NEEDTOBREATHE is the perfect example of band evolution... in a good way. Many bands hit a really good sound, and slowly fade out of it and, consequently, out of fame. I think NEEDTOBREATHE (yup, I'm gonna capitalize ALL the letters.) may have done quite the opposite. They've come from a sound that was actually pretty typical, and have turned into a very interesting and noteworthy group. They started back in the year 2000, but didn't make a full-length album until 2006. Their first album, however, happens to be one of my favorites. They've gone from a poppy, upbeat sound that easily fit into chick flick movie soundtracks to a big, loud, South Carolina sound that is both musically and lyrically entangling.
This new album has the sophisticated yet southern twang of The Outsiders, but with "Oohs and Ahhs" it starts out quite a bit darker. A slow and southern beginning, backing vocals, crashing chorus, and killer instrumental (with horns and all) make it a very memorable first song. The next two songs are a bit more light-hearted and have more of a "country road" feel to them. I'm a Texas boy, so naturally I love it. "A Place Only You Can Go", "Tyrant Kings", and "Learn to Love" all are slow, powerful songs, easily bringing one back to songs like "Stones Under Rushing Water" and "Haley". The fifth track, "Slumber" was released earlier as a single, and received unending praise... from those who knew about it. The single wasn't very highly advertised, and many people don't even know it was a single. As for the song itself, it typifies the powerful, moving attitude of NEEDTOBREATHE. The title track "The Reckoning" is (and I'm gonna use this word whether It's professional or not) epic. Drums with big reverb, echoing guitar riffs, high-end piano notes throughout the song, this song deserves to be the album title. "Able" is perhaps one of the more southern of songs NEEDTOBREATHE has produced. With it's recurring chorus lines, backing vocals, old time piano, and slide guitar, this song is an easy one to just sit and enjoy. "Maybe They're On to Us" is definitely a different song for this album. It would fit well in The Outsiders, but even then, it seems a little forced. It definitely has great lyrics, though, and a good feel to it. It provides a great contrast to the rest of the album. "Wanted Man" is a very "open" feeling song. It reminds me of Mumford & Sons' "The Cave", but that could be because of the whistling. Either way, it is well done, and well thought-out. "Keep Your Eyes Open" starts out like a City Harmonic song. A high pitched piano riff, leading into a driving bass line. The rest of the song follows the typical Bear Rinehart drive & passion. "Devil's Been Talkin'" and "Angel and My Door" have the driving, banjo strumming energy that makes this album complete. Perfect songs to add to your road trip playlist.
Overall, NEEDTOBREATHE has not disappointed me at all. It is a very well done album. From Bear Rinehart's passionate vocals, to his brother Bo's lively banjo, The Reckoning is an album that you'll want to download.
I'm going to say this in every post, because I want to support Spotify, and because I think it's awesome. Especially since it's really the only way I can find new music easily here in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. So yeah, if you haven't already, get Spotify. A premium account is about $10 a month, and free is... free. You have to be invited, though. Sorry about that.
If you just can't bring yourself to become a part of the new best thing ever, you can always download The Reckoning and other NEEDTOBREATHE albums on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/needtobreathe/id113247214
Happy listening!
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