Sanctus Real was formed in 1996, and the band released three independent albums over five years. After signing with Sparrow Records in 2002, the group released their major label debut, "Say It Loud", at the end of the year. In June 2004 it was followed by "Fight the Tide", which garnered a GMA Dove Award win in 2005, and two singles that charted at number 1 on Christian radio, according to "R&R" magazine. The band's third album, "The Face of Love", was released in April 2006. The single "I'm Not Alright" received a GMA Dove Award nomination in 2007.