American Dream (Casting Crowns song)

Last updated

"American Dream"
Song by Casting Crowns
from the album Casting Crowns
ReleasedOctober 7, 2003
Studio
Genre Rock
Length4:11
Label Beach Street, Reunion, PLG
Songwriter(s) Mark Hall
Producer(s) Mark A. Miller, Steven Curtis Chapman

"American Dream" is a song recorded by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman, the song was included on the band's 2003 self-titled debut album. A rock song, "American Dream" features loud electric guitars similar to those on Chapman's 2001 album Declaration . Lyrically, the song discusses how fathers caught up in advancing their career can neglect their family responsibilities. It received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised its lyrics; several critics felt the song's instrumentation was average or mediocre, however.

Contents

"American Dream"'s accompanying music video, the band's first, depicts the deterioration of a relationship due to a man's neglect of his family. The song received nominations for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year and Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 36th GMA Dove Awards, but lost in both categories. Although it was not officially released as a single, it was sent out to Christian rock radio between the release of the album's second and third singles; although it received airplay on that format, it failed to chart. "American Dream" was later included on the band's 2004 live album Live from Atlanta , and was re-recorded and released in an acoustic form on the band's 2013 album The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One .

Background and recording

Casting Crowns' lead vocalist Mark Hall said that "[American Dream] song was written from every student I’ve ever ministered to, to their dads. It’s everything they could never say. It’s the story of a dad who provided financially, but was never there physically or emotionally". While Hall noted that he had a great father as a child, he felt the message needed to be conveyed to dads. Hall and the band wrote the song in about two days, in order to get it done prior to an annual NASCAR event held by their church. The band felt that the event, attended by around two to three thousand families, would be an opportunity to convey that message. [1]

"American Dream" was produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was recorded and mixed at Zoo Studio in Franklin, Tennessee by Sam Hewitt. [2]

Composition

"American Dream" is a song with a length of four minutes and 11 seconds. [3] It is in set common time in the key of D major and has a tempo of 84 beats per minute. Mark Hall's vocal range in the song spans from the low note of B3 to the high note of F♯5. [4] A rock song, [5] [6] "American Dream" has also been stated as being arena rock. [6] The song has been described as demonstrative of the production style of Miller and Chapman, with loud guitars resembling those on Chapman's 2001 album Declaration , creating an "explosive" wall of sound in the chorus. [5] One of the most up-tempo songs on the Casting Crowns , [7] it was also noted as being "hook-laden" [6] and demonstrating the "in-your-face" lyrical tone of Hall. [5] Lyrically, "American Dream" discusses "the way fathers caught up in the career rat race can neglect their kids". [8] The song urges fathers to spend more time with their family and more time as spiritual leaders [5] and "exhorts listeners not to neglect their families in pursuit of wealth and careers". [7]

Reception

"American Dream" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today praised the song as "simply yet powerfully worded", also praising the chorus' wall-of-sound as improving the chorus of an otherwise "average pop" song. [5] Belinda S. Ayers of CBN.com regarded the song as "one of the album's most energetic songs" and praised it as an example of Hall's "bold" lyrics. [7] Jessica Vander Loop of Jesus Freak Hideout criticized the song as not being "musically inclined", but praised the song's lyrics as "strong and personable". [9] Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout, despite regarding the message as "admirable, sharply criticized the song's vocal delivery as "almost disdainful" and criticized what he described as a "condescending" lyrical tone. [10] At the 36th GMA Dove Awards, the song was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, [11] losing to Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move". [12] "American Dream" was released to Christian rock radio on June 26, 2004, [13] after the February release of "Who Am I", the album's second single, [14] [15] and before the September release on "Voice of Truth", the album's third single. [16] [17] Reunion Records, the band's record label, does not consider "American Dream" to have been an official single, considering "If We Are the Body", "Who Am I", and "Voice of Truth" as the three singles from the album. [17] "American Dream" did receive airplay at Christian rock radio, but not enough to appear on the Radio & Records Christian Rock chart. [18]

Promotion

On October 5, 2003 at the band's church in Atlanta, Georgia, the band performed "American Dream"; this version was later included on their 2004 live album Live from Atlanta . [19] At an April 1, 2005 concert at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Casting Crowns performed it as the third song on their set list. [20] At an July 10, 2005 concert at Seaholm High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Casting Crowns performed it as their third song in their set list. [21] "American Dream" was included on the 2004 compilation album Dove Hits 2004 [22] and the 2005 compilation album Pure Hits. [23] An acoustic version of the song was included on the band's 2013 album The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One . [24]

"American Dream" was recorded as the band's first music video. [19] The video was directed by Karl Horstmann and produced by John Hembree. [25] The video depicts a man's crumbling relationship as he neglects his family in pursuit of his career; the video interspaces the story with the band performing at a baseball field, Hall walking through the streets of a city, and the man unsuccessfully trying to maintain a sandcastle as the tide comes in to shore. [26] The music video was included on their live album Live from Atlanta. [19] as well as the 'Gift Edition' and DualDisc version of Casting Crowns [8] [27] and the DVD version of WOW Hits 2005 . [28] Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms described the video as "rather effective", praising the video's imagery of "a businessman futilely trying to make a sandcastle as the tide rushes in". [5] The music video for "American Dream" was nominated for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 36th GMA Dove Awards; [11] it ultimately lost to the music video for Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move". [12]

Credits and personnel

Credits taken from Allmusic. [29]

Release and radio history

DateFormatLabel
June 26, 2004Christian rock radio [13] Beach Street/Reunion/PLG

Related Research Articles

Sanctus Real American Christian rock band

Sanctus Real is an American Christian rock band formed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1996. The group is composed of Chris Rohman, Mark Graalman (drums), and Dustin Lolli. The band is best known for their number one singles "Lead Me", "Forgiven", "Whatever You're Doing", "I'm Not Alright", "Don't Give Up", "We Need Each Other", "Everything About You", and "The Fight Song". Since 2002, they have released five albums through the Sparrow Records label, an independent EP This Is Love, and "Changed" on Framework Records.

Casting Crowns Christian Rock band

Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian and Christian rock band started in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall, who serves as the band's lead vocalist, as part of a youth group at First Baptist Church in Downtown Daytona Beach, Florida. They later moved to Stockbridge, Georgia, and more members joined. Some members of the band currently work as ministers for Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, Georgia. The band has won a Grammy and a Dove Award.

<i>Casting Crowns</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns is the first studio album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman, the album was released on October 7, 2003, by Beach Street Records. It incorporates a pop rock and rock sound, with the main instruments used in the album being guitar, keyboard and violin. Casting Crowns received positive reviews from music critics, many of whom praised the album's lyrics and production quality. It was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 35th GMA Dove Awards, while its singles were nominated for and received various awards.

<i>Lifesong</i> 2005 studio album by Casting Crowns

Lifesong is the second studio album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns, released on August 30, 2005 by 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 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.

Fireflight Christian rock band from America

Fireflight is an American Christian rock band formed in Eustis, Florida in 1999. The band is signed by Flicker Records. They have played in ShoutFest, Revelation Generation, and have been featured on The Scars Remain tour with Disciple, Family Force 5, and Decyfer Down. While touring, they wrote their third album, Unbreakable (2008), and released their first single off the album, "Unbreakable". They performed at Winter Jam 2010 and released their fourth full-length album For Those Who Wait in February. On December 1, 2010, they were nominated for their first Grammy award. In 2012 they came out with their fifth full-length album Now.

"If We Are the Body" is the debut single by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman, it was released as the lead single from the band's 2003 self-titled debut album through Beach Street Records on July 26, 2003. The song, originally written by Hall as a "teaching tool" for his youth group, is a CCM and acoustic rock song. It incorporates the violin, mandolin, and accordion in its arrangement and questions why the Christian church does not minister impartially.

"Who Am I" is a song recorded by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller and Steven Curtis Chapman, it was released on February 22, 2004, as the second single from the band's 2003 self-titled debut album. A pop rock and adult contemporary ballad, the song is based around the piano and utilizes orchestral sounds. Lyrically, the song is centered on worshiping God. The song received positive reviews from music critics upon its release, with several regarding it as one of the best songs on their debut album.

Lifesong (song) 2005 single by Casting Crowns

"Lifesong" is a song recorded by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller, it was released as the lead single from the band's 2005 album of the same name. According to Mark Hall, the lead vocalist of Casting Crowns, "Lifesong" came out of what he found himself saying to students in his church's youth ministry. Compared to the work of rock band U2, the song lyrically points believers towards honoring God in all they do.

Between You and Me (DC Talk song) 1996 single by DC Talk

"Between You and Me" is a song by the American contemporary Christian music group DC Talk. Released in 1996, it was the second radio and commercial single released from the group's fourth album, Jesus Freak.

"Does Anybody Hear Her" is a song recorded by Christian rock band Casting Crowns, released by Beach Street Records, Reunion Records, and Provident Label Group. Written by Mark Hall and produced by Mark A. Miller, it was released on September 23, 2006 as the third single from the band's 2005 album Lifesong. An alternative CCM and adult contemporary song, "Does Anybody Hear Her" relates the story of a girl who is being pushed away by the Christian church as well as the message that condemning other people is wrong.

<i>Peace on Earth</i> (Casting Crowns album) 2008 studio album by Casting Crowns

Peace on Earth is the first Christmas album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Produced by Mark Hall and Mark A. Miller, it was released on October 7, 2008. Intended by Hall to bring out the worshipful aspect of Christmas, the album does not have songs relating to secular Christmas traditions, instead featuring a mix of traditional Christmas carols and original songs. As co-producer, Hall attempted to differentiate the album from their previous ones by attempting to use creative ideas they had not tried before, and he also wanted to utilize the band's female members in a broader and more visible role on the album.

"Slow Fade" is a song by Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall, it was released as the third single from Casting Crowns' 2007 studio album The Altar and the Door. Written after the public falls from grace of several church leaders, "Slow Fade" is a cautionary tale against making the wrong choices. It was positively received by music critics, who praised the song's lyrical theme.

<i>Until the Whole World Hears</i> 2009 studio album by Casting Crowns

Until the Whole World Hears is the fourth studio album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Released on November 17, 2009, the album was produced by Mark. A Miller and features a sound that has been described as 'pure American rock', 'soft adult contemporary', and 'CCM'. Lyrically, the album discusses Christian subjects such as God, Jesus, and salvation, with several songs being reinventions of classic hymns. Until the Whole World Hears sold over 167,000 copies in its first week, Casting Crowns' highest sales week to date, and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. In the United States, the album ranked as the 37th best-selling album of 2010 and the 137th best-selling album of 2011; it ranked as the first and third best-selling Christian album in those years, respectively. It has sold over 1.1 million copies and been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Casting Crowns discography

The discography of Casting Crowns, an American Christian rock band, consists of eight studio albums, two independent albums, two holiday albums, five live albums, and 24 singles. Casting Crowns was formed in 1999 as a student worship band in Daytona Beach, Florida, with a lineup consisting of Mark Hall (vocals), Melodee DeVevo (violin), Juan DeVevo (guitars) and Hector Cervantes (guitars). The band relocated to McDonough, Georgia in 2001 and added Chris Huffman, Megan Garrett (keyboard) and Andy Williams (drums). The band released two independent records, one of which was discovered by Mark Miller, a country musician. Miller signed the band to his record label, Beach Street Records, a division of Reunion Records.

<i>Come to the Well</i> 2011 studio album by Casting Crowns

Come to the Well is the fifth studio album by American contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns, released on October 18, 2011, through Beach Street and Reunion Records. The album, which has a predominantly pop rock and rock sound, was based on the Biblical story of the woman at the well. In writing the album, lead vocalist Mark Hall collaborated with songwriters Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, and Tom Douglas. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the album's songwriting, and received the award for Top Christian Album at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.

"Courageous" is a song by contemporary Christian music band Casting Crowns, released by Beach Street Records, Reunion Records, and Provident Label Group. Written by Mark Hall and Matthew West and produced by Mark A. Miller, it was released on July 19, 2011 as the first single from the band's 2011 album Come to the Well. Hall has said the inspiration for the song was at the National Day of Prayer breakfast in 2008. A rock, pop rock and soft rock song, it calls fathers to be better spiritual leaders.

<i>The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One</i> 2013 studio album by Casting Crowns

The Acoustic Sessions: Volume One is a studio album by American contemporary Christian music band Casting Crowns of re-recorded, acoustic renditions of the band's songs that contains worship music elements. This album was released on January 22, 2013 through Beach Street and Reunion Records, and produced by Mark A. Miller. This album received mostly positive reviews from critics.

"Already There" is a song by American Christian music group Casting Crowns. The song was written by lead singer, Mark Hall, along with Matthew West and Bernie Herms.

Silverline is a contemporary Christian music band from Brainerd, Minnesota. They are on the Dream Records label.

<i>Thrive</i> (Casting Crowns album) 2014 studio album by Casting Crowns

Thrive is the sixth studio album by American contemporary Christian music band Casting Crowns. Released on January 28, 2014 through Beach Street and Reunion Records, the album was produced by Mark A. Miller. Musically, the album, whose concept was inspired by Psalms 1 from the Bible, has a rock and contemporary Christian sound with influences from folk and bluegrass. The album received mostly positive reviews from music critics for its lyrics and musical diversity, but some critics felt that some songs were too similar to the work of other artists or to their own previous work.

References

  1. ↑ "American Dream". Casting Crowns.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  2. ↑ Casting Crowns (DualDisc) (Media notes). Casting Crowns. Beach Street Records. 2003. p. 10.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ↑ Kittle, Ashleigh. "Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on October 31, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Casting Crowns – American Dream Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com EMI Christian Music Group. MN0062100.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Breimeier, Russ (September 2003). "Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns". Christianity Today . Archived from the original on March 12, 2009. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  6. 1 2 3 Farias, Andree (August 2007). "Casting Crowns - The Altar and the Door". Christianity Today . Archived from the original on January 6, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  7. 1 2 3 Ayers, Belinda S. "'Casting Crowns'". CBN.com. Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  8. 1 2 Cummings, Tony (January 17, 2006). "Review: Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns". Cross Rhythms . Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  9. ↑ Vander Loop, Jessica (September 27, 2004). "Casting Crowns, "Live From Atlanta" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  10. ↑ Gelwicks, Roger (January 20, 2013). "Acoustic Sessions: Volume 1". Jesus Freak Hideout. Archived from the original on March 26, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  11. 1 2 "Nominees for the 36th Annual GMA Music Awards". Gospel Music Association. Archived from the original on March 22, 2005. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  12. 1 2 Camacho, Justin (April 14, 2005). "36th Annual GMA Dove Awards Wrap-Up". Christian Post . Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  13. 1 2 "Going for Adds – Christian Rock". Radio & Records . June 26, 2004. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Going for Adds – Christian AC". Radio & Records . February 22, 2004. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Casting Crowns Sets Record By Claiming No. 1 Position On Multiple Radio Formats". Reunion Records. May 26, 2004. Archived from the original on June 6, 2004. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Going for Adds – Christian AC". Radio & Records . September 18, 2004. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  17. 1 2 ""Voice of Truth" Becomes Casting Crowns' Third Consecutive #1 Radio Single". Reunion Records. November 18, 2004. Archived from the original on December 10, 2004. Retrieved March 31, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Christian Rock National Airplay (September 3, 2004)". Radio & Records . Archived from the original on September 5, 2004. Retrieved March 31, 2013.
  19. 1 2 3 Camacho, Justin (November 5, 2004). "Casting Crowns "Live From Atlanta" Certified Platinum By RIAA". Christian Post . Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  20. ↑ DiBiase, John (April 3, 2005). "All Things New Tour 2005". Jesus Freak Hideout. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  21. ↑ Summerford, Lauren. "All Things New Tour 2005". Jesus Freak Hideout. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Dove Hits 2004". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on March 30, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Pure Hits". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  24. ↑ Monger, James Christopher. "The Acoustic Sessions, Vol. 1". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  25. ↑ Casting Crowns (DualDisc) (Media notes). Casting Crowns. Beach Street Records. 2003. p. CD case.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ↑ "Casting Crowns - American Dream". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  27. ↑ Longville, Anthony (June 11, 2007). "Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns (Gift Edition)". Cross Rhythms . Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  28. ↑ "WOW Hits 2005 [DVD]". Allmusic . Archived from the original on September 30, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
  29. ↑ "Casting Crowns – Casting Crowns (Credits)". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on October 11, 2015. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.