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."
Track listing
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 (1, 2, 3, 5–8, 11), programming (1, 2, 3, 5–8, 11) Darren King – keyboards (9), programming (9) Zach Casebolt – strings (1, 5, 11) Claire Indie – strings (1, 5, 11)
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 Stevens – producer (1, 2, 3, 5–9, 11), engineer (1, 2, 3, 5–9, 11), mixing (1, 2, 3, 5–9, 11) Jason Ingram – producer (4, 10) Rusty Varenkamp – producer (4, 10), recording (4, 10) Paul Moak – engineer (1, 2, 3, 5–9, 11) Taylor Stevens – assistant engineer Josh Silverberg – assistant engineer Thomas Toner – assistant engineer Bob Boyd – mastering at Ambient Digital (Houston, Texas) Christopher York – A&R Jess Chambers – A&R administration Crystal Varenkamp – production assistant (4, 10) 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
Charts
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.
