Sanctus Real formed in 1996 in Toledo, Ohio. Between 1998 and 2001 they put out three independent albums. In December 2002 they released their major label debut, SAY IT LOUD (Sparrow). Group members were: Steve Goodrum (bass), Matt Hammitt (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Chris Rohman (lead guitar), and Mark Graalman (drums). The album was produced by Pete Stewart of Grammatrain fame, and executive produced by Christopher York. All of the songs but one were written by Hammitt and Rohman.
First up is the rock song 'Sink or Swim'. It speaks of someone with bad motives: "There is no place for you in what I am called to do.../You curse, you bend my words/You just praise Jesus to be heard/When will we ever learn?" 'Captain's Chair' rocks and is about enduring friendship: "We've seen best of times/And we've heard worst of lies/But here we stand, still we stand".
The title cut, 'Say it Loud', follows. It's a peppy pop/rock song that anticipates the future: "Say it loud, say it loud and clear/Forget about, forget about last year". 'Hey Wait' is a nice adult contemporary ballad about friendship: "I'll pick you up when there's no one around/I'll hold you up when your heart hits the ground". String samples are used to good effect here.
'Inspiration' reminds us to fulfill the Great Commission: "Inspiration is you and I/Changing nations, changing lives.../Seems we'll never do enough to tell the world about God's love/But every soul is worth the fight/Cause we can change the world by changing just one life". 'Audience of One' rocks and is addressed to Christ: "There's something new inside of me/I'm overwhelmed by what I found/Time to take this inside.../You and I will be alright/If there's nothing more to come/Cause Lord I know I sing tonight for an audience of One".
'The Way I Feel' offers hope to the struggling: "Take a look at yourself/Are you wondering how it's gonna work out?/And there's a way to escape what you think is your fate/But you say it's too late.../It's never too late". 'I Love You' is the only song penned solely by lead singer Matt Hammitt. It's an acoustic based ballad of reflection: "Can I look past the cliche in every moment?/Can I learn to be amazed by You?/Can I find a simple way to praise You/Even if it's already used?.../I love You, I love You/I love You/Nothin' new".
Next up is 'All I Want', a rock song expressing desire: "All I want is to bring it back to love/I've got, you've got/We've got to give it to the One who made me.../All You have is all I need/All You have has set, has set me free". 'Nothing to Lose' is a great pop/rock number that opens with these words: "Give love one to another/And give love one to each other/And we'll be fine/We'll be fine".
'Won't Walk Away' is a song of spiritual dedication: "I will follow You wherever You lead/I won't walk away/You always lead me on to where You know I need to be/Forever I will trust in where Your winds will carry me". It's a strong rock track. 'After Today' is a ballad of confession: "I've got a funny feeling that I'm gonna go away/I'm gonna face my future, gonna try to make the grade/I've got a ways to go from here and vision doesn't seem so clear/But praise God, He's got a plan!/Understanding isn't my place". It runs over six minutes long. After a few minutes of silence, there'a short, quirky tune called 'Jesus Metal (Slam the Devil)'.
SAY IT LOUD has aged well over the years. Nine of the songs are modern pop/rock, while three are adult contemporary. Nine are fast, while three are slow. This album encourages us to stay focused on God and to praise Him. Strong emphasis is also put on being a good friend to our fellow humans. We should love and help others. We are not to abandon them during hard times. We are also to look ahead to the future with hope that comes from God. I'm rating this project 85% and recommending it to fans of Audio Adrenaline and Hawk Nelson. For more info visit www.sanctusreal.com and/or connect with the band on Facebook.