Pieces of a Real Heart
Artist: Sanctus Real
Label: Sparrow Records
Length: 11 Tracks, 39 minutes, 24 seconds 
Release Date:   March 9, 2009

With Pieces of a Real Heart, Sanctus Real remains a cut above similar popular Christian pop-rockers with superior lyrics, and clear, sharp production.  Similar in message to their first four releases, this song collection may not rock harder than others but the effort goes yard with message and pop sensibility certain to find a home in the ever widening Sanctus audience. 

Lead singer Matt Hammitt’s voice continues to dominate each song letting the message work rather than the music.  Ever maturing with improved instrumentation while keeping it simple in presentation, the band continues to provide solid supporting base and drums while guitars and occasional keyboards highlight the lyrics. The lead track, “Forgiven” provides a playful introduction giving way to classic Sanctus.  Perhaps the album’s highlights are back to back in “The Way The World Turns” with great chorus and building emotion, while “Lead Me” hits home with lyrics asking for strong hands and love to support family relationships.  Rockers “Take Over Me” and “ I Want To Get Lost” have guitar-lead highlights and provide great headphone moments.  The album’s final songs provide slow rockers and ballads of Christian faith and hope.  Pay attention to the inclusion of occasional banjo and nice orchestration showing the continual experimentation and maturing of the band.

It is no wonder why Sanctus Real has such a wide and deep fan base – they are likeable, rock hard in concert, and speak directly to our hearts.  With each album building on the next, this is Christian pop-rock at its best!

http://www.sanctusreal.com/

S.S. Mertens
http://ssmertens.blogspot.com/

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On Pieces of a Real Heart Sanctus Real continues their journey away from a rock-oriented combo to radio friendly pop-rock.  They have not lost there viability or strengths in the process though – Sanctus Real continues to pen hook-laden statementts of faith that are well produced, interesting and memorable.  Lead singer Matt Hammitt is one of Christian music's better vocalists, and his voice lends itself well to this collection of songs of life and faith. Pieces of a Real Heart manages to meld heart felt prayers, honest and lyrics with light hearted pop spiced with nice touches (choral parts, tasty piano, lush strings).  Recommended songs are the happy pop of "These Things Take Time," "Lead Me," the rocking "Take Over Me," and the closing prayer "Keep My Heart Alive."   Some of the songs on the second half of the album are not quite as strong, and I must confess to missing some of the rock vibe of the first three CDs, but overall Pieces of a Real Heart is a solid listen for fans modern Christian pop.
 
Barry Nothstine hosts Soul Frequency http://www.soulfrequency.com - a weekly FM radio show showcasing progressive rock, instrumental rock, power-pop, psychedelic rock, rock classics and more great rock for the ages!