The Very Next Thing marks Casting Crowns' 15th release and eighth studio album since the label debut release in 2003. With more than nine million records sold, the band currently holds the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music since 2007.Â
Casting Crowns began in, serves in and continues to be rooted in the local church. It is at the local level that they are walking along with people in ministry and where the inspiration for albums are formed. "Because we have the honor of walking with people in our churches, we get to see what people are going through - the issues that are impacting everyone now," shares front man Mark Hall. "It is in these situations that ideas are born for what we all need to hear right here right now."Â
The Very Next Thing is full of intimate songs as well as upbeat, fresh sounding tracks that will meet the listener with lyrics that impact with a strong message song after song. Hall shares the inspiration behind the new album and title: "We are all in different stages of 'next.' There's a next step from where you are right now. We all feel like there's a stage that we to reach to move to what is next - but God has you right here right now for your 'next,' and all of these songs touch on that idea."
"I think we all believe the gospel," says Mark Hall, "we all want it, we're just not sure what we're supposed to do next. We've got this idea of an awesome walk with Jesus out there somewhere, and we're looking for the bridge to get over to it. Serving God isn't this giant dream a year from now. It's not this thing He's going to have you do in a month. It's right now. Following God is the next word of love that I need to speak to somebody, the very next heart that needs to be encouraged. Ministry isn't on Sunday; it's not on a stage. It's you, where you are, doing the next thing God tells you to do."
The Very Next Thing is a collection of intimate songs as well as upbeat, fresh sounding tracks with impactful lyrics centred around identifying and acting on what's right next to you.