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Unity. Paul speaks about it in 1 Corinthians 1:11-13. How we as Christians truly need each other, how we need to be a “family”. This theme streams throughout the new album from Sanctus Real, We Need Each Other. Since the release of their debut album with Sparrow Records, Say It Loud, Sanctus Real has risen through the ranks to become one of the most well known bands in all of Christian music. And with this new album, they are sure to be catapulted into the stratosphere. Matt Hammitt, the lead singer, with his slightly gravely yet powerful voice, reminds of John Schlitt, lead singer of Petra.

“Turn On The Lights”, the first track on the album draws its name from Matthew 5:14-16, where Christ teaches us that we are the light of the world and that our light should shine before me so that they will praise the Father. It serves as a call to all of “the lights” to arise and join together. Musically, it draws you in from the first note. Its driving rhythm will have you drumming along through the entire song. “We Need Each Other”, the title track, continues the them of unity, and closely mirrors the passage in 1 Cor. 1:11-13, noted above. “Black Coal” describes what a life can be like when it is transformed by Christ. How we can be something beautiful in a world that can be quite ugly.

Running from our sin, but it still finding us and trying to take over our life is the message of “Leap of Faith”. It encourages us to pray for the strength to get away and stay away from it. “Lay Down My Guns” describes what life can be like when hurt takes over and you don’t open yourself up to the forgiveness that Christ tells us to give. The final track on the album is what all of us a Christians should want, to leave a “Legacy”. Our life shouldn’t just be a fleeting memory, but it should leave a lasting impact on the people whose lives that we have touched through Christ.

All in all, this is an incredibly strong release from Sanctus Real. Every song fits perfectly on this album. They all tell a story and give us words to live by. Musically, this is the best release from SR yet. They just keep getting better and better.

5/5

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Consistent. Hopeful. Faithful. From the origin of their name, to the lyrics in every song, “Lamps” has a constant theme – all that is found in Christ. Truly music that is from the heart and directed to the hearts of every listener. A beat the creates the deisire to dance and move while celebrating that the God of the universe loves us individually.

In this debut album, it is clear that the message is Christ and the undying love He has for each of us. “We All Need” is just that, it is a compilation of words describing that even in the darkest of times ‘we all need hope – the hope to live for something more’. “Emptiness” bring to mind what Paul might have been thinking when he wrote much of the New Testament. The internal struggle in following Christ while fighting our fleshly desires.

Every song is easy to understand and delivers a true message of strength. This album is going to be hard to put down. The sound screams similarities to that of U2. “Lamps” and the eject button will not be aquainted easily.

4.5/5

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“We should scream ‘thank you’
With every waking breath
And cry ‘mercy, mercy!’ at every day’s end
Yet we remain quiet and comfortable
In our A to B lives.
We’re so quiet and comfortable in our A to B lives”