A New Season For A Veteran Artist
Posted November 17, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
When mid-2015 delivered the news that longtime frontman Matt Hammitt was leaving Sanctus Real, many Christian music listeners--myself included--feared that we may be done hearing new music from the CCM mainstay. While Matt did indeed take some time away to focus on his family, fans can now rejoice: he's back and possibly better than ever.
Nearly a year after Matt's departure from the band, he announced his partnership with Full Circle Music, a publishing company headed by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Seth Mosely. "Tears," Matt's debut single from his new solo project, released at the first of the year and marked a new beginning for the veteran singer. Now he follows it up with his self-titled full-length album.
Piano ballad "Heaven Knows" serves as an autobiographical opening as Matt takes listeners into the emotional wrestling behind this season of transition. The standout track on the album, "Could've Been," continues the theme of faith in new places of uncertainty. Lively "I Saw The Light" is sure to be stuck on repeat, offering lyrics about revival with a sonic backdrop that will quickly get listeners engaged.
While newer fans may not know it, this isn't Matt's first solo project (check out his 2011 debut album Every Falling Tear). Defined best by recently released "He Always Wins" and heartfelt lead single "Tears," the new sound on Matt Hammitt moves more toward the worship/AC feeling of his first solo record than the pop rock tunes of his Sanctus Real days.
Reminiscing "Footprints" sings of the protection and faithfulness Christ shows His children, much like peppy "You're Watching Over Me." A touching dedication to their marriage, "To The Finish" features a special treat as Matt's wife Sarah sings on the track. Immediately followed by a newly recorded version of Sanctus Real's hit "Lead Me," these two songs focus on the importance of a Godly relationship-- a subject that has played a big role in Matt's life post-band with his Lead Me Lifecast. Closing out the album, "Life Is Good" offers a sunny perspective.
The Bottom Line: In case there was ever a question, Matt Hammitt proves that Matt's talent is far more than just the sum of his time as Sanctus Real's lead singer. While fronting the band was a huge part of his musical career that no doubt helped shaped this record, Matt is an artist in his own right, and he showcases that in a powerful way on this album. Matt Hammitt successfully sees the veteran singer stepping boldly into a brand new season, carrying with him all the maturity of someone who has been doing this for over twenty years while still singing with the authenticity of someone finding their own voice for the very first time.
For Fans Of: Sanctus Real, Matthew West, Josh Wilson
Song To Download Now:
"Could've Been" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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