Sanctus Real was one of the most successful bands in Christian rock in the mid to late 2000’s. But as they entered the 2010’s, the band found themselves exploring new sonic territory as the men behind the band matured and advanced to new places in life. As the band’s 2010 album turns 10 this year, we take a look back at what would be a surprisingly pivotal album for the SR boys.

A Sonic Turning Point

After producing several No. 1 rock hits in their first four national albums, Pieces of a Real Heart is arguably the album that cemented the band’s shift in a musical tone. While 2008’s We Need Each Other offered the first real glimpses of the band’s AC direction, it’s this album where they made a decided shift for a new format. And while rock fans would mourn the loss of the band that gave us hits like “I’m Not Alright” and “The Fight Song,” the band’s new era would still offer some decided defining cuts for their new sound. Lead single “Forgiven” became an instant success and it’s energetic pop vibes made for a fan favorite for live settings. But it’s the ballad “Lead Me” that has gone on to become arguably the band’s signature song. More on this one in a bit.

While this album still offers the last gasp of the band’s edgier rock days with “Take Over Me” (which became reasonably successful at Christian rock radio) and “I Want To Get Lost,” this album definitely opened up the new chapter of the band’s career that would prove no less rewarding for fans.

As the boys of Sanctus Real were becoming fathers, the topic of a man’s leadership role in the family weighed on their hearts and produced one of the defining anthems about fatherhood ever put to music. In an age where we seem to have an increasing want for fathers firm in their commitment to Christ, this song is a timely reminder of the great responsibilities and need for a father to lead his family, and in turn, be led by Christ. For lead vocalist Matt Hammitt (who would depart the band a few short years later), the song “Lead Me” is still a defining topic of who he is as an artist. It’s the title of his new book on parenthood. It’s a song that still drives his artistry even years after he’s left the band. And that song all started on this album. A band known for their rock anthems found unprecedented success and purpose in an AC radio ballad. 

The themes of fatherhood ran through the album, with songs like “I’ll Show You How To Live” and “These Things Take Time” also being relevant to a man’s walk. In a way, linking probing of our hearts with fatherhood is a perfect match that made for a timely and important album. While it may not have redefined the genre, it definitely redefined this band. It offered some of the more thought-provoking themes of CCM at the time, and still feels fresh as ever at 10 years old.