Rating: 3.75/5.0
Casting Crowns presents its latest offer, HealerJanuary 1st. Writing songs as proclamations of faith is the cornerstone of Casting Crownsand this new album is no different. When the world shut down for the pandemic, frontman and songwriter Mark Hall was faced with the same circumstances as the rest of the world, and he knew he needed to write for the moment. Hall stayed true to his simple words and wrote from his heart. Led by singles “The Power Of The Cross,” “Scars In Heaven,” and the title track, Healer comes at a perfect time when the effects of the pandemic have continually disrupted the world.
I could easily identify that the album is for anyone who has found themselves facing life’s challenges. The collection’s opener, “Desert Road,” features captivating lyrics that echo this sentiment from its inception. Backed by a beautiful choir, providing a gospel feel to the track, Mark Hall sets the trajectory of the album with a declaration of faithfulness to Christ through life’s challenges.
“Scars In Heaven” is the strongest and most compelling track on the album for me personally. Although it is a song of heartbreak, it is still full of hope. I could feel my eyes starting to water as I listened to the lyrics. In particular the words “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t see you. You live in all the best parts of me. Until I’m standing with you in the sun, I’ll fight this fight and this race that I run. Until I finally see what you can see” struck a chord with this listener. For years, I’ve felt a call for more songs about heartbreak and solace on CCM. In my own life, there have been times when I’ve gone through deep grief over the loss of people dear to my heart, and I long to listen to songs that remind me and heal. Casting Crowns offers the listener an invitation and permission to mourn with Christ-centered hope with this impactful song.
Upon listening, one appreciates the male vocalist’s falsetto on “Anything But Easy” as well as his electric guitar melodic line, especially at the beginning and end. Additionally, “Crazy People” offers an upbeat and fun song amidst a mostly solemn work. On a final note, I felt that “Second Opinions” was a bit of an atypical addition to the collection that I didn’t see coming. It adds an extra dimension to this scripture-filled collection.
Generally, Casting Crowns does not shy away from the reality that the path we must often take in this walk of faith is accompanied by heartbreak. They remind the listener that the moments of the valley are only temporal to the eternal joy that is offered to us in Christ. As “Desert Road” states, “It is not the path I would have chosen, but I will follow you to the end.” Healer is a timely and heartfelt collection that invites God to be just that in our lives.
The post office Casting Crowns’ ‘Healer’ Invites God to Be Just That in Our Lives first appeared on TCA.
Author: Christian Ellis
