lookout for Jesus' return and be ready for Him. What a great idea to put such an important message into a Christmas album that could be heard by so many of the general public!
“God is with us” is a lullaby like song, very gently sung with melodic music. The lyrics are beautiful, especially the line 'that peace on earth is not so out of reach', which is the heart of this Christian music album.
The song “Christmas offering” is a nice enough song for this album, but does not stand out as overly impressive or special. It has great vocals, as expected by Casting Crowns, and although is lyrically a Christmas song, could easily find its way on to a contemporary Christian album.
The lyrics in the song “I heard the bells on Christmas day” are simply amazing. The essence of the entire album is sung in this Christian music song, about “how on earth could there be peace in this world”? Listen to this song, and let your heart be uplifted as you realise that there is indeed hope in a dark and dismal world. This Christmas song deserves a place on all good Christmas albums!
“O come, o come, Emmanuel” is a beautiful, calming instrumental song. Perfect as background music on a busy Christmas day to calm down the kids!
“Sweet little Jesus boy” is a quiet little song that sings of our eyes being blind to the glory of Jesus. Again, although this song has been classed as “christmas” it could easily be classed as “contemporary”. It is great to have such strong messages on a Christmas album, as hopefully non-Christians as well as Christians will be listening to this album.
This album finishes with another classic in “away in a manger”. It was a great idea to finish off with a well-known song as there are quite a few unknown songs on this album. Casting Crowns have kept the lyrics the same as the original but have changed the tune and melody – which really brightens up the song. All in all a really fabulous Christmas album, that will please not just Casting Crowns fans, but many people on the look out for a new and fresh Christmas album to add to their collection.