The Altar and the Door

When you've become one of contemporary Christian music's biggest stars, there are a lot of temptations to change your sound or tone the message down a little to reach a larger audience. But the anthemic, guitar-based Casting Crowns simply use their music as a pulpit ever more. Despite (or, perhaps, because of) all the world tours, platinum records, and Dove and Grammy awards, the members of the band still serve as ministers at Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. This is honest and often gorgeous music that deals with doubt and pain, and how difficult it can be to live up to one's principles. "Slow Fade," an irresistibly slow-burning number, counsels listeners not to stray: ""People never crumble in a day, it's a slow fade." The album's two covers--a rousing take of Steve Fee's "All Because of Jesus" and a spirited version of Chandler's "I Know You're There"--count among the album's many highlights. --Mike McGonigal

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