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.
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Wow| Posted March 09, 2010
Words I can use to describe this album: honest, emotional, real, powerful, relatable. You can tell Sanctus Real has matured a lot and you can tell by their songwriting on this album. SR have a signature sound which is still on this album, but they have slowed down a bit. This fact is not bad, in fact it is enjoyable. It truly sets the mood. Great work.
Two thumbs up!| Posted March 08, 2010
As usual, Sanctus Real does not disappoint with their new album "Pieces of a Real Heart". I saw these guys a few years back at WinterJam and fell in love with their sound. It was a blessing as well to have them sing at a local "FaithFest" event in my small town in VA last year about this time. I pray that God will continue to bless these guys and that they may keep using the talent God has given them to glorify Him and encourage other Christians!
Good Album| Posted March 08, 2010
I am familiar with Sanctus Real but never a hard core fan of them. They are one of those bands I will listen to on Air1 or the fish but probably won't buy the album. Although I would buy the individual song "Forgiven" off itunes or a music store.
My Heart Was Touched| Posted March 05, 2010
Sanctus Real's new CD,"Pieces of a real Heart" is
a very moving,spirit filling CD.From the opening song "Forgiven",the songs flow together to bring the listener to a closer relationship with the Lord.All the songs are excellent.My two favorites
are "These Things Take Time" and "Dear Heart".I expect "Lead Me","Keep My Heart Alive" and "I want to get Lost" to be big hits as well.
I like the fact that this CD is different from the rest of SR CD's. to me this shows the band's
growth as well as flexibility.It is good to know that they cannot be limited to just one type of music.
I cannot wait to purchase this CD for myself next
week. This is a sure fire top 10 CD for 2010.
PS The review written by Kevin Davis is outstanding. Read this one and mine and disregard all the negative reviews of this CD.
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.
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. :)
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.
Pieces Of A Real Heart| Posted March 02, 2010
The new "Pieces of a Real Heart" album from Sanctus Real is a great album. Although it is a little softer than past albums, it stays true to the band's style. With songs such as "Lead Me", which comes from a personal story, you will be able to tell that this album is truly from the band's heart.
Pieces Of A Real Heart| Posted March 02, 2010
The new album "Pieces of a Real Heart" from Sanctus real is a great album. Although it is softer than past albums from the band, it stays true to the band's style. With songs such as "Lead Me" that has a personal story in it, you will be able to tell that this new album is truly from the band's heart.
Sanctus Real: Pieces of a Real Heart| Posted March 02, 2010
I just finished listening to the new Sanctus Real cd 'Pieces of a Real Heart'. This is a great cd, it seems like each song hit a topic so relavent in today's world. I will definitely be putting this cd on my wish list.
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