Come to the Well

Inspired by the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, Come to the Well, the fifth studio album from multiple award-winning, contemporary Christian rock outfit Casting Crowns, uses the tale's central message of forgiveness and grace as its foundation, offering up 12 lovingly crafted songs that exemplify the band's ever-expanding range. Opening with the one-two punch of first single "Courageous" and the lush, string-laden "City on the Hill," Come to the Well feels a little front-loaded. While the album's mid-section features some nice, emotive moments in "Already There" and "Wedding Day," both of which echo "Clocks"-era Coldplay, tracks like the grungy "My Own Worst Enemy" and the predictable "Angel" feel a bit tacked on, despite their good intentions. ~ James Christopher Monger