Christian soft rock group Casting Crowns has taken the Christian music world by storm thanks to two strong previous releases.  And their third project should continue the trend.

The group has captured audiences with challenging lyrics and great music.  There's nothing earth shattering with either, but both work together to create some great music.

The disc starts off with the rock anthem "What This World Needs."  Think "If We are the Body" but faster.  The song reminds us that the world needs Christ more then it needs 100% perfect outward appearances.  After all, the heart is what counts.

The title of the album comes from the idea that somewhere between hearing what we should do during church (the altar) and driving away (the door), we loose the certainty and conviction we had.  I'll just say been there, done that.  That theme is explored in two songs.  The first is the title track, which really explains the theme better then I ever could.  And it's rather convicting to hear my struggle put into words.  The second is the next track, "Somewhere in the Middle."  In fact, the phrase "between the altar and the door" shows up in this song, too.  The song is a challenge to get out of the luke warm world we too often live in.

As with other Casting Crown's CDs, this one features a couple worship songs.  And, once again, they don't grab me.  There's nothing wrong with "I Know You're There" and "All Because of Jesus," but they aren't as special as some of their other tracks.

My two favorite songs are back to back.  "Slow Fade" is a challenge to all men to not fall away from the faith.  It really drives home the importance of constantly standing guard because no one crumbles in a day.  It's a slower song with a haunting sound.  And it ends with lead singer Mark Hall's daughter singing "Because Little Eyes."  It's enough to give me chills.

Appropriately enough, the next song is "East to West."  As you might guess, this song talks about forgiveness.  It explores the difficulty we have in accepting God's forgiveness and the weight of shame we try to live under.  As with so many of their songs, the lyrics are powerful.

Musically, there are few surprises here for the long time fan.  But that's just fine because their music is wonderful.

I'm surprised I haven't worn out Casting Crown's first two releases I've listened to them so often.  This one will certainly suffer the same fate.
Christian soft rock group Casting Crowns has taken the Christian music world by storm thanks to two strong previous releases. And their third project should continue the trend. The group has captured audiences with challenging lyrics and great music. There's nothing earth shattering with either, but both work together to create some great music. The disc starts off with the rock anthem "What This World Needs. "  Think "If We are the Body" but faster. The song reminds us that the world needs Christ more then it needs 100% perfect outward appearances. After all, the heart is what counts. The title of the album comes from the idea that somewhere between hearing what we should do during church (the altar) and driving away (the door), we loose the certainty and conviction we had. I'll just say been there, done that. That theme is explored in two songs. The first is the title track, which really explains the theme better then I ever could. And it's rather convicting to hear my struggle put into words. The second is the next track, "Somewhere in the Middle. "  In fact, the phrase "between the altar and the door" shows up in this song, too. The song is a challenge to get out of the luke warm world we too often live in. As with other Casting Crown's CDs, this one features a couple worship songs. And, once again, they don't grab me. There's nothing wrong with "I Know You're There" and "All Because of Jesus," but they aren't as special as some of their other tracks. My two favorite songs are back to back. "Slow Fade" is a challenge to all men to not fall away from the faith. It really drives home the importance of constantly standing guard because no one crumbles in a day. It's a slower song with a haunting sound. And it ends with lead singer Mark Hall's daughter singing "Because Little Eyes. "  It's enough to give me chills. Appropriately enough, the next song is "East to West. "  As you might guess, this song talks about forgiveness. It explores the difficulty we have in accepting God's forgiveness and the weight of shame we try to live under. As with so many of their songs, the lyrics are powerful. Musically, there are few surprises here for the long time fan. But that's just fine because their music is wonderful. I'm surprised I haven't worn out Casting Crown's first two releases I've listened to them so often. This one will certainly suffer the same fate.