The Altar and the Door

Casting Crowns has a resonance that moves the heart. Emotions will be stirred. Outstanding effort!

This is the best CD that Casting Crowns has come out with yet! They always deal with the real issues that we face. The Lord has blessed them with so much talent!

Casting Crowns has done it again! Staying true to their values and beliefs the message reigns loud and clear; the Lord Jesus Christ is their inspiration and guiding force. Their works continue to get better, always changing but also delivering us a core message that is positive and uplifting. The lessons and meanings in their songs are filled with different incites and teachings that will help an individual open that door to freedom, to peace, to clarity. What better way to introduce God to your children than through the songs and lyrics of the Casting Crowns.

Love the band and this CD. It's good modern christian music that my teenager and I can listen to and agree on.

This is an awesome album from the amazing Christian group Casting Crowns. You can't go wrong with this album. Amazing and worth the buy! I think if you like Casting Crowns you'd probably also like my current new favorite artist I found through myspace. I think they'll be as big as Casting Crowns and already starting to see a huge interest in them. See my other reviews for The Warehouse Band

Actually we both would give it 2 thumbs up - so 4 thumbs up. This is in the CD player in the car and stays there. Casting crowns has done a great job with this CD.

Would highly recommend to a friend - If you are questioning whether you would like this CD - If you enjoy Contemporary Christian Music then you will enjoy this.

I like this CD, but not as much as some of the other Casting Crowns CD's.

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this album yet! Maybe I didn't buy it from amazon, lol! I love this album to pieces. All the way from What This World Needs to Every Man, Slow Fade to all because of Jesus...great just awesome! I had the privilege of seeing this band perform at the Norfolk Scope in Norfolk, VA back last November with my brother and I tell you what..this band cares for souls! I, only being a new christian for a couple of months prior I was on a spirtual high already and this band lifted me up higher! Casting Crowns is one of those exceptional Contemporary Christian Bands that you would feel comfortable having your 6 or 8 year old son or daughter listen to. I had Lifesong and I knew how much I enjoyed that album, still there most phenomenal work to date and then picked up the debut album self titled Casting Crowns. If you want to listen to a band that actually loves Jesus and wants everyone to know it, I can guarantee this band will fulfill your craving.

I liked their first two albums much better but this one is still worth buying. I think they had too much large chorus work and little kids singing at odd times but I love CC so I would still buy it again having heard it.

This was a very moving and very relevant CD. I would recommend it to others who are Casting Crowns fans.

Casting Crowns has released another amazing album. East to West is my favorite song on the CD, but Slow Fade, Somewhere in the Middle, The Altar and the Door, and All Because of Jesus are also really good songs. A powerful piece of work. Well done, CC!!

I love this album. "The Altar and the Door" is a great song, as is "East to West". But I think my favorite is "What This World Needs". This song just spoke a lot to me. A definte have album!!

I really enjoy Casting Crowns. They sing about real life circumstances and lean on the Lord while having a more modern-upbeat sound that kids and adults will enjoy (light rock'ish'). I put both of their cds right onto my ipod and have been listening to them ever since...

If I had it to do over again I might pick up a different CD from this one. With that said it is a good CD, once again hitting on Christian principles of living out your faith in a genuine way. I was a little disappointed though, it seemed to me that they rehashed some of the themes from their old albulmns, and the songs sound a little stale. Nothing really struck me with "wow". I know they do what they do with much personal conviction, I guess I had a hard time seeing that this time around.

This album is worth the money but not worth going out of your way for. Casting Crowns is an incredible band. They are hands down the second best band in Christian music. The best band is Leeland. This of course is opinion. There are some good songs on this album such as East to West and I Know You're There. However they are weighed out by songs like Prayer for a Friend and the title track (which was written on the way to the studio). You definitely know it's Mark and the Crowns from track 1 but they seem to have gotten softer and more southern. Maybe this appeals to some but it drives me away. If I wanted to listen to light pop I'd listen to Rebbecca St. J's. Buy the new Leeland album before this. They are the new face of Christian music.

I was really looking forward to getting this cd, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. There are a couple great songs on it, but most lyrics lack substance while seeming to try to tell you that they are imparting wisdom. Definitely music driven, but NOT lyric driven. Having said that the music is good, but I bought it for more than the tunes. If it were in a deep discount bargain bin I might buy it again, but probably not. Peace. ~~~mary

I love Casting Crowns. I have every CD. This one is wonderful, too. I love the harmonies, and the strong lead vocals. I play this CD everyday and sing along! It is uplifting.

I love Casting Crowns. This is another great CD. I don't like the "talking" parts that much. But I do like the song "East to West"

Casting Crowns is touring right now, with Leeland and John Waller. This album is at the core of the show --- three hours plus of strong music, amazing praise, and thoughtful reflection. After Leeland has crooned "Carried to the Table" Casting Crowns takes the stage with an up-tempo praise set that absolutely rocks the house. See CC in concert --- meanwhile grab this CD and play it in your car, garage, home, office --- everywhere!

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Bought Casting Crowns "The Altar and the Door" CD and have listened to it a number of times. The third song, called "Slow Fade" is a delicious haunting melody with words that slap you around-in a good sort of way. Indeed, we are led astray by small, seemingly insignificant decisions.

Great album: a message in every song. Good follow up to Lifesong. Kept with upfront/tell it like it is messages, a little softer on music/melodies on most of the tracks; as compared to their previous albums. If you liked their previous albums; you will appreciate this one just as much, if not more so.

I ordered this CD for my son who was really going through a difficult time. I love the CD as much as my son does and find the songs really ministered to us both.

I'm a great fan of the Casting Crowns and this album was a bit stale sometimes.Don't get me wrong they are a good group but to me they tried to like use the same stuff they used in previous albums.Now lets talk good!My favorites are "every Man",East to west",The Word is alive" and
"the Altar and the Door".There words are life packing and make you want to start singing and worshipping God.My boss loves this album and so will you!

Again, a great one from this group. If you've known any songs from Casting Crowns you cannot miss out on this CD. Don't just download the songs you hear on the radio. Every song on this CD is a testament to the life we live in Christ.

Great songs! CC has a nice way of slapping you back to reality if you happen to get too proud.

This is the best album I think I have ever heard. Casting Crowns once again has created songs with a good beat and even better lyrics. The first song "What this world needs" is my absolute favorite song. The lyrics remind us all that sometimes our need to be right or rightous overcasts the Truth of Jesus. "Prayer for a Friend" is a follow up to "Here I Go Again" from the last album - and a song everyone can relate to if you have a friend who has strayed from the path. And "Alther and the Door" is so catchy I find myself singing it all day long!! I absolutely LOVE this CD - I've copied it to every computer I own and I listen to it non stop in the car. Its fantastic!!

As always with Casting Crowns music, they deal with issues we all face daily in ways that point you to Jesus Christ as our only hope.

They are wonderful musicians and present in a much more down to earth way with clear cut messages on how to get into relationship with God.

My highest recommendation for this album.

This is another great Casting Crowns CD. A great purchase! Their music is great for so many people experiencing so many things in life. Balm for the soul.

This CD has been a great blessing to my life and will be to yours as well. I have heard of Casting Crowns before and love them. Took a chance in buying this CD, and I not only love it but my teens love it too. Beautiful inspiring songs for your soul!

I like their "Lifesong" album so much (6 stars!) that this one just can't compare. On the 4th listen-through it's becoming more relatable but it simply lacks the consistency of "Lifesong".

Honestly, i only listen to about 4 songs on this album. What This World Needs, The Alter and the Door, East To West and The Word Is Alive. I think that this album sounds like it wants to be something different then how it sounds. It really seems like CC is going for more of a rock feel, and I love it! But it's like the production quality still wants it to be radio worship. Nothing wrong with radio worship, but I think CC is outgrowing it musically. I hope everything comes together on their next album...I think it would be awesome if their next album leans more towards the heavy guitars and 'shout it out' choruses of What This World Needs and Praise You In This Storm (off of Lifesong).

Casting Crowns is one of my favorite groups and I really enjoy their new album, my favorite songs are "What this world needs," "The altar and the door" "Somewhere in the middle" "Prayer for a friend" Every man" "Slow fade", amd "East to west." A must have for any fan.

Divinely inspired! This songwriting moves my heart like Keith Green,and Steven Curtis Chapman. Uplifting like "Shout to the Lord". "The East is from the West" brought me into His Presence. Compelling Truth!

Excellent praise and worship with lyrics that only Casting Crowns can write! Highly recommended!

I was thrilled when I heard that Casting Crowns was releasing another CD. I am a huge fan. There is no doubt that their lyrics are inspired by the Holy Spirit and speak to me every time I hear them...this CD was no different. What a blessing! I especially loved the song "East to West". Like other Casting Crown albums, this one also has a theme- it calls Christians to get off the fence and chose to walk with Christ. We need to not lose our commitment to follow Christ somewhere between the altar and door. It is truly and inspiration! Buy this CD...you won't be disappointed!

This latest effort by Casting Crowns is an outstanding project. As with their other albums, it is lyrically powerful and has a great sound.

There are several very good songs on this album. The album has a theme of challenging Christians to live their faith all the time, not just on Sunday mornings. There are a couple of praise songs and a prayer-song included also, but most of the tracks here have a message that is very hard hitting to believers.

As with their previous albums, I think that this one will produce several hit singles. 'East To West' is already in that category. Others that are very good include 'What The World Needs', 'Every Man', and 'Slow Fade'.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who is already a fan of Casting Crowns. For those who are unfamiliar with their music, I would recommend starting off with their self titled debut. In any case, this is well worth buying.

Relevant, down to Earth message in every song. This album is made for all ages. It is obvious from the lyrics that this band is completely in touch with the issues and lives of the youth that they sing and minister to. I purchased this Album as a fan of Casting Crowns and wanting to hear more of East to West, but I'm now loving Slow Fade, Every Man and several other songs. Great music with an even greater message. Very impressive and definitely a great gift for the holidays.

Our entire family loves Casting Crowns and we are thrilled with the new songs. I may enjoy them a tad more than the teenagers because the music is just a bit more mellow, but they are all great. The kids just saw the band in concert and they played many of the new songs - "totally awesome". We are already looking forward to the next album.

Just listened to this album for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd.....time in about 2 days.

Casting Crowns has done it again in a big way. The message is new and old, fresh and repeated all in a great way.

The mix of music with over dub of children speaking is very effective and if the message does not effect your heart as a beliver, get back to the book NOW.

The church that has sent this group out should be enjoying the blessing of God right along with the members of the band.

Can't wait for the next album. Keep up the good work Casting Crowns.

I bought this CD because I heard "East to West" on the radio and was really moved by it. But right now God is speaking to me through "The Word Is Alive" -- reminding me of the powerful tool I have in my hands and how foolishly I so often neglect it.

Mark and the gang, keep up the good work of producing songs that aren't Christian "soup" but present us with real "meat" to chew on.

I immmediately purchased this album on iTunes when the release date of the "The Altar and the Door" arrived. I have to say that this album sounds a little different compared to their previous releases "Casting Crowns" and "Lifesong." It seems like "The Altar and the Door" is a little bit faster but nonetheless the lyrics are powerful. This CD is continuing to grow on me: just like "Lifesong". I wasn't too fond of "Lifesong" when it first came out but now, it's one of my favorite CDs to listen to!!

"The Altar and the Door" consists of tracks that convicts the lost and saved souls. "East to West" talks about how huge God's forgiveness is and how important it is in our lives. "Every Man" is about how there is always hope for every man alive in this world: it doesn't matter who we are: there is always hope and this hope is Jesus Christ. "The Word is Alive" is an amazing song: one of my favorites. It doesn't matter if you are saved or not, God's Word is spreading everywhere and when it is heard, there is a seed planted. "What this World Needs" is a convicting song for us Christians: we get too much in the way: we rely too much on our efforts and forget that Jesus doesn't need us: He just wants to use us. All we need to do is simply share the Gospel: the Good News.

Keep bringing us amazing music Casting Crowns. God is using it in many ways.

Casting Crowns' third studio album is a worthy follow-on to Lifesong. The Altar and the Door is not as instantly appealing as their first two releases, but grows steadily with each playing, much like a solid friendship. I find myself singing almost all the songs on it unconsciously -- more than I did with the other albums, even. If you like Casting Crowns, you'll love this album -- it may not be love at first listen, but it will grow into a great appreciation!

Casting Crowns is one of the best Christians artists out. This is an awesome CD!

The songs on this CD are awesome! I think I like it better than Lifesong. I saw Casting Crowns in concert last Thursday and they sang every song on the CD except one. It was the best concert I have been to in a long time! If you love Casting Crowns and love Christian music, you will not be disappointed. Peace.

On this third effort by Casting Crowns, they prove that they have what it takes to send out their message through music. Their songs are meaningful and moving. And the music and melodies are great to listen to and easy to replay over and over. "Everyday Man" is extremely convicting, and "The Altar and the Door" is certainly reflective of what many of us think when we are in a church sanctuary. "East to West" powerfully reminds of the sacrificial love of God, and the nail-scarred hands of His Son, Jesus.

I need to point out that the one thing I noticed on the CD that over time can be a bit annoying is every song is so incredibly intense. Whether the songs are slow or driving, they aren't the kind of songs you expect to be sung with a smile on your face. They are songs of genuine conviction and reverence and commitment.

I have no problem with songs like this, but I would love to hear Casting Crowns sing a few songs that can bring a smile to my face, rather than move me to tears. Something celebratory...even cheerful, would we welcomed! Their last effort-- Lifesong-- was a similar collection of intense tunes. And the only song on their debut CD that made you really feel good was "Praise You With the Dance."

I really love this group and their sound and their message, but I think they need to brighten things up a bit.

Loved CC's other music, heard East To West on the radio and knew I Had to have it. Definitely worth every penny. The best tracks are "East To West", "What This World Needs", and "The Alter and The Door". I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys Christian contemporary music.

This will probably be an all-time favorite album. The theme of being in process -- trying to get to the place of steady, mature faith -- but not being there yet is beautifully articulated in several songs.

I have gotten ripped on previously Casting Crowns reviews because I gave them 4 stars instead of 5...so there is no doubt people will go crazy with this review. But with that being said, this CD just wasn't very good. Once again Casting Crowns does what it does best - write songs pointing the finger at the church. Yes, it was a good song with "If We Are The Body" and "Does Anybody Hear Her," but with "What This World Needs," it's just gotten old now. It starts to become annoying when a band harps on one point, especially one that is as generalizing as saying the church isn't doing what it is supposed to. Move on to another topic!!!

This CD also lacks the catchiness of the last 2 albums. And where the last 2 CD's had a solid 6 or 7 songs on them, this album has 2 at most. I just couldn't get into any of the songs. Musically, it is average and the lyrics are not up to par. Looking forward to the new David Crowder Band album, though, which will surely not disappoint. Hope Casting Crowns pulls it together for its next album. This one will sell a lot of units, but will not stand the test of time. It will collect dust on my shelf.

Before I begin my comments, I will tell you that I am a fan. For the most part, Casting Crowns spin out good, solid stuff.

This new release is OK, but nothing special. It sounds like the first two, for the most part. A couple of the songs are well written musically as well as lyrically, but it mostly sounds a little old, like I've heard them all before. And at only 10 songs (plus an odd hidden track), I'd wait for a clearance sale.

I remember the first time I heard Casting Crowns on the radio several years ago. It wasn't Mark Hall's voice, the band's music, or even the harmonies sung that drew me in. It was the lyrics. I was going through a situation that "Voice of Truth" so eloquently and accurately addressed. I honestly felt the Lord meant for me to hear that song at that particular time. I decided to go ahead and buy that album and found every song spoke volumes to me. Now here we are 3 albums later and once again, Mark and his amazing ensemble of musicians have done it again. They have put together an album that speaks volumes to my heart.

I really like the way that Casting Crowns' albums generally have a theme. This album is no exception. I find the theme throughout this album is about staying in our comfort zone also known as the middle ground- the safety zone. But he also addresses the middle as in the 'gray area' which we all have to deal with on a daily basis no doubt. Mark sings about how we all have good intentions but when it comes to stepping out of our comfort zone for God we say...'no way!'. We give God a list that says I'll do this and this but there is no way I can or will do that or that. Fear is usually the biggest reason most of us don't step out of our comfort zone. I am in no way pointing a finger because I find I am probably the guiltiest of all at doing this. That said, this album truly helps me to understand why I do what I do and how to remedy it. It inspires me to seek out the Lord in His Word and in prayer and meditation.

The first song on the album: "What This World Needs" is a great way to start off the album. It has a rocky edge that draws you in to its chorus and before you know it you are singing along. I actually had to listen to this song several times before I could fully appreciate what Mark was trying to say.

Song #2: Every Man- This song references the fact that no matter who we are or what we've done there is Hope for us. Hope comes in the form of Jesus Who knows how we feel and can understand what we are going through.

#3: Slow Fade- This is an amazing song that helps us realize that no one goes from being on fire for the Lord to dabbling with sin in one day. No, instead it is a slow fade. Satan knows the best attack is a gradual attack which makes black and white fade into gray.

#4: East to West- One of my favorites on this album. This is one of the songs on this album that speaks to me personally. It is with songs like this that I wonder if maybe God isn't giving Mark a look into my heart. (As if I'm the only one struggling with issues like this. ;-) )

#5: The Word Is Alive- As the title indicates, this song is about the Bible and how It brings forth hope to the hopeless and frail.

#6: The Altar and the Door- One of my favorites also. "The Altar and the Door" musically has a lot to offer. It is very upbeat and easy to sing along with. This song is one of the many that teaches about how we get caught in the middle and lose our follow through between the altar and the door. I believe we all are guilty of this at some point in our walk with the Lord.

#7: Somewhere in the Middle- This is my absolute favorite song on the album for several reasons. One of which is that this song is easy to sing along with and secondly, because it is such a deep song that carries a great amount of meaning. I really think it should be my "anthem". I admire Mark's clever word play- "Fearless warriors on a picket fence, Reckless abandon wrapped in common sense, deep-water faith in the shallow end, We are caught in the middle with eyes wide open to the differences, The God we want and the God who is..." What Mark illustrates here is how contrary and fickle we as the body of Christ can be. We know right from wrong and we know how to discern truth from fiction, but yet we stay in the middle ground where it is safe and easy instead of standing up for what is right...which reminds me of the great story of the three young men thrown into the fiery furnace.

#8: I Know You're There: This song is great! One of the ladies from Casting Crowns sings this. She does a terrific job and is able to carry her own without any problem. This song is about knowing that God is always there for us.

#9: Prayer for a Friend: This song, which sounds close to a ballad, is about those we are closest to getting caught up in the world and we want nothing more than to bring them back to the Lord.

#10: All Because of Jesus: This is a praise and worship song that I think will one day be sung in churches all over the world.

#11: White Dove: This song is completely different from anything Casting Crowns has ever done. I am not a big fan of it though I have to applaud them for trying something different.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who worships with music. I also recommend it to anyone who is feeling lost in this big world. Casting Crowns does a great job of helping its listener connect (or re-connect) with God.

One more note: This album is GREAT to work out with!!! I do my strength training and cardio workouts with this album. I also like jogging to this album.