Release Date: 3/9/2010
Twitter:@sanctus_real
Sanctus Real has had definitely paid their CCM dues and enjoy plenty of success with almost every album they make. It doesn’t come as a surprise that their first single from this album was making the radio rounds well in advance of the album’s release. While they are not in the do-no-wrong group of Christian music, they are certainly on their way to becoming the favorites of many. Pieces of a Real Heart is a more accurate album title than most. Who doesn’t appreciate a healthy dose of honesty in the slick music mainstream? However, sometimes honesty is simply unremarkable. Our lives can move by without event and not every moment is filled with turbulence. Therein is the conflict with Pieces of a Real Heart. The band’s heart comes right through; but the music content borders on bland.
“Forgiven” is probably the most musically engaging track on this album. Vocal layers and a natural song progression add distinction, which is something that tends to lack further into the album. “Take Over Me” begins with some nice guitar tones, but when compared to other artists within their genre’, fail to stand out.
Where Pieces of a Real Heart grabbed my attention is its profound lyrics. “I look around and see my wonderful life / almost perfect from the outside / In picture frames I see my beautiful wife / always smiling / but on the inside oh I can hear her say.”
This song beautifully illustrates, without reservation, a struggle that is felt in every marriage. “Lead me with strong hands / stand up when I can’t / don’t leave me hungry for love chasing dreams / but what about us.”
The author, and by extension his wife, let the listener into their struggle. They took a sensitive subject and brought it out in the open for the listener. “Show me your willing to fight / that I’m still / the love of your life / I know we call this our home but I still feel alone.”
This is probably not an issue they will ever escape, “Lead me cause I can’t do this alone / Father lead me / cause I can’t do this alone,” but one they will know how to fight. (lyrics from “Lead Me”)
Pieces of a Real Heart, while beautifully honest, fails to come out of its musical shell.
6.5/10
Review by Greg Rutledge of RocktheCross.net