Music Review: Pieces Of A Real Heart
Posted March 23, 2010
By ChristianManifesto,
By Brian Hall, Lydia Akinola, & Thomas Jenkins
GENRE: ROCK
LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 9, 2010
BRIAN HALL’S RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5
LYDIA AKINOLA’S RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5
THOMAS JENKINS: 3.5 OUT OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.9 OUT OF 5
Brian Hall’s Review:
Sanctus Real is one of the few bands that only gets better with time. From their first album “Say It Loud” to their second album “Fight The Tide” there was a noticeable lyrical difference, but not much musical difference. But with “The Face Of Love” back in 2006, the bands direction as a whole was uprooted. The lyrics were a significant jump above the already high level they had set for themselves, the music was more mature; more Sanctus Real than Relient K. With that album, Matt Hammitt and Co. delivered singles that resounded with CHR & AC audiences alike. Continuing their trend of one-upping themselves they released “We Need Each Other” in 2007, and it was another smash that provides more lyrical depth and musical maturity. Now “Pieces Of A Real Heart” is up to bat, but does it live up to its predecessors very high standards? It does, and it even outdoes all other Sanctus Real albums to date.
From the banjo infused opening track and first radio single, “Forgiven” (which has sat prettily in the top 10 CCM tracks for many weeks now) to the moving and contemplative closer, “Keep My Heart Alive” the guys of Sanctus Real deliver the goods. The album explores themes that are at once personal and universal. “The Way The World Turns” deals with despair and doubt and the comfort and joy that comes from Christ, “I Feel the current pulling me down/Can’t keep the world from turning around/So I keep turning to You… ‘Cause you’re the hope of a new sunrise…”. Even family life is explored with lyrical poise and musical excellence (I was actually reminded of Sara Groves’s most recent album as far as basic lyrical punch goes) on “Lead Me”, “In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife… on the inside, I can hear her saying// Lead me with strong hands/Stand up when I can’t…”. Even an inquisitive and scornful letter to their hearts on “Dear Heart”, “Oh, Heart, you’ve let me down/Chasing love where it can’t be found…”.
All in all this is a five star album that deserves every praise and accolade available. Each track gripped me in different ways. Be it powerful lyrics (which are in no short supply here) or addictive melodies. Hammitt’s vocals are uniformly impeccable and the musicianship is expert. I honestly couldn’t find a single thing to complain about. It isn’t a copy of a previous formula or structure, it’s just Sanctus Real doing what they do best; delivering quality music that is accessible but unique.
Lydia Akinola’s Review:
There is no doubt about it: Sanctus Real deserve their spot as one of Christian music’s favourite bands. Pieces of a Real Heart is splendid, inspiring music, chock-full with that Sanctus Real sound so many of us love.
There is another thing that is clear: Pieces of a Real Heart is no We Need Each Other or Face of Love. Instead of spewing out a rehash of their old hits, the guys in Sanctus Real have done something that should make us sit up and notice. Pieces of a Real Heart signifies a completely new direction for the band, with softer, more melodic tracks than have ever been seen from them before. This new side displays the same captivating music and engaging lyrics as all its predecessors, but also goes to show that Sanctus Real have gone above and beyond what we expected in their fifth LP.
The first single “Forgiven” is the opening track and has already wowed listeners of CCM radio with its engaging message of forgiveness. As an opener is sets the bar for the rest of the album. A real ‘stand-out’ track, exceptional in the depths of what it communicates- is “Lead Me”, a prayer for every father in the land, inspiring be all that they can be. Born out of a personal experience, Matt Hammitt’s voice comes into its own, carrying the entire song beautifully. Almost before we recover, “The Redeemer” picks up emotionally where “Lead Me” left off. Lyrically powerful, the sincerity of the message of trust stays with you long after the song finishes –“I’ve given up on too many things/ But I’m not giving up on You/ Cause You can make anything new”.
Fans of the edgy rock Sanctus Real produce so well will find solace in “Take Over Me”- one of the few rock ballads on Pieces of a Real Heart. The calls for surrender and release are beautiful accompanied by top notch work from Pete Pervost and Dan Gartley. The other louder track – “I Want To Get Lost” offers a fantastic selection of all the best elements of alternative rock. Furthermore, the honest, confessional lyrics avoid trite phrases whilst acknowledging our shortcomings – “It was easy to find my way/Not as easy to get out/Oh the roads to my own rule/Are too easily found”.
What puts Sanctus Real ahead of others in their field are their consistence, their maturity and remarkable musical ability. In terms of consistence, every new record is always an improvement on previous efforts, maintaining what is good, but still pushing at limits that they haven’t tried before. In regards to maturity, Sanctus Real are never afraid to tackle the weighty issues in which we all fall; yet they avoid clichés and stereotyped expressions choosing instead originality, ingenuity, and impact. Pieces of a Real Heart contains some of the best lyrics I have heard from the band. “These Things Take Time” is a perfect example.
How could success make us feel like failures?
And the harder we fall the harder we try
The more I have the more I need
Just to feel like I’m getting by
But these alone do not make bestselling albums. One still needs a solid foundation of truly know how to create a memorable tune, how to mould the perfect song. It is here that Sanctus Real really shine, the music that they create speaks for itself. Pieces of a Real Heart has been created with care and the finished article is truly exceptional. Perfect in almost everyway, this album has been a fantastic addition to my collection of Sanctus Real treasures.
Thomas Jenkins’ Review:
Sanctus Real is one of the biggest forces in the Christian music industry. Their singles, “I’m Not Alright”, and “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” were both very popular, and are a major factor for the band’s popularity. They’ve always been known for delivering catchy pop/rock tunes, and honest, thought provoking lyrics. While that may sound like a lot of Christian bands, Sanctus Real genuinely does it, and manages to put out songs that are both memorable and well crafted.
The first thing that jumped out at me about Sanctus Real’s new album was how polished and smooth it was. It’s evident from the first few minutes (although I’m not a huge fan of the banjo on “Forgiven”) that this is a band that knows exactly what sound they’re going for, and are achieving it very well. There isn’t a single song on Pieces of a Real Heart that isn’t completely sure of where it wants to go, and does a solid job of getting there. Singer Matt Hammit’s voice blends perfectly with the instrumentals, and the various elements of the vocals, guitar, drum and bass parts, and the honest heartfelt lyrics all make Pieces of a Real Heart a great listening experience.
That being said, of course, it’s not perfect. The first issue with the album is the songwriting. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s solid. But if you take the songs here and compare them to other Sanctus Real favorites such as “Eloquent” and “I’m Not Alright”, one can’t help but see that a step down has been taken, however miniscule that step may have been. Other than that, the only main problem is that however polished and smooth it may be, Pieces of a Real Heart seems a bit too safe at times. As I said above, Sanctus Real’s found their sound, and they’re not going to change their formula.
Pieces of a Real Heart is a great album from a band that deserves a great album. It’s hard not to like Sanctus Real when they put out songs as honest as “I’m Not Alright”, as catchy as “Forgiven” and still manage to keep a good bit of creativity in their songwriting. This is a band that can actually create pop/rock songs that are fun, catchy, honest, and not cliché. Despite a couple of minor flaws through the course of the listen, Sanctus Real has crafted another solid album, and it’s well worth your money if you like the band, or their style.
Review copy provided courtesy of Sparrow Records
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By ChristianManifesto | View ChristianManifesto's Profile
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