{{About|the album|the song from the album|Lifesong (song)}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox album | name = Lifesong | type = studio | artist = Casting Crowns | cover = Lifesong-album-art.jpg | released = August 30, 2005 | recorded = 2005 | studio = * Zoo Studio, Franklin, Tennessee * Lifesong Studio, McDonough, Georgia * Little Big Studio, Nashville, Tennessee | genre = * Christian rock * pop rock | length = 52:15 | label = Beach Street/Reunion | producer = Mark A. Miller | prev_title = Casting Crowns | prev_year = 2003 | next_title = The Altar and the Door | next_year = 2007 | misc = {{Singles | name = Lifesong | type = Studio | single1 = Lifesong | single1date = July 19, 2005<ref name="Lifesong single (Amazon.com)">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Lifesong/dp/B00138GYK8|title=Lifesong: Casting Crowns: MP3 Downloads|website=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401103404/http://www.amazon.com/Lifesong/dp/B00138GYK8|archive-date=April 1, 2008|access-date=June 8, 2012}}</ref> | single2 = Praise You In This Storm | single2date = January 28, 2006<ref name="Praise You In This Storm adds date">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=01/28/2006&Format=21|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201013706/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=01/28/2006&Format=21|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2013|title=Going for Adds – Christian AC|publisher=Radio & Records. VNU Media|date=January 28, 2006|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> | single3 = Does Anybody Hear Her | single3date = September 23, 2006<ref name="Does Anybody Hear Her adds date">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=09/23/2006&Format=21|title=Going for Adds – Christian AC|publisher=Radio & Records. VNU Media|date=January 28, 2006|access-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201054010/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=09/23/2006&Format=21|archive-date=February 1, 2013}}</ref> }} }}
'''''Lifesong''''' is the second studio album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. The album was released on August 30, 2005 through Beach Street Records and Reunion Records. Produced by Mark A. Miller, ''Lifesong'' was the follow-up to the band's self-titled debut album. Although the unexpected success of the first album led to tremendous demand for new music from Casting Crowns, lead vocalist Mark Hall was advised by Steven Curtis Chapman (a co-producer of the debut album) and Mac Powell not to worry about commercial expectations. ''Lifesong'', which has a pop rock and adult contemporary sound, focuses on challenging believers and indicting piousness and hypocrisy in the Christian church. Worship themes are also prominent in the album.
''Lifesong'' was received positively by music critics. Many critics praised the album's songwriting, although others felt the album's sound was derivative. The album and its singles were nominated for many awards, with the album winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album at the 48th Grammy Awards and the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 37th GMA Dove Awards. It debuted and peaked at number nine on the ''Billboard'' 200 and number on the ''Billboard'' Christian Albums chart, selling 71,000 copies in its first week. The 15th best-selling Christian album of the 2000s in the United States, ''Lifesong'' has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold 1.4 million copies in the United States. All of the album's singles topped the ''Billboard'' Christian Songs and Hot Christian AC charts.
== Background and recording == Following the unexpected success of their first album, there was tremendous demand for new music from Casting Crowns. Although lead vocalist Mark Hall, who either wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the album, felt "a little worried" about the band's follow-up album, fellow recording artists Steven Curtis Chapman (who co-produced the band's first album) and Mac Powell of Christian rock band Third Day encouraged Hall to "say what God wants you to say".<ref name="Breaking the Mold">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|date=September 10, 2005|title=Breaking the Mold|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|volume=117|issue=37|pages=28–29|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sBMEAAAAMBAJ|access-date=June 25, 2012}}</ref> They also advised him to not worry about commercial expectations or whether "people are going to like it".<ref name="Breaking the Mold" /> Ultimately, Hall "absorbed" the feedback their first record had received, using it as inspiration.<ref name="Breaking the Mold" /> ''Lifesong'' focuses mainly on the "truth-can-be-a-tough-pill-to-swallow message" that "there are broken people within arm’s reach of the church, and if there is any hope of healing, it begins with people who will be the hands and feet of Jesus".<ref name="Real Life Conversations">{{cite journal|last=Riddle|first=Melissa|date=September 2005|title=Real Life Conversations|journal=CCM Magazine|publisher=Salem Publishing|volume=28|issue=3|pages=32–38|url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200509.pdf|access-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510041119/http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200509.pdf|archive-date=May 10, 2012}}</ref> Hall responded to critics who felt the band's material was "preaching to the choir" by saying "How can writing songs that challenge the church, songs that ask Christians to consider their actions, be a bad thing? After all, it’s the message that matters... Everybody is passionate about what they do, about what they feel called to, so for one to say the other’s ministry is more or less meaningful or spiritual or anything is ridiculous".<ref name="Real Life Conversations" /> Hall also felt that there were "too many walls in Christian music" and said "I think people listen to you if you’re transparent... People want to hear the truth. You just hang around church for a while, and you’ll see. People don’t want you to talk around it. They want you to tell it like it is, even if it hurts".<ref name="Real Life Conversations" /> Hall ultimately wrote songs such as "Does Anybody Hear Her" and "Stained Glass Masquerade", which "challenge believers".<ref name="Breaking the Mold" /> According to Hall, he was trying to say that he didn't think it bothers the world if people in the church sin. Rather, he felt that the world is bothered when Christians act like they don't sin.<ref name="Breaking the Mold" />
''Lifesong'' was produced by Mark A. Miller, with recording and mixing done by Sam Hewitt at Zoo Studio in Franklin, Tennessee. Additional recording was done at Lifesong Studio in McDonough, Georgia. The album was mastered by Richard Dodd and engineered by Dale Oliver and John Lewis Lee III. The strings on the album were arranged by Bobby Huff and were recorded at Little Big Studio by Boeho Shin and Daewoo Kim.<ref name="Album notes" />
== Composition == Musically, ''Lifesong'' is influenced by adult contemporary and pop rock music.<ref name="CCM Magazine review" /><ref name="Christianity Today review" /> The album also has influence from worship music in the vein of U2, with songs building into "sweeping choruses and dramatic climaxes".<ref name="System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize'" /> Much of the album's lyrical content is devoted to challenging the Christian church<ref name="Breaking the Mold" /><ref name="Real Life Conversations" /><ref name="About.com review" /><ref name="Billboard review" /> and indicting hypocrisy and piousness within the church.<ref name="CCM Magazine review" /> Songs such as the title track and "Father, Spirit, Jesus" have worshipful lyrics<ref name="CCM Magazine review" /><ref name="Christianity Today review" /> while others such as "Stained Glass Masquerade" note the inability of church congregations to share their burdens openly.<ref name="Christianity Today review" /> "Does Anybody Hear Her" condemns the church's focus on judging rather than realizing pain<ref name="About.com review" /> and gives the message than condemning other people is wrong.<ref name="CCM Magazine review" /> "Set Me Free" is set from the perspective of "the demon-possessed man", who is calling to Jesus for relief. It also incorporates more of a rock sound than Casting Crowns normally uses.<ref name="Christianity Today review" />
== Critical reception and accolades == {{Music ratings | rev1 = About.com | rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="About.com review">{{cite web|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/cdreviewsal/fr/frCClifesong.htm|title=Casting Crowns - Lifesong|last=Jones|first=Kim|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116083311/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/cdreviewsal/fr/frCClifesong.htm|archive-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | rev2 = AllMusic | rev2score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Allmusic review">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifesong-mw0000207672|title=Lifesong - Casting Crowns|last=Johnson|first=Jared|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716224142/http://www.allmusic.com/album/lifesong-mw0000207672|archive-date=July 16, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Billboard'' | rev3Score = (positive)<ref name="Billboard review">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|date=September 10, 2005|title=Reviews Spotlights|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|volume=117|issue=37|page=74|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sBMEAAAAMBAJ|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> | rev4 = ''CCM Magazine'' | rev4Score = A−<ref name="CCM Magazine review">{{cite journal|last=McCreary|first=David|date=September 2005|title=Another Crowning Achievement|journal=CCM Magazine|publisher=Salem Publishing|volume=28|issue=3|pages=50–51|url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200509.pdf|access-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510041119/http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/200509.pdf|archive-date=May 10, 2012}}</ref> | rev5 = ''Christianity Today'' | rev5Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Christianity Today review">{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2005/lifesong.html |title=Casting Crowns: Lifesong (Beach Street/Provident) - Christian Music Today Review |last=Breimeier |first=Russ |date=August 30, 2005 |work=Christianity Today |publisher=Wayback Machine |access-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050830014116/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2005/lifesong.html |archive-date=August 30, 2005 }}</ref> | rev6 = Cross Rhythms | rev6Score = {{rating|10|10|full=U+25A0.svg|empty=Solid white borderedS.svg|rating=square}}<ref name="Cross Rhythms review">{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Casting_Crowns/Lifesong/13456/|title=Casting Crowns - Lifesong|last=Eden|first=Simon|date=October 11, 2005|publisher=Cross Rhythms|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025193607/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Casting_Crowns/Lifesong/13456/|archive-date=October 25, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | rev7 = Jesus Freak Hideout | rev7Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="JFH Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Lifesong.asp|title=Casting Crowns, 'Lifesong' Review|last=DiBiase|first=John|date=August 25, 2005|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502184317/http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Lifesong.asp|archive-date=May 2, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | rev8 = ''USA Today'' | rev8Score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}<ref name="System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize'">{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm|title=System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize' (Casting Crowns, ''Lifesong'')|author=Mansfield, Brian|author-link=Brian Mansfield|date=November 21, 2005|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017190609/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm|archive-date=October 17, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> }}
''Lifesong'' received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Kim Jones of About.com gave it five out of five stars, saying "Bottom line - my hat goes off to Casting Crowns for a job well done, once again. This is one band that doesn't soft-pedal their message, even if it is one that people enjoying a "comfort-zone" may not want to hear".<ref name="About.com review" /> Jared Johnson of AllMusic gave the album four-and-a-half out of five stars, opining "One of the brightest spots on the CCM map in 2005, ''Lifesong'' was powered by a second dose of Mark Hall's earnestly challenging worship themes and a penchant for reflective pop... From start to finish, the album showcases songwriting that is consistent, polished, and potent, furthering the septet's reputation as one of Christian music's most popular acts of the 21st century".<ref name="Allmusic review" /> Deborah Evans Price of ''Billboard'' said that "there is no sophomore letdown here for Casting Crowns... This is intelligent, soulful music that goes beyond mere entertainment to something deeper".<ref name="Billboard review" /> David McCreary of ''CCM Magazine'' gave ''Lifesong'' an A−, opining "staying true to their approach of assimilating crisp melodies, forthright lyrics and stout vocals, the Crowns effectively blend uptempo worship anthems and emotive ballads for another well-balanced set".<ref name="CCM Magazine review" /> Russ Breimeier of ''Christianity Today'' gave the album three-and-a-half out of five stars, calling the music "derivative", said that "[Casting Crowns] fans will find much to love, while others continue to ponder the secret of this band's success. All can probably agree that Lifesong is a sequel in the truest sense, offering more of the same to the delight of those so touched and inspired by the music of Casting Crowns the first time".<ref name="Christianity Today review" />
Simon Eden of Cross Rhythms gave the album ten out of ten squares, saying "With 'Lifesong' being officially [Casting Crowns'] second release, the pressure is on to see if they can deliver. The simple answer is quite probably yes as the band use a refreshing formula that challenges the Church instead of serving up milk and cookies".<ref name="Cross Rhythms review" /> John DiBiase of Jesus Freak Hideout gave it three out of five stars, opining "Overall, ''Lifesong'' is musically an assortment of experimentation and familiarity, as the band continues to offer songs with relatable messages to the church body. Frontman and chief songwriter Mark Hall's strained, shouting-style vocals is [sic] still an acquired taste, along with his straightforward and often simplistic lyrics, but ''Lifesong'' is a noteworthy second chapter in an already impressive career for this young band".<ref name="JFH Review" /> Brian Mansfield of ''USA Today'' gave the album two-and-a-half out of four stars, commenting "[Casting Crowns] comes from the school of U2-influenced modern-worship music, so its songs predictably build to sweeping choruses and dramatic climaxes. The band's message is more distinctive, calling out the "happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples" to offer themselves to the lonely, the grieving, the desperate".<ref name="System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize'" />
''Lifesong'' and its singles received various awards and nominations. At the 48th Grammy Awards, it received the Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.<ref name="48th Grammy Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&title=&year=2005&genre=14|title=Past Winners Search|publisher=Grammy.com. The Recording Academy|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190721/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&title=&year=2005&genre=14|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It received the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year award at the 37th GMA Dove Awards.<ref name="37th Dove Awards (Albums)">{{cite web|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/06gmaAOYnoms.htm|title=37th Annual GMA Music Awards - Album of the Year Nominees|last=Jones|first=Kim|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218094837/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/06gmaAOYnoms.htm|archive-date=February 18, 2006|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The album's title track won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year and was nominated for the Dove Award for Song of the Year at the 37th GMA Dove Awards.<ref name="37th Dove Awards (Songs)">{{cite web|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/06gmaSOYnoms.htm|title=37th Annual GMA Dove Awards - Songs of the Year Nominees|last=Jones|first=Kim|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|pages=1–2|access-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626185219/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/06gmaSOYnoms.htm|archive-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref> "Praise You In This Storm" won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year at the 38th GMA Dove Awards and was nominated for the Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year at the 39th GMA Dove Awards.<ref name="38th Dove Awards (Songs)">{{cite web|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/07gmaSOY.htm|title=38th Annual GMA Music Awards - Songs of the Year Nominees & Winners|last=Jones|first=Kim|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707074939/http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/07gmaSOY.htm|archive-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/news/021508doves.aspx|title=Nominations Announced for 39th GMA Dove Awards|date=February 14, 2008|publisher=Christian Broadcasting Network|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011122444/http://www.cbn.com/cbnmusic/news/021508doves.aspx|archive-date=October 11, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
== Release and promotion == ''Lifesong'' was released on August 30, 2005.<ref name="Allmusic review" /> It sold 71,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number nine on the ''Billboard'' 200 and ''Billboard'' Christian Albums chart.<ref name="West Registers No. 1 Album Debut">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/others/west-registers-no-1-album-debut-1001055734.story|title=West Registers No. 1 Album Debut|last=Whitmire|first=Margo|date=September 7, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-date=January 15, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115152148/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/others/west-registers-no-1-album-debut-1001055734.story|url-status=dead}}</ref> It spent a total of two weeks atop the Christian Albums chart<ref name="Christian Albums (September 17, 2005)" /><ref name="Christian Albums (September 24, 2005)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-09-24/christian-albums|title=Christian Albums (September 24, 2005)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> and later appeared on the ''Billboard'' Catalog Albums chart in 2007, peaking at number thirty-four.<ref name="Catalog Albums (September 15, 2007)" /> By April 1, 2006, ''Lifesong'' had sold 503,000 copies.<ref name="Gospel and Christian Music">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|title=Gospel and Christian Music|magazine=Billboard|date=April 2006|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|volume=118|issue=13|page=35|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DxYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22lifesong%22&pg=PA35|access-date=2016-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629015810/http://books.google.com/books?id=DxYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA35&dq=%22lifesong%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DqvnT7qZE4yi8QTZ_8GjAQ&ved=0CEIQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=%22lifesong%22&f=false|archive-date=2014-06-29|url-status=live}}</ref> It had sold 950,000 copies by August 25, 2007<ref name="Opening 'Doors'">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|date=August 25, 2007|title=Opening 'Doors'|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|volume=119|issue=34|page=45|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5A4EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22lifesong%22&pg=PA44|access-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904142540/https://books.google.com/books?id=5A4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA44&dq=%22lifesong%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DqvnT7qZE4yi8QTZ_8GjAQ&ved=0CD4Q6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=%22lifesong%22&f=false|archive-date=September 4, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and, as of December 5, 2009, it has sold a total of 1.2 million copies.<ref name="Crowning Achievement">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|date=December 5, 2009|title=Crowning Achievement|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|volume=121|issue=48|page=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5qHDcGdQDEC&q=%22lifesong%22&pg=PT23|access-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629015323/http://books.google.com/books?id=S5qHDcGdQDEC&pg=PT23&dq=%22lifesong%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8qrnT522I4-i8ASQ89mrAQ&ved=0CGUQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=%22lifesong%22&f=false|archive-date=June 29, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As of March 2014, the album has sold 1.4 million copies.<ref name="Casting Crowns Rock Live at Billboard, 'Thrive' as Christian Music's Biggest Band: Video">{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=Deborah Evans|title=Casting Crowns Rock Live at Billboard, 'Thrive' as Christian Music's Biggest Band: Video|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/5923071/casting-crowns-rock-live-at-billboard-thrive-as-christian-musics-biggest-band-video-exclusive|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=March 4, 2014|date=March 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314193431/http://www.billboard.com/articles/5923071/casting-crowns-rock-live-at-billboard-thrive-as-christian-musics-biggest-band-video-exclusive|archive-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Three official singles ("Lifesong", "Praise You In This Storm", "Does Anybody Hear Her") were released in promotion of ''Lifesong''.<ref name="Praise You In This Storm adds date" /><ref name="Does Anybody Hear Her adds date" /><ref name="Lifesong AC adds date">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=7/30/2005&Format=21|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131230342/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=7/30/2005&Format=21|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Going for Adds – Christian AC|publisher=Radio & Records. VNU Media|date=July 30, 2005|access-date=June 8, 2012}}</ref> All of the singles topped the ''Billboard'' Hot Christian Songs and Hot Christian AC charts.<ref name="Christian Songs" /><ref name="Christian AC" /> An additional song, "Set Me Free", was released to Christian CHR radio,<ref name="Set Me Free adds date">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=09/23/2006&Format=25|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131224855/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/PublishGFA/GFAChristianNextPage.asp?sDate=09/23/2006&Format=25|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Going for Adds – Christian AC|publisher=Radio & Records. VNU Media|date=January 28, 2006|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> and peaked at number 23.<ref name="Set Me Free">{{cite journal|date=January 26, 2007|title=Christian|journal=Radio & Records|issue=1,692|pages=50|access-date=April 11, 2016|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/2000s/2007/RR-2007-01-26.pdf}}</ref>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | all_writing = Mark Hall except where noted | title1 = Lifesong | length1 = 5:17 | title2 = Praise You In This Storm | length2 = 4:59 | writer2 = Hall, Bernie Herms | title3 = Does Anybody Hear Her | length3 = 4:30 | title4 = Stained Glass Masquerade | length4 = 3:52 | writer4 = Hall, Nichole Nordeman | title5 = Love Them Like Jesus | length5 = 4:32 | writer5 = Hall, Herms | title6 = Set Me Free | length6 = 4:27 | writer6 = Hall, Herms | title7 = While You Were Sleeping | length7 = 4:55 | title8 = Father, Spirit, Jesus | length8 = 5:11 | writer8 = Hall, David Hunt | title9 = In Me | length9 = 4:44 | title10 = Prodigal | length10 = 5:45 | title11 = And Now My Lifesong Sings | length11 = 4:03 | total_length = 52:15 }}
== Personnel == Credits adapted from the album liner notes of ''Lifesong''.<ref name="Album notes">{{cite AV media notes|title=Lifesong|others=Casting Crowns|year=2005|page=9|publisher=Beach Street Records}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
'''Casting Crowns''' * Mark Hall – lead vocals * Megan Garrett – acoustic piano, keyboards, vocals * Hector Cervantes – electric guitar, vocals * Juan DeVevo – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals * Melodee DeVevo – violin, vocals * Chris Huffman – bass guitar * Andy Williams – drums
'''Additional musicians''' * Bernie Herms – keyboards, acoustic piano, string arrangements (2, 5) * Blair Masters – keyboards, acoustic piano * Doug Sisemore – keyboards, acoustic piano, organ * Rob Graves – acoustic guitar, electric guitar * Adam Lester – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, classical guitar * Dale Oliver – electric guitar, bass guitar * Justin York – electric guitar * Victor Broden – bass guitar * Adam Nitti – bass guitar * Chad Chapin – drums * Will Denton – drums, percussion * Bobby Huff – string arrangements (1, 7, 11) * Steve Mauldin – string transcripts and copyist (1, 7, 11) * Paul Nelson – string transcripts and copyist (2, 5) * David Davidson – string contractor, concertmaster * Anthony LaMarchina – cello * Sarighani Reist – cello * Jack Jezioro – double bass * Kristin Wilkinson – viola * David Angell – violin * Monisa Angell – violin * Pamela Sixfin – violin * Mary Kathryn Vanosdale – violin
{{col-break}}
'''Production and Technical''' * Terry Hemmings – executive producer * Mark A. Miller – producer * Sam Hewitt – recording, mixing * John Lewis Lee III – additional engineer * Dale Oliver – additional engineer * Baeho "Bobby" Shin – string recording (1, 2, 5, 7, 11) * Daewoo Kim – string recording (1, 2, 5, 7, 11) * Richard Dodd – mastering * Jason McArthur – A&R coordination * Michelle Pearson – A&R production * Frank Miller – A&R administration * Jenna Roger – A&R administration * Stephanie McBrayer – art direction * Tim Parker – art direction, design, photography * David Dobson – artist photography * Proper Management – management * Beech Street Artist Management – business management * Casting Crowns – liner notes {{col-end}}
== Charts and certifications == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Weekly !scope="col"|Charts (2005) !scope="col"|Peak<br />position |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' 200<ref name="Billboard 200 (September 17, 2005)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-09-17/billboard-200|title=''Billboard'' 200 (September 17, 2005)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713140336/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-09-17/billboard-200|archive-date=July 13, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|9 |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' Christian Albums<ref name="Christian Albums (September 17, 2005)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2005-09-17/christian-albums|title=Christian Albums (September 17, 2005)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|1 |- !scope="col"|Charts (2007) !scope="col"|Peak<br />position |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' Catalog Albums<ref name="Catalog Albums (September 15, 2007)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2007-09-15/catalog-albums?order=gainer|title=Catalog Albums (September 15, 2007)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|34 |}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Year-end !scope="col"|Charts (2005) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' Christian Albums<ref name="Year-end Christian Albums (2005)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/illtitl.jsp|title=Year-end Christian Albums (2005)|date=November 26, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824235442/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2005/illtitl.jsp|archive-date=August 24, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|10 |- !scope="col"|Chart (2006) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' 200<ref name="Year-end Billboard 200 (2006)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/the-billboard-200|title=Year-end Billboard 200 (2006)|year=2006|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004145434/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/the-billboard-200|archive-date=October 4, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|123 |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' Christian Albums<ref name="Year-end Christian Albums (2006)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/christian-albums|title=Year-end Christian Albums (2006)|year=2006|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824001931/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2006/christian-albums|archive-date=August 24, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|4 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ Decade-end !scope="col"|Chart (2000s) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|''Billboard'' Christian Albums<ref name="Decade-end Christian Albums (2000s)">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/christian-albums|title=Decade-end Christian Albums (2000s)|year=2009|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825003306/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/christian-albums|archive-date=August 25, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|15 |}
{{col-2}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ Singles ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Song ! scope="col" colspan="3" | Peak chart positions |- !style="width:3em; font-size:90%"|US Christ<br /><ref name="Christian Songs">{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=casting crowns|chart=Christian Songs}} |title=Casting Crowns Album & Song History (Christian Songs) |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/628q51XQN?url=http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Rihanna/chart-history/658897?f=793&g=Singles |archive-date=October 2, 2011 }}</ref> !style="width:3em; font-size:90%"|Christ AC<br /><ref name="Christian AC">Peak chart dates for Hot Christian AC:
* {{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3061123|title=Hot Christian AC (October 1, 2005)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69hnBrGnf?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3061123|url-status=dead}} * {{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3066443|title=Hot Christian AC (May 27, 2006)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69hnKZ40e?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3066443|url-status=dead}} * {{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3082246|title=Hot Christian AC (February 17, 2007)|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=June 24, 2012|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69hnQ83Tq?url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/chart-search-results/singles/3082246|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|- !scope="row"|2005 !scope="row"|"Lifesong" | 1 || 1 |- !scope="row" rowspan="2"|2006 !scope="row"|"Praise You In This Storm" | 1 || 1 |- !scope="row"|"Does Anybody Hear Her" | 1 || 1 |}
{| class="wikitable" |+ Certifications !scope="col"|Country !scope="col"|Certification !scope="col"|Units shipped |- | United States | Platinum<ref name="RIAA - Gold and Platinum">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULT&artist=Casting%20Crowns|title=Gold and Platinum Database|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)|access-date=June 23, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154732/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULT&artist=Casting%20Crowns|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> | 1,000,000<ref name="Certification Criteria">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=criteria|title=RIAA - Certification Criteria|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)|access-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119121329/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=criteria|archive-date=January 19, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> |}
{{col-end}}
==See also== * List of number-one ''Billboard'' Christian Albums
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Casting Crowns}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2005 albums Category:Casting Crowns albums Category:Reunion Records albums Category:Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album