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Jesus, Friend of Sinners

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners"
Single by Casting Crowns
from the album Come to the Well
Released March 3, 2012
Format Digital download
Recorded Zoo Studio (Franklin, TN)
Lifesong Studio (McDonough, GA)
Eagle's Landing Studio (McDonough, GA)
Ocean Way Studios (Nashville, TN)
Genre Christian rock, pop rock
Length 5:38
Label Beach Street
Writer(s) Mark Hall, Matthew West
Producer(s) Mark A. Miller
Casting Crowns singles chronology
"Courageous"
(2011)
"Jesus, Friend of Sinners"
(2012)

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" is a song by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Written by Mark Hall and Matthew West and produced by Mark A. Miller, it was released as the second single from the band's 2011 album Come to the Well. The song has been regarded musically as a "pop hymn" and lyrically "admonishes the church to show compassion".

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" met with a positive reception from critics, many of whom praised the song's lyrical content. A music video has been released for the song. It has peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Soft AC/Inspirational chart, No. 2 on the Billboard Christian AC Indicator chart, No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs and Hot Christian AC charts, and No. 20 on the Christian CHR chart.

Casting Crowns' frontman, Mark Hall wrote "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" to address the idea that the world knows those who follow the Christian faith more for what they oppose than what they support; he stated that the song is a "reminder that we need to do something about that". He also commented that, despite the use of "strong words" in the song to grab attention, the true focus of the song is the chorus, which calls the church to be more aware of the world and to let their hearts be "led by mercy". While Hall noted the song was "one of the more direct songs [Casting Crowns] have written", he said that "it also speaks truth. And I think believers should speak truth to each other as long as we do it in love". Additionally, Hall noted that the band isn't simply criticizing others within the church with the song; he commented the first verse of the song speaks about himself.

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" was written by Mark Hall and Matthew West and produced by Mark A. Miller. It was recorded by Sam Hewitt at Zoo Studio in Franklin, Tennessee; additional recording was conducted by Michael Hewitt at Lifesong Studio in McDonough, Georgia. Some vocal recording was conducted by Billy Lord at Eagle's Landing Studio in McDonough, Georgia. The string sections on the song were arranged by David Davidson and recorded by Bacho Shin at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Mixing was handled by Sam Hewitt, while digital editing was done by Matt Naylor and Michael Hewitt. The song was submixed by Bacho Shin at ShinShack Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and it was mastered by Andrew Mendleson at Georgetown Masters in Nashville, Tennessee.


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