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JFH Music Review




Sanctus Real
Nothing to Lose



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 44 minutes, 57 seconds
Street Date: 2001


Few bands have it all, as many things come into play to make them "great". There's the look, the production, and don't forget the all-important music as well as all the other things I won't waste time in mentioning. Sanctus Real, hailing from Toledo, Ohio, doesn't have it all. They don't have a major record deal, but this seems to put an end to the not-have list almost before it starts. The rock star look is apparent when you first take a look at their promo shots. The production is more than evident with Grammy nominated Skidd Mills at the helm who has worked with the likes of Audio Adrenaline, Sister Hazel, and BB King to name a few. Oh yeah, the music…

Nothing to Lose starts off on the right foot with the track of the same title. This song leads the way with dirty guitar riffs that catch your attention and before you know it, a chorus hits that you'll be singing along to before realizing what's going on. "Won't Walk Away" comes up next with a somewhat delayed chorus to keep up with each guitar chord. After hearing this song, you'll see this is one thing lacking on radio songs of today with an old Buddy Holly type feel. "Other Side" has pop written all over it from beginning to end as Jars of Clay come to mind which could be a sure break on the contemporary charts. Next up is "Captain's Chair." I thought the song was great but the words "captain's chair" drew me away for a minute until the chorus kicked in to lead me back on track.

"Inside Out" is arguably the most blatant spiritual song on the album with a chorus saying, "Lord, I fear I'm drowning here for an audience of one. And all I know is what I've been told- that there's something yet to come." "All I Want" is something new for me. The middle of the chorus switches vocal arrangements but ends with sweet rock. "Overflow", "The Way You Wanted", and "Message" are alright but I can't even begin to compare them with prior songs on the record. Ending the album are two worship-filled rock ballads. "Craving" highlights the amazing writing skills of lead singer Matt Hammitt. "May my kingdoms fall to You. Build my walls up with Your truth. No foundations made from sand- only on Your Rock I'll stand, with all my strength- with all I am." "After Today," the last track is also incredible; it's a perfect finishing touch.

This is the band's third album after being together for a good five years. I have to say, though, that there is nothing indie or local about these guys but their label. The only weak points are because of such excellent songs, the three bad ones stand out even more. I wish the two mellow ballads weren't side by side either. With one break, these boys would no doubt hit it big. Fans of The Calling, Lifehouse, Nine Days, Matchbox 20, and others of the same genre will absolutely love this album. I wouldn't doubt that there are more hits here than most of those bands anyway. Diversity plays a key roll on the success as I was surprised by the turns that the music took. You will be surprised when you hear this amazing CD. You've got nothing to lose.

- Review date: 12/15/01, written by Blake Garris



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. Record Label: SpinAround Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 44 minutes and 57 seconds
. Street Date: 2001
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Nothing to Lose
  2. Won't Walk Away
  3. Otherside
  4. Captain's Chair
  5. Inside Out
  6. All I Want
  7. Overflow
  8. The Way You Wanted
  9. Message
  10. Craving
  11. After Today

 

 

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This Friday, October 3, 2025
ALBUMS
BASECAMP Beautiful Like the Truth [Polished Arrow]
Pat Barrett I've Got A Fire [Capitol CMG]
Elan Brio Millennium Funk (independent)
Kristene DiMarco MEMORADUM - EP [Bethel]
Heath McNease Autumn Sessions, Vol. 2 (independent)
Mystical Death Carnation EP (Remastered) [Rottweiler Records]
Matt Redman Life & Breath [Integrity]
Thrive Worship Jesus Song - EP [Integrity Music]
Bay Turner Better Days - EP [Centricity Music]
John Van Deusen As Long As I Am In The Tent of This Body I Will Make a Joyful Noise Pt. 1 [Anotherland]

SINGLES
Gabby Barrett Ain't Supposed To Be - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Mark Bishop Time To Let Go and Let God - Single [Sonlite]
Franni Cash Church Clothes - Single [Capitol CMG]
ChristianXXII & Futuristic Already Won - Single [DREAM]
Damian Back To You - Single [DREAM]
Dex the nerd who loves Jesus Salvation - Single [Syntax]
Drenae To the Cross - Single [Syntax]
Emerson Day This House Won't Fall - Single [Fair Trade]
Chris Ekiss Life's Biggest Questions - Single [Provident]
The Forerunner Manifesto (independent)
for KING + COUNTRY World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb Records]
Forrest Frank JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON (feat. Josiah Queen) - Single [River House]
Vic Lucas Make a Way - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory MOVE YOUR BODY - Single [Syntax]
Nathan Oswalt MAKE UP YOUR MIND - Single (independent)
Drew Parker Blame Jesus - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Razzie SHORTCUTS - Single [Syntax]
Shamash The Gulf Between Us - Single [Rottweiler]
Anne Wilson Carry Me - Single [Capitol CMG]
Zahriya Zachary Stay - Single [Bethel]

VINYL
Bleach Live/The Lost Show Vinyl (independent)

Next Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]


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