Fan favorite and critically acclaimed platinum selling Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) duo for King & Country have, over the last 10 years, built an impressive catalog of music.  Picking the Top 10 was not an easy task but that’s exactly what I have done for you here.

 

The Christian duo of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have amassed a roomful of award nominations and victories. Their music has been recognized by all three of the major award entities, The Grammy’s, Billboard, and the GMA Dove Awards.  The Australian born, now Nashville, TN based, brothers burgeoning music career is taking the CCM world by storm.

 

The methodology in compiling this list of the 10 Best songs by for King & Country is a combination of looking at commercial success, critical acclaim, and personal preference (truth be told my wife, a big fan, contributed her input).  No doubt you will agree with some of my inclusions but will have your own favorites.  That’s the fun part of lists like this, they open you up to new perspectives or confirm your thoughts.  Give me your opinions in the comments section below.

 

Now, on to the list you are craving:

 

 

Number 10          PRICELESS

This song, featured in the movie of the same name, starts with a driving string arrangement that builds into a big, bold, full sound explosion.  A lyrical message builds with it.  You see, the movie is about human sexual trafficking, that of two young women.  The message delivered is one of hope and redemption.  No matter what you’ve been told or believe about yourself you are worth “more than all the money, diamonds, or pearls.”  You are actually and truly Priceless.

The movie, released in 2016, starred Joel Smallbone as the man tasked with delivering the surrogates.  He ultimately falls for one of the women.  It was directed by his brother Ben.  It was a moderate financial success with mixed critical reviews.  It did however receive an 84% likeability rating among Google users.  No debate is that this theme song is a worthy Top 10 entrant.

 

Number 9               Fine Fine Life

The most secular song on this list.  It’s just a great Pop Rock song.  Reminiscent of something the Pop Rock group The Killers might record.  The Killers and for King & Country comparison you must be thinking?  Just give The Killers song Imploding The Mirage a listen and you’ll see what I mean (BTW Brandon Flowers, The Killers leader & lead singer is not at all shy about professing his own Christianity).

There aren’t many (any?) CCM songs that talk about “falling asleep in a casino” or “Jesus stranded with a flat tire grinning ear to ear.”  It’s these depictions of everyday life that drive home the message that no matter what, good or bad, our God has given us a “Fine Fine Life”.  The fact that this song is fun and upbeat proves it!

 

 

 

Number 8                              “AMEN”

One day Luke Smallbone, the story goes, came to the recording studio and shared his thoughts and feelings about a message his minister had preached about Baptism.  That message being, that through Baptism the old sinful you is put to death and reborn anew in Christ Jesus.  Luke felt compelled to relive that story as an adult.  From death to life in Baptism.  That became the song “Amen”.

 

Musically the song follows what has become for King & Country’s formula.  Stunning back and forth vocals sung in varying keys and octaves.  They combine with a full array of instruments providing depth and power.  There is a heavy use of drums and percussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 7                          FOR GOD IS WITH US

 

The story of our Savior Jesus Christ, from birth through death and resurrection.  And beyond, as only for King & Country can tell in a single song.  It started as a Christmas song, then the Easter story was added.  But it doesn’t end there either.  It tells of the ultimate reality that Jesus’ story continues to this day proclaiming, “For God Is With Us”.  Today, tomorrow, and forever.

Joel Smallbone explains the story.  Even through a pandemic, racism, and political division it is both a religious and scientific fact, says Joel, that there is a creator with a creative design and that God is “actually amongst us” and with us to this day.  They took that story and made a great, and hugely popular song about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 6             BUSTED HEART (HOLD ON TO ME)

 

This is the duo’s very first single, from their very first full-length album.  Released in 2011 it reached #3 on the Hot Christian Hits music chart.  It is obviously the precursor of many, and bigger hits to come.

It is a song about doubt, questions, and confession.  The realization that we have a “Busted Heart” and need redemption.  We ask that almighty God “Hold On To Me” and “don’t let me lose my way”.  The song ends with the everlasting promise that God will “meet me right where I am”.  A wonderful and glorious promise it is!

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 5               GOD ONLY KNOWS

 

The second single from their Grammy Award winning third album “Burn The Ships”.  It would go on to win the trifecta in the best song category, awarded the top spot by The Grammy’s, Billboard, and the GMA Dove Awards.  It is the MOST HIGHLY celebrated for King & Country song to date.  So popular, the song would go on to be recorded in 3 different versions.  First, by the duo (the award winner), and then with Timbaland, and finally with the country music superstar and icon Dolly Parton.  It is noteworthy that Dolly would choose to record with the brothers, it speaks volumes of not only the song’s quality but of the respect and reputation the duo has built.

In an interview with “Free CCM” the brothers explained that instead of looking inward the song looks outward.  They say “there seems to be a lot of you saying this, you did this, how dare you.  The song is a question mark of well, first of all, do we understand each other fully?  Our histories, struggles in life. the things that have been done to us that no one knows about?  The shame that we carry?”  They go on to say “We’ve got our troubles, prejudice, judgements.  God knows your heart and God carries a love, a superman of all love.”  The song is an awesome reminder to us, that, as we go about our daily life, not everybody knows us.  Nor do we truly know others.  We need to treat all people with a godly superman kind of love.  Because “God Only Knows”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 4                   NEVER GIVE UP

 

By far the most fun and uplifting song on this list.  The message is simple “Never Give Up”.  The beat is infectious, using multiple drums as the backbone.  You can’t help but get up and dance and shout along the refrain “Never Give Up!”  The song is a crowd favorite at the live shows.  Joel and Luke will typically go out, way out, into the audience when performing this tune.  They pose with fans for selfies and they dish out hundreds of high fives as they traverse up and down the aisles.

The song is a showcase for the pure joy for King & Country feels while performing live.  And it conveys their heartfelt love for their Lord, and their fans, whose numbers continue to grow and grow with each new release and tour.

 

 

 

 

 Number 3                 LOVE ME LIKE I AM

 

Instantaneously recognized by its ooh-ooh-ooh beginning, “Love Me Like I Am” is another confessional type of song.  Again, like others, the song has a simple message.  It’s the wonder at the fact that Almighty God would “Love Me Like I Am” with all my faults, doubts, and shortcomings.

Not a complex song musically, it exemplifies the for King & Country wheelhouse of finely crafted, well delivered Christian Pop music magic.  It is another hugely successful song for the duo that was re-recorded with a guest singer.  This time it’s the incomparable Jordin Sparks, an American Idol champion.  Their version teams Jordin’s both sweet and powerful voice with the duo’s now tried and true formula into a song with even more beauty than the original.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 2                    joy.

 

This song, more than all the others, epitomizes the essence of for King & Country.  The song is somewhat auto-biographical with lines like “Oh hear my prayer tonight, I’m singing to the sky” and the confession that they “gotta get that fire, fire back in my bones”.  How do they do that?  They choose JOY.  The song continues with the realization that they are getting older and with the passage of time you can get complacent.  In an interview with Billboard the brothers admitted that the song took 6 months to write.  They also state that “on the song itself, I think people are so attached to their phones, screens, social media that you need to pause and see the joy, in human connection and interaction.”  Joel adds “Yes wanted to really concentrate on positivity and leave out all the negativity.”

Lyrically and musically the song starts out with a mellow confession of where they find themselves in life.  It then builds to the excitement of choosing joy.  The song even throws in an interpolation of the popular Sunday School song “Joy In My Heart”, written by George William Cooke.  It brings back memories of singing the song myself in my youth “I’ve got a joy, joy, joy down deep in my heart”.  It’s time for all of us to choose “joy.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Number 1                           CEASEFIRE

 

We, no doubt, are living in a time of division, turmoil, distrust, and even hatred.  Politically, socially, and spiritually.  The evil one has reared its ugly head into, what seems like, our very existence, What to do?  In a powerful and succinct song for King & Country provides the answer, Declare a Ceasefire!  In a poignant and, perhaps their most, rocking way the popular Christian Pop duo catalogs the issues and provides the remedy.  The issues: pointing fingers, settling scores, blame, lies, and casting the first stone.  The remedies laid out in a chorus of “One by One” actions: call for a ceasefire, fight for a better end, rewrite true headlines, stand side by side, build an empire with love, and reach out to your enemies.  There are other remedies laid out in chorus.  Ultimately, we need to ask God to “teach us to live humbly, love unconditionally” and grant us His peace.  Powerful words delivered in a powerful way.

We started our list with a song used in a movie and ended it with another one that was used in a movie.  This movie was the 2016 remake of the classic Ben-Hur.  Roma Downey, the films executive producer said this “Our country today is filled with so much anger, tension, and violence and this song (Ceasefire), and our film, spread a message of forgiveness and reconciliation that is needed now more than ever.”  Truer words could not be spoken.

 

There you have it, the 10 Best for King & Country songs.

 

Did I miss your faves?  Let me know in the comments below.

The 10 Best for King And Country songs, Ranked.

Casting Crowns released their debut album 20 years ago

 

 

 

Casting Crowns are one of the most popular Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) bands, performing together for more than 20 years now. Their music is a mix of culturally relevant worship and praise songs.  The music is rooted in heartland rock sensibilities.  Musically drum and guitar driven, lyrically biblical, worshipful, and inspirational.  Their following is broad and plentiful.  Their debut album simply titled “Casting Crowns” has just turned 20 years old.

 

Formation – 1999

 

Casting Crowns formed in 1999 as a student worship band at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, FL.  Led by singer/songwriter Mark Hall, a youth pastor at the church, the band included Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes on guitar, violinist Melodee DeVevo, and Rob Cervantes on drums.  The band performed as part of the youth ministry at the church.

 

MOVE AND BIG NAME BACKING

 

In 2001 the band moved to Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA, outside of Atlanta.  Continuing in the youth ministry at their new church the band added Chris Huffman on bass, Megan Garrett on keyboards and accordion, and Andy Williams on drums.  As part of their youth outreach the band recorded and released two independent CD’s. 

The CDs were very well received throughout the Atlanta area.  Because of their local popularity the CD’s made their way into the hands of Mark Miller of the highly successful country music group Sawyer Brown.  Fortunately for the band Miller just started his own label, Beach Street Records.  Impressed with the band’s rock delivery and Mark Hall’s vocal prowess, Casting Crowns became the first band Miller signed to a recording contract.

Around this same time Casting Crowns was beginning what would become a long history of awards and recognition.   In 2004 they won a GMA regional competition for “Best Song” and “Best Artist”.  In the 20 years since they have been nominated for and have won numerous awards, including “Best New Artist”, “Best Artist”, “Best Album”, and “Best Song”.

Mark Miller would soon hook them up with hugely popular and successful Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman. He would co-produce their first Beach Street recording.  Chapman has now become one of the most successful Christian artists ever.   He has had a record 50 singles reach #1 on the Christian charts.

 

2003 – Casting Crowns eponymous Album Is Released

 

With a confident and optimistic Mark Miller firmly behind them and the incomparable Steven Curtis Chapman manning the recording dials Casting Crowns set out recording their self-titled debut album.  It would be a distinguished mix of the music style they had been working 4 years to establish.  It included straight forward rockers, with soaring guitars and a powerful rhythm section, reminiscent at times of Phil Spector-like Wall of Sound brilliance.  Mixed in were soothing ballads.  Most songs featured Hall’s powerful, rock influenced vocals.  Sometimes the addition of Megan Garrett’s sweet harmonies helped bring out the beauty of both the songs and the message. 

Casting Crowns message, under Hall’s writing, has since the beginning, been one of Biblical truth delivered straight and to the point.  Hall was quoted in the CCM Magazines publication Crosswalk as saying (referring to their message and the youth it sometimes is directed to):

 

“If they stop for four minutes and listen to my song, I don’t want there to be any mistake about what I’m saying and Who I’m talking about.

 If anything, youth ministry has taught me to get to the point and shoot straight.”

8 Nov 2004 Michael Nolan

 

CASTING CROWNS (THE ALBUM) TRACK BY TRACK:

1.    What If His People Prayed:

 

A simple message to begin the album – look to God not the world.  The song pointedly asks, “Why listen to Oprah and not the Lord?”

 

2.    If We Are the Body:

 

As if looking in the mirror, this song is clearly a call to the church, especially the youth-oriented megachurches.  If we (the church) are “the body” why aren’t we more loving, accepting, and inclusive?

 

3.    Voice Of Truth:

 

A quick Old and New Testament bible lesson in under 5 minutes.  Both David and Peter had doubts and heard “you’ll never win”.  But they chose the voice of truth.  Listen and believe.

 

4.    Who I Am:

 

A beautiful ballad sung in perfect harmony between Mark and Megan.  The song would be voted “Song of The Year” by the GMA Dove awards.  It asks the question we all ask at some point “Who Am I?”  The conclusion, it really doesn’t matter.  What matters is who Jesus is and because of His love of us we can say “I am Yours.”

 

5.    American Dream:

 

The rock sound returns, in spades.  Jack, the songs protagonist, chases the “American Dream” and succeeds.  The price: he is losing his family, life, and soul. “He used to say whoever dies with the most toys wins.  But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end?”  Jack works all day and cries all night.  The dream is a nightmare. Only “His” kingdom stands.  Clearly pointed to the youth Mark passionately serves.  I understand you; I understand your stress and pressure.  Look only to Jesus.

 

6.    Here I Go Again:

 

A heartfelt prayer, set to rock music.  It’s a prayer for the strength to witness to a friend in need of salvation.

 

7.    Praise You With The Dance:

 

A straightforward song of praise and glory.  Meant to get the crowd up and dancing.  A rocker, complete with fiddle.

 

8.    Glory:

 

A great rock song opening.  Guitars and drums build to a magnificent offering of song, not unlike any rock classic, Christian themed or not.  Praise and worship, we give You “Glory”, Alleluia.

 

9.    Life Of Praise:

 

A song of confession, service, and praise.  Jesus is God.  Rock of ages.  Lion of Judah. Alpha and Omega.  The awesome God of all nations, worthy of our praise.

 

10.           Your Love Is Extravagant:

A peaceful ballad with soft lyrics and soaring harmonies.  Delivered with mandolin and bongos.  It closes out a magnificent, and hugely popular, debut album.  It’s a song that would fit as the close of any worship service.

 

Casting Crowns, the album, was just the first of many spectacular albums that would follow.  All told the group Casting Crowns have sold more than 10 million records.  They have won awards for “Best Artist”, “Best Album”, and “Best Song”.  And the good news?

 

 

They are still going strong!  What started 20 years ago shows no signs of slowing down!