Thrive

On their seventh studio album, Casting Crowns celebrate God’s all-embracing love and forgiveness with a sound that tempers arena-sized pop/rock with touches of acoustic folk. Thrive reaffirms this phenomenally popular Christian band’s ability to keep their musical accent upon the positive without denying the moments of weakness in every believer’s life. The title track is a hard-charging tune complete with Mumford & Sons–like guitar strums and joyful gang vocals. “Dream for You” (a rousing number featuring youth-choir backup) and “Love You with the Truth” (a widescreen ballad that offers an inclusive, nonjudgmental vision of faith) are similarly upbeat and inspirational. As usual, though, lead singer/songwriter Mark Hall offers more than just anthems and hosannas. Tracks like “Broken Together” and “House of Their Dreams” examine troubled families with compassion and insight. Soaring praise tunes like “You Are the Only One” find balance in more introspective pieces like “Follow Me” (a showcase for Megan Garrett’s evocative vocals). “Waiting for the Night to Fall” adds yet another sonic shading to this worthy addition to Casting Crowns’ catalog.