Faced with every parents worst nightmare, Matt’s faith was tested over the course of his wife’s pregnancy, but having already overcome numerous challenges as a family, this was not a battle they were going to back down from without a fight. Over the course of the next several months, Matt’s songwriting became a conduit in which he could express himself freely, to God and to his family. 

 

In September of 2010, their son, Bowen, meaning “small, victorious one”, was born. And nearly one year and two open heart surgeries later, Bowen has defied all the doctor’s odds of survival. He is a happy one-year-old boy who is a living example of God moving in the midst of prayer. 

 

Having complied a handful of songs during this trying season of his life, Matt was encouraged by his Sanctus Real band mates to release these songs to the public and share the story of how he not only overcame his fears for the worst, but how his faith was strengthened through the aptly titled, Every Falling Tear.

 

The album starts off with the heart-wrenching “All Of Me”, an anthem in which Matt promises to love his son with all his heart, and not with the fear he might lose him. It gives you the automatic feel of what this family went though during the first several months of Bowen’s life, and offers the message that no fear can overshadow the power of love. “Holding You” is a song written for Sarah, as a reminder to cling to Christ even when things get tough.  

 

“Let Go”, a song co-penned by Joy Williams of The Civil Wars fame, talks of walking by faith even when we can’t see the outcome of our circumstance, while “Trust” follows up on that idea, by bringing to remembrance all the times God has been faithful in the past, and how because of His faithfulness, we need to continually place our trust in Him. 

 

“You Are My Treasure” is the shifting song on the album, in which the listener begins to immerge from the valley and into the light. It’s a beautiful song of praise, referring to Jesus as our treasure in life. I hope to hear it as a radio single in the future. “Without You” shares the message of how we sometimes only look at the big miracles in life and pay little attention to the small ones. Ultimately reminding us that every day of life is a miracle itself, and walking with Jesus is what gives that life a purpose. 

 

The lyrically stunning “Let It Bring You Praise” is my favorite track on the entire record, comparing our lives to a page in a story God is writing. A page in which our lives are made for a reason, and that’s to bring him praise: “before I was born, You numbered my days, the story is Yours, I’m just a page, with every word, I wanna proclaim, let my life proclaim, let it bring You praise…” 

 

“Little Light” and “I Couldn’t Love You More” serve as two soothing lullabies written to Matt’s three children, “Little Light” featuring and outstanding appearance by female vocalist Audrey Assad. The album finally comes to a close with the uplifting “This Is Grace”, a song bringing the theme of this project full circle, reminding the listener that the reason for suffering is to give God the platform to move mightily in our lives. 

 

This album as a whole serves as a 10 song progression from darkness to light. Beginning in the pit of the darkest valley, and ending at the sunrise of the highest mountain. Every Falling Tear is a lyrical masterpiece, and by far some of Matt Hammitt’s strongest songwriting to date. I was blown away by the transparency found in these lyrics, and absolutely breath taken by how a song so simple could be so powerful. Musically, this isn’t the upbeat pop/rock style of music Sanctus Real fans have gotten used to over the years, but I think that’s what sets this project apart. This is hands down one of the top 10 Christian albums of the year and one longtime fans of the band and beyond will NOT want to miss. I speak for many when I say it has been a privilege to hear how the Hammitt family’s story has unfolded over this last year, and their continuing platform to bring hope to the hurting is sure to leave a legacy we won’t soon forget.