Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 years, or in Babylon, you’ve heard of Casting Crowns. This Christian Rock band has won a Grammy, a Dove Award, and sold over 10 million copies of their albums to date.
Initially started in Florida, this incredible band is now based in Georgia, where founder and lead singer Mark Hall also ministers to youth. But, this band is also a ministry in line with the teachings of the Great Commission, spreading God’s word to all edges of the earth. So, what are the Top 10 Casting Crowns songs of all time? I thought you’d never ask.
Casting Crows – Band History
In 1999, youth minister Mark Hall felt the time was right to use his gifts for singing and songwriting to spread the Word. In Daytona Beach, Florida, he joined Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes on guitar, Melodee DeVevo on violin, and Rob Cervantes on drums to form a worship band.
Their talent and hard work paid off. Soon, the group moved to Georgia in 2001. They also picked up bassist Chris Huffman, keyboardist Megan Garret, and Andy Williams replaced Rob Cervantes on drums.
This line-up put out two independent releases in 2001 and 2002. These caught the attention of Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller, who signed them to his brand new Beach Street Records label. That allowed them to release their self-titled album in 2003. Then, the immensely successful Lifesong in 2005 won them a Grammy Award.
From there, the band became a household name…
They’ve since released eight more albums, a total of 12 so far. And they’re still writing, recording, and performing concerts today. Just as long as they can get home for church on Sunday morning.
This is a group that has put out some of the best modern songs in Christian Rock history and has dominated that genre for nearly two decades. There’s certainly more in store from this talented group. But, for now, let’s take a look at the best Casting Crowns songs they’ve put out so far.
Top 10 Casting Crowns Songs
“Voice of Truth” (2003)
The band was still finding their sound and growing professionally in their first two albums. However, it was the professionally produced Casting Crowns album of 2003 that kicked off their career. This 10-song Pop-Rock record included some big hits, like “Voice of Truth,” which won a Dove Award at the 2007 GMAs for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year.
This song talks about the specter of self-doubt and how it can affect our lives. But, it uses the story of David and Goliath as an example of listening to the voice of truth and of how belief can guide you in the right direction.
The song is a beautiful Pop-Rock ballad with a bit of a country influence. It starts quietly but builds up into a powerful and hugely inspirational song that can help you bring the truth into your heart.
“Who Am I” (2003)
The 2003 Casting Crowns self-titled album also featured “Who Am I.” Another song that was released as a single and went to the top of the Christian charts. In 2005, it was given the Dove Award for Song of the Year – a huge accomplishment.
This song is a beautiful, sweet Pop ballad. It’s slow, soulful, and beautifully orchestrated with stirring strings and pure piano parts. Hall’s vocals are perfectly complemented by the backing vocals by Melodee DeVevo.
This is a song all about forgetting about your ego and surrendering yourself to the majesty of the Lord. And this is a message we all need to keep close to our hearts. To the question in the title, the chorus answers that, of course, he is a precious work of God.
“Lifesong” (2005)
In 2005, Casting Crowns followed up on the success of their self-titled album with Lifesong. This album was hugely popular and went to #1 on the Billboard Christians Albums chart. The album won the 2006 Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. And it even took the Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album that same year.
Those are some massive accomplishments!
The title track from this album, “Lifesong,” is one of the reasons this album shines so brightly. This song has a beautiful ethereal quality to it, thanks to the bright and echoing guitar work that starts it out. Then the beat drops in, and it turns into a very strong Rock song. This is a beautiful song of praise and worship, reminding us to live a good and beautiful life for Jesus.
“Praise You In This Storm” (2005)
The 2005 Lifesong album also produced another track which is considered by many fans as #1 in the list of top 10 Casting Crowns songs. “Praise You In This Storm” won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year in 2007, hit #1 in the charts, and has been certified platinum.
Why so many accolades?
This is a beautiful slow burner of a song. It’s a sort of orchestral Pop power ballad that starts quietly and simply and builds into a huge and powerful crescendo that really stirs the heart. Hall sings with great strength here and is complemented perfectly by the backing vocals. There’s a whole string section playing here to give the track a huge amount of body and create a deep, lush sound worthy of a praise song.
“Slow Fade” (2007)
Casting Crowns came back in 2007 with the album The Altar and the Door. This album had a different lyrical direction and explored new themes. Especially the difference between how people comport themselves at church versus in their everyday lives.
“Slow Fade” is a warning. This song is about the dangers of turning away from morality and the truth and how this can destroy our lives. It might not happen immediately. Instead, we might slowly fade away from being the good people that we are.
This song has great intensity coming from a huge drum beat, heavy guitar and bass, and driving piano chords. At the end of the song, a child’s voice sings a reminder that little ones are always watching and need a strong example to guide them through life.
“East to West” (2007)
The Altar and the Door also produced “East to West,” which is one of the best songs by Casting Crowns ever. This song won “Song of the Year” at the 2008 Dove Awards and has become a favorite for Casting Crows fans, even if this is a hard song to listen to.
This track is a slow-burning, passionate song about sin and redemption. It’s a reminder of how we constantly feel the burden of our sins, and yet Christ’s forgiveness is always there in all its glory and compassion. Go ahead and let it out. It’s pretty much impossible not to cry when you sing along to this song.
“Courageous” (2011)
In 2011, Casting Crowns came out with their 8th album, Come to the Well. It references the story of the woman at the well in John 4:4-42. This album focused their sound again on Pop-Rock and produced at least one of their best songs ever, “Courageous.”
This song is a reminder to be courageous when things get tough. It’s specifically aimed at fathers and husbands, asking them to display the courage needed to lead their families toward Jesus.
The song features new drummer Brian Scoggin laying down a strong beat, Hall singing a powerful lead vocal part, and Megan Garrett doing a great job with the backing vocals. There’s definitely a reason why this song went to #1 and is one of Casting Crowns’ most popular songs.
“Just Be Held” (2014)
The year 2014 saw the release of Thrive, Casting Crowns’ ninth album. This album was inspired by Psalm 1, which compares the believer to a tree planted near rivers of water where it will thrive. “Just Be Held” is the third track from this album. And although it wasn’t one of Casting Crowns’ biggest hits, I still think it stands out as one of their best songs.
This song is led by a piano part courtesy of Garrett, who also provides beautiful backing vocals as usual. Lyrically, this song is different. Hall sings it from the perspective of Jesus singing to the lost and broken in his flock. He sings of love and compassion and asks His believers to just be held and loved by Him. It’s slow, beautiful, and delightfully comforting.
“Nobody” feat. Matthew West (2018)
The album, Only Jesus, came out in 2018, and the theme of this album is self-explanatory. This album saw the band mature and experiment with new sounds. It incorporates Country, Gospel, Pop, and Rock influences. But it also leans on Electronic sounds to make it more modern. “Nobody” is an absolute masterpiece from this album.
So, what’s it about?
“Nobody” is about surrendering yourself to nobody but Jesus. It has a slamming beat that just makes you want to jump up on your feet and worship. Stomps and claps also get you in the mood to sing along like a good old-fashioned gospel song.
It starts with Hall and Garrett singing the first verse and chorus. Then, guest vocalist, the multi-talented Matthew West, joins in and takes the song up to new heights.
“Scars in Heaven” (2022)
Casting Crowns’ most recent album, Healer, came out in 2022 and is the home of the last top 10 songs on our list. “Scars in Heaven” is a real tear-jerker. This song is all about the loss of loved ones and the scars that leaves behind. But this sadness is balanced by an uplifting feeling of faith, knowing that those loved ones are up in heaven now with Jesus.
This song is slow and so powerful. It has a strong piano part driving it along and a soaring violin to carry it away. If you can keep your eyes dry while you listen to this track, well, I think you just might not have a heart.
Are You A Fan Of Christian Music In All Its Forms?
Well, check out our thoughts on the Best Gospel Songs, the Top 50 Easy Worship & Christian Songs to Sing, the Top 15 Easy Worship Songs to Play on Piano, and the Most Famous Gospel Singers Of All Time for more amazing song selections.
And you might be interested in the Best Sound Systems for Churches, the Best Choir Microphones, and the Best Stage Lighting For Church currently available to help you sing your praises to the Lord just like Casting Crowns.
The Top 10 Casting Crowns Songs of All Time
Casting Crowns have put out 12 albums and so many incredible singles in the past two decades. And I’m sure there’s more to come as the band members grow and mature in their love of Christ. For now, we’ve seen what I think are Casting Crowns’ 10 best songs so far. But let’s see which other songs might squeeze their way onto this list in the future.
This band has explored Pop, Rock, Gospel, Country, and even Electronic sounds to bring their music to life. But, their songs are simply a vehicle for the message of Jesus. And their success means that, as a ministry, they’re spreading the Word far and wide.
Until next time, enjoy the music.
