Sanctus Real returns with their new studio album Pieces of a Real Heart. Working with acclaimed producers Chris Stevens (Tobymac, Sanctus Real, Matthew West) and Jason Ingram & Rusty Varenkamp (Tenth Avenue North, Rush of Fools, Bebo Norman) this album finds the band maturing and growing as songwriters and individuals. Pieces of a Real Heart is the sound of a rock band retaining their aggressive edge but incorporating more diverse musical instrumentation and sounds – as heard on the debut single “Forgiven”.
With over 350,000 career units sold, Sanctus Real has a strong radio history with 6 #1 CHR singles, 6 Top 5 singles and 2 AC Top 20 singles. Their debut single “Forgiven” is already connecting with radio listeners, and explores the theme of forgiveness in a profound and simple way. “The working-out of forgiveness is so key to our growth and maturity as followers of Jesus,” says lead singer Matt Hammitt. “The very idea that we have been forgiven for so much wrong moves, reforms, transforms and heals us. As we were framing ‘Forgiven’ around this concept, we realized that this was such a fundamental aim for all of us – to forgive and be forgiven.”
The standout track “Lead Me” is further evidence of the band’s musical and lyrical growth, as the song follows a husband striving to lead his wife and family. Already getting a strong response live, the song will further connect with listeners when it’s released to radio in early 2010.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
01.
Forgiven
02.
These Things Take Time
03.
The Way The World Turns
04.
Lead Me
05.
The Redeemer
06.
Take Over Me
07.
I Want To Get Lost
08.
'Til I Got To Know You
09.
Dear Heart
10.
I'll Show You How To Live
11.
Keep My Heart Alive
Entry last edited by on 03.12.10
(25)
Total Review(s) |
Average NRTeam Rating:
Sort Reviews By:
Most Helpful | Most Recent
| Showing reviews 21 through 30 of 25:Previous Page |
Sanctus Really Disapointing| Posted March 02, 2010
What a disappointment. After Sanctus Real's last two catchy albums I was expecting to hear another infectious 60 minutes of fine pop rock.
What I heard was a band out of idea's or one seeking safety. In doing so Sanctus Real have lost the spark and colour of previous albums.
After great releases from Needtobreathe, Toby Mac and Phil Wickham I was hoping Sanctus Real would join the list. Unfortunately it's not to be.
amazing!| Posted March 02, 2010
wow. that's all i can say. upon hearing this album, i was simply blown away! not only are lead singer matt hammit's vocals absolutely amazing, the lyrics! the lyrics are so honest and transparent yet so deep it's incredible! this cd challenges people to think about their lives while at the same time ending each song with the hope of Jesus. so many christian rock bands have strayed from the Truth...sanctus real is firm in their faith and not about to change it! this album is a must-buy...it's incredible and so is the band. :)
Stellar| Posted March 01, 2010
This album is softer and smoother than their previous "We Need Each Other." It shows a nice change of pace, and is definitely something I look forward to adding to my collection.
Inspirationless, Judged Fairly| Posted March 04, 2010
The Christian music industry is a sour, messy place. Theoretically, Christian music should be the best music in the world: powerful songwriting comes from good inspiration, so the most powerful music in the world would sensibly come from musicians who are playing under the direct inspiration of the creator of the universe. Talented musicians use creativity straight from The Creator in order to worship Him and also give fellow believers a way to gather together in a simple and earnest form of worship for everyone. But rarely is this the case, for these modern rock/gospel bands are often cited for bringing terrible music to the world, music that rewrites pop songs with biblical lyrics.
Honestly, a lot of religious artists are this way. They have a heart to make music that is worshipful, but they lack some mix of the real musical talent or divine inspiration needed to create the caliber of music God deserves. That’s when a listener must remember that Christian music has become an “industry.” Gospel record labels need to have a roster of artists that keep selling records. Sometimes, even talented bands who have clearly worn the stamp of God’s touch in their music sometimes end up releasing an album that simply doesn’t have inspiration.
In 2008, Sanctus Real (whose name technically means “true holiness”) released We Need Each Other, a fantastic album that mixed meaningful lyrics with flawless and oftentimes unique pop/rock songwriting. Their follow-up, 2010’s Pieces of a Real Heart, is no such masterpiece. With the release of their fifth full-length record, the band clearly knows what they’re doing. As musicians and songwriters, they know how to put 2 +2 together so to form well-crafted pop tunes. But the inspiration isn’t present at all. Not only is the music retreading past ground, but the melodies don’t have any true emotion and the lyrics rarely have much to say. It’s not hard to fall for the catchy hook and chugging guitars of “Take Over Me” or to enjoy the story of a growing child in “I’ll Show You How to Live,” but the album is just a template with no lasting effect.
The album’s brightest spot is “Dear Heart,” with its quirky indie-pop feel and its revelatory lyrics: “Dear heart, do you belong to me or do I belong to you? Just look at all the trouble you dragged me into. I’ve heard it said to follow your heart, but oh heart, you’ve let me down, chasing love where it can’t be found. All of your emotions have led me to doubt.” But even if this song were perfect, an album could never be recommended when it advertises a real heart and in fact has no heart at all.
to add lyrics if not listed.
