Review – H A R D L O V E by NEEDTOBREATHE
August 16, 2016
With NEEDTOBREATHE visiting us this fall (November 12th, see you there!), it’s important to take a few minutes to go over some highlights of their new album: Hard Love.
If you listened to Rivers in the Wasteland, NEEDTOBREATHE’s album prior to H A R D L O V E, you know that the album is pretty emotionally weighty. Songs such as “Difference Maker” and “Wasteland” show the heart behind the album, one that was joyful and lively, yet also full of real life lessons and deep thoughts.
H A R D L O V E follows suit, showing sides of positivity as well as thought-provoking songs. The album begins with an electronic/R&B feel in MOUNTAIN, Pt 1, which sets the tone for the upbeat pop vibe of the album (carried along by songs such as “Hard Love” and “When I Sing”). Along with the upbeat songs there are a few that are slowed down and a bit more reflective, such as “No Excuses” and “Be Here Long”.
NEEDTOBREATHE never fails at giving everyone what they want. Those who are romantics and want to hear a little bit more of a “lovey-dovey” song, put on “Let’s Stay Home Tonight” and you won’t be disappointed. When it comes to a more worship-style song, “Testify” is just that.
NEEDTOBREATHE’s sound is relatable to all. Leon of “The Musical Melting Pot” describes it well when he writes, “H A R D L O V E is a gamble, ambitious in scope and utterly immersive in its execution. This music would sound out of place in small venues, if the walls of such venues were capable of bearing its onslaught in the first place. On this album, NEEDTOBREATHE are an unstoppable sonic force.”
This album is one that deserves your listen, and if you like what you hear, grab your tickets to see them live at Liberty University on November 12!