Casting Crowns returns with their latest album Thrive with singer/songwriter Mark Hall at the center, and they are bringing back their staple Contemporary Christian rock sound with their eighth major studio album. The album includes twelve new songs that connect to Hall's new devotional book of the same title.

The album kicks off with the Florida bred bands first single "Thrive." The single serves as an anthem to help people remember to flourish because it is why they were made. Its catchy "ooohs" and banjo-sounding guitar makes it a sure song to dance along to.

The emotional "All I ever wanted" describes how the faulty qualities of mankind do not separate Gods love because all He ever wanted is simply ours hearts. Driven by the catchy licks of an electric guitar and a ruff piano echoing the vocals is what makes this song something with feeling and bop to it.

"Just Be Held" reminds the listener that being brave and strong is in the surrender more than the ability to hold it all together. Let go and be held! "You are the only one" follows that song with its worshipful focus on God. Placing emphasis on God being in fact the only one that can write the wrongs, heal, and set free.

When so many songs are promoting divorce and break up, the song "Broken Together" does the exact opposite. Looking past the newly wed bliss, this song describes a marriage that has been together for some time and the struggles are now more prevalent than the love. Honestly describing natural feeling of disappointment and heartache between spouses, Hall pleas for the two broken people to come together and be whole.

"Love You with the Truth" is a song that could be stylistically the coolest sounding of the bunch as it challenges believers to love those who have not yet come to know salvation through Jesus. It teaches to love people with the "truth."

The passionate tune, "This is Now," honestly opens up a reality that is not often heard in Contemporary Christian music. The track explains the constant struggle between flesh and spirit, and reminds the listeners to examine their walks in the Lord. A Christian's life can dramatically change from the time they the make the decision to follow Jesus to where ever they are now.

"Dream for You" features Hall's youth group singing background vocals. The song reminds that God's dream for us is bigger than ever imagined.

"Follow Me" is a hauntingly beautiful song that gives us a break from Hall's powerful vocals as Megan Garrett of the group sings lead. Singing the song from the perspective of Jesus speaking to his children, the words "follow me" become something the listener will continually want to sing along to.

"Heroes" takes the focus off of facetious comic book heroes. This guitar driven song focuses on the brave people who dare to do the hard things in life by placing their trust in Jesus to tackle every day challenges.

"House of Their Dreams" describes a typical American home that has been bombarded with distractions. It paints the picture of a family that has done well for themselves monetarily, but no amount of success can cure the emptiness they all individually feel.

The album ends with perhaps the most intriguing concept, "Waiting on the Night to Fall." This melodramatic song speaks of how the enemy refers to him as the "Old Man" cunningly preying on people as he continuously tries to trick them with the same old deceits.

The band's first major release was certified platinum. Their next album secured them a Grammy Award and every album since has been in the top five of the Billboard 200 charts. Thrive should be no different as it beautifully paints a picture of the dialogue Christian's need to have around others and with God.

Thrive releases today, Jan. 28.