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Casting Crowns:Until The Whole World Hears

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Casting Crowns:Until The Whole World Hears
November 17th, 2009 by Karen Dunn

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With lyrics for comfort, conviction, and reminders of our original nature and Jesus’ saving grace, the new CD from Casting Crowns, titled “Until the Whole World Hears”, does not disappoint. Mark Hall, Megan Garrett, Juan and Melodee DeVevo, Chris Huffman, Hector Cervantes and newcomer Brian Scoggin have taken the term “praise CD” to the next level. The 4th studio CD released by Crowns in 6 years, their message is a friendship with Jesus, the kind that continues into Monday, and throughout the week,

A few notable tracks include:

1. Until the Whole World Hears. In letters Mark Hall received from his Mentor in student ministry, the signature line always included “Until the Whole World Hears.” To shine Jesus’ light to those that need it, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The congregation of Eagles Landing Baptist Church, where Mark Hall serves as Youth Pastor, sings at the end as the choir.

9. Mercy. With Jesus’ mercy, we are saved. Saved from our brokenness, our humanness. After we prayed to Jesus to be saved, and He provided His mercy, the next part of our prayer should have been (if it wasn’t) “THANK YOU for your mercy!”

10. Jesus Hold Me Now. When life happens, where do we turn? A call to our Father, to be there with us for our spiritual life, just as our human fathers were there for us when we skinned our knees, or had our hearts broken. We need to know that He is with us as we experience those trials and tribulations of our earthly life.

11. Blessed Redeemer. Melodee sings lead vocals on this song, with the Eagles Landing Baptist Church congregation as the choir. A song of praise, and a definite favorite! “How can my praises ever find end?”

12. Shadow Of Your Wings. A fun song, and not a typical Crowns song! Best played loud, driving on the highway, with the steering wheel used as the drum kit. The song has a great message too, that every part of our life, is conducted under the watchful eyes of our Father.

I started listening to this CD on September 11th, ’09. What a day to be reminded of the promise of our eternal salvation, and the love our Father has for each and every one of us! I give the CD a full 5 stars, not because I truly love Casting Crowns’ music. The message in the lyrics connects us, and reminds us that when everything is taken away, we will still have Jesus, and He should always be enough!

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Jeremy Camp:Live

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On November 17th, Jeremy Camp releases a new live album with 15 tracks that include fan favorites “Walk by Faith”, “This Man”, “Take You Back” and more. Also, he gives us live cuts from his latest studio album “Speaking Louder Than Before” that was released this time last year. This album was recorded while he was on tour this past spring.

The success that Jeremy has accomplished in eight years has been remarkable. He has seventeen #1 hits in the CCM category. But, if you ever hear Jeremy speak on what his music career means to him, he has said it is all to glorify God, not himself. He writes to inspire and encourage us in our walk with God. Some hidden gems on this record include Jeremy breaking down where some of the songs came from in his personal walk and what “Speaking Louder Than Before” means. You can find it at track 8 and then again near the end of the album on track 14.

My top 2 tracks would be “There Will Be a Day” and “Right Here.”

There Will Be A Day: This is one of my favorite songs that Mr. Camp has written. It tells us that there will be a day when we will not live in a world of suffering, fear or torment any longer. It will be the day when our Savior returns to us. It gives us hope when we are walking in the seasons of our life that may not be the best for us, but Christ knows what He intends for our life.

Right Here: This song was recorded live with the audience singing as back up is great. This song is from his debut album “Stay” released in 2002. Right here is where Jesus is. When we are having struggles in our lives, no matter the circumstance He is there by our side. He will guide us for His purpose. He will not leave our side, even if it feels like he isn’t there, He will be Right There. You just have to allow Him to speak to you through His word.

In conclusion this album is a great addition to his other works. I always think that it is a great addition to an album when the artist gives an insight to their songs and their personal walk with Christ. I highly recommend this album to you.

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review by Ben Dempsey of RocktheCross.net, November 17th, 2009

KJ-52:Five-Two Television

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KJ-52:Five-Two Television
October 13th, 2009 by Wes Brawner

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Rapper KJ-52 has made a name for himself over the past 8 years being honest, likable, and being a true “student” of real hip-hop. Now, KJ has parlayed all of that into his newest release, Five-Two Television. The album is actually patterned to be like KJ’s very own television channel, complete with its own “shows”, “news”, and “guest hosts”. Joining KJ on this album are a wide variety of artists, including Trevor McNevan from TFK, Rob Beckley from Pillar, Braille, and Manwell and Bianca Reyes from Group 1 Crew, among others.

At 20 tracks long, Television is by no means his longest album, but certainly one of his most diverse. Right out of the gates, The Adventures of Tweezyman is an entertaining jaunt through a day in the life of KJ. From being confused for “the guy from Rob and Big”, all the way to being made fun of for being “42″ years old, this song is a hilarious addition to the album, and doesn’t shy away from the truth of Jesus Christ. On Lets Go, Trevor McNevan joins KJ in a call to action for us all.

Much like Video Games from Behind the Music referenced many different video games, the track Are You Online uses many popular social networking and online services to show how Christ “follows” us with his love. My favorite line from the song has to be “I follow you like tweets from a twitter.” In typical KJ fashion, he uses topics that are socially relevant and turns them into something that can convey the gospel.

One of the bonus features of this album is the story of Chris Carlino, a guy, who in KJ’s words, he might have become had Christ not saved him. Its a very compelling story. In all of christian music, you will hardly find a nicer or more honest person, or strong musician than KJ-52. Five-Two Television has been carefully crafted from start to finish, and you can tell. In fact, it just might be the best album of his career so far. But most of all, it continues the ministry that has already reached so many for Christ. Do yourself a favor and go buy this album, before Chris Carlino comes to your house…. only kidding.

Other Notables: Help Me Change, Fuego, Tweezydance

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