Pieces of a Real Heart

Pieces of a Real Heart is the fifth studio album from Christian rock band Sanctus Real. It was released on March 9, 2010, via Sparrow Records. The first single released was the song "Forgiven", which reached No. 6 on Billboard's Christian Songs chart. The second single "Lead Me" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Music chart and was nominated for a GMA Dove Award.
According to lead vocalist and songwriter Matt Hammitt, the album title reflects the band's goal of striving to write honest songs. Hammitt once said in an interview, "These songs are pieces of the deepest part of who we are. Since we wrote 'I'm Not Alright' for our album The Face of Love, we have always strived to be really honest with what we are thinking and how it pertains to our faith and draws us closer to the Lord. I think now more than ever these songs are a great picture of what is going on underneath the surface with us."

Personnel

Adapted from the liner notes.
Sanctus Real

Matt Hammitt – vocals, guitars
Pete Provost – guitars, banjo
Chris Rohman – guitars, mandolin
Dan Gartley – bass
Mark Graalman – drums

Additional musicians

Christopher Stevens – keyboards, programming
Darren King – keyboards, programming
Zach Casebolt – strings
Claire Indie – strings

Kids Choir on "The Way the World Turns"

Kelli Harrah, Krista Harris, McKenzie Henderson, Tim Henderson, Memorie Johnston, Cheyanne Jones, Sierra Kelly, Melanie Kronick, Makenzee Lady, Caleb Losh, Al Lowe, Micah Lucas, Jess Manchester, Brittany Mann, Linda May, Grace Mercer, Jessica Moe, Sierra Mottola, Katie Parson, Sunshine Pearson, Wesley Phillips and Kyle Scott

Production

Christopher York – A&R
Christopher Stevens – producer, engineer, mixing
Jason Ingram – producer
Rusty Varenkamp – producer, recording
Paul Moak – engineer
Josh Silverberg – assistant engineer
Taylor Stevens – assistant engineer
Thomas Toner – assistant engineer
Bob Boyd – mastering at Ambient Digital
Jess Chambers – A&R administration
Crystal Varenkamp – production assistant
Jan Cook – creative direction
Lee Floyd – cover artwork
Tec Petaja – photography
Katie Moore – art direction, layout
Jesse Hall – hair stylist, make-up
Talitha Moak – wardrobe styling
Matt Balm – management

Accolades

The album was nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 42nd GMA Dove Awards, while the song "Lead Me" was nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.