Until the Whole World Hears
“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.
Until the Whole World Hears - Album Review
Until the whole world hears is a fantastic song to start this rocking album. This powerful song reminds us that we are here on earth to do God”s will and glorify Him through spreading His word. As Matthew 24 verse 14 says: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (KJV)
Lyrically, this is a very sound and powerful song based on lots of well thought out scriptures from the new testament. Musically, this has a signature “Casting Crowns” feel to it as is rock in style, and really makes you want to sing and dance along!
If We've Ever Needed You is a passionate song about repentance. A really great song based on the scripture from Joel 2 12-19:
“12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:” (KJV)
This is a powerful song that is sure to touch a chord with the listener as they journey through this dark world full of temptation and sin.
Always Enough sings about how even in the deepest pain and confusion God is right there to comfort us. When everything is falling apart and you can see no way out, God has to be plan A – He has to be the first one you go to. Musically this is a passionate song and sets the scene perfectly.
As it says in Psalm 145 v3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” (KJV)
Joyful, joyful is an upbeat song that sings of the joy we have in Jesus. As it says in Philippians 4 verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (KJV). One of the most "fun" songs to listen to on the album, and one that makes you want to dance around. Casting Crowns want to remind us through this song that true joy comes through true peace with God.
At your feet sings of the wonderful gift of salvation, and the ability to hand everything over to Jesus, our future our past and our present. What a wonderful sense of freedom this gives us! Another passionate song, sung with such meaning and compassion. 1 John 1 verse 9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (KJV)
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) is based on the hymn “One Day” but is hyped up and given a contemporary rock feel that will appeal to the younger generation. It is great to get deep biblical truths sung in such a contemporary and up-to-date song. Casting Crowns certainly know what they are doing – and they are doing it well!
Holy One is based on Psalm 63 where it says “My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land” and through a wonderfully upbeat rock song Casting Crowns is reminding us to turn to God as He will always be the only one who can truly satisfy.
To Know You is a song full of scripture. Every line of this song is spoken my Paul in a different situation. This song is therefore, packed with meaning and home truths. Although the lyrics are the high point of this song, it is brilliantly sung and you will soon be singing along to the chorus before you realise it!
Mercy simply sings about the wonderful mercy of God. The beautiful voice of Megan makes this song come alive for the listener, and it is again packed with compassion for the children of God. Casting Crowns want their listeners to join them in thanking and praising God for his amazing gift of mercy.
Jesus Hold Me Now is more quiet and melodic then the other songs on this album. It sings of the great compassion Jesus feels for us, and how we long to just be still in his presence. This song is based on the story of the prodigal son, and how God is not waiting for us, He is running after us.
Blessed Redeemer is another great song by Casting Crowns. This song is actually recorded at their home church in Atlanta with the 1,900 strong congregation. A really lovely song to listen to with lyrics that sing of our salvation and the pain Jesus went through to give it to us.
Shadow of your Wings is a secret (not listed), but amazingly fun song! A great end to this passionate album that really should be part of every Christian Music library!
