The Anatomy of a Bad Album (or Why I Dislike the New Casting Crowns Album)
So my friend Leah & I were discussing the new Casting Crowns album. She was questioning my rating of the album (you can read the review
here). I began to explain what the album review didn't - a lack of creative, original music - the band is resting on their laurels, etc. The conversation then turned to the song "East to West" - which I think is possibly one of the worst songs ever to come out of the band.
It's not like "East to West" is the only problem here. The whole album is chock full of songs like "East to West" - lacking any originality musically, and even worse in the lyrics department.
Some will take my major issue with the album as that I don't care for that kind of music. That is far from the truth (Mr. Chris Sligh accused me of this not too long ago when I gave Half Past Forever a poor review). I love pop/rock. It's the most steady portion of my musical diet. However, I want it to be good pop/rock - and I want to see the artist taking chances and trying new things with each subsequent release. Unfortunately, Casting Crowns hasn't done that yet. They should take their cue from artists like MercyMe, Jars of Clay, David Crowder Band, Relient K, Switchfoot, and others who have consistently built albums that were increasingly better than their last (some may have a misstep here or there). Heck, I'd even be happy if they went the route of Caedmon's Call or Newsboys and be hit and miss with their releases. At least I'd know they were putting some definite thought and taking chances every now and then.
I say all of this to say that artists don't need to rest on their laurels. Sure, Casting Crowns is going to sell out the wazoo with this album - but that doesn't make it a great album. I expect more from a band that had the potential to be Christian music's next great band. Unfortunately, they just aren't living up to any potential they may have shown.
Posted on Sep 19, 2007 - 11:07 PM | [4]
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I haven't heard the new CC album, but I will say I was less than impressed with their single, "East to West"...no originality at all.
I didn't say anything about drastically changing their style. They haven't shown ANY artistic growth in any subsequent release.
Good post... I agree with your critique... I do listen to the previous album, even though I do think it's content is weak... They get tons of airplay in Michigan and Ohio... so someone obviously likes it...
