After nearly 20 years with the band Sanctus Real, lead singer Matt Hammitt announced his departure this summer but not before releasing his swan song, Best of Sanctus Real.

To promote this greatest hits record, Hammitt and the rest of Sanctus Real will be embarking on the "Farewell to a Friend Tour," which starts today and ends November 21. There is also the "Love Like You Mean It" cruise in February of 2016, but it is uncertain if Hammitt will be part of that.

(Photo : The Media Collective)

Sanctus Real's best of album is exactly that, all of the songs everyone loves ranging from their newest release, The Dream and going way back to their first major album, Say It Loud. Hearing all the songs together back-to-back offers up a wonderful tribute to a band that means so much to so many people. It also really shows the evolution of the band from their power-pop roots down to their melodic piano driven worshipful tunes they are known for now.

Read about Hammitt's decisipon to leave here. 

The Dream ­- "Lay It Down" and "On Fire"

Run - "Promises" and "Pray"

Pieces of a Real Heart - "Forgiven," "Lead Me," and "The Redeemer"

We Need Each Other - "We Need Each Other" and "Whatever You're Doing"

The Face of Love - "I'm Not Alright," "The Face of Love," and "Don't Give Up"

Fight the Tide - "Everything About You"

Say it Loud - "Say it Loud"

The album contains one new track, "Longer Than a Lifetime," which is perfect, because it describes Hammitt's time with the band. "I can see the leaves are moving/I can see a change in the air...I know you'll be by my side" he sings. The song wonderfully encapsulates all the emotions Hammitt felt coming into this decision to leave the band.

"...Even when we say goodbye, we have a love that lasts, longer than a lifetime/So here's to the times we shared, here's to the tears we've cried, here's to a love that lasts longer than a lifetime."

Despite the sad nature of the song, it is surprisingly upbeat and fast tempo through most of it. You can feel the energy of the entire band shining through the track, especially on the gang vocals. It is also easier to imagine the whole band standing together in the booth clapping along to the song to add some background to the track. The guitars are soaring, the drums blasting, Hammitt is belting. It sounds like a band at peace with their future as they move on in faith to complete their message of Sanctus Real.

Overall, the album does a great job of sending off Matt Hammitt. Fans would sure be lucky to get a chance to see all these hits get played for the last time with Hammitt. Most importantly the feel of the record is not really goodbye, but rather a celebration that is saying, 'God bless', move forward in faith.