NEEDTOBREATHE won me over when I happened to see them open for Jars Of Clay in early 2007. I had given their debut, Daylight a listen before it dropped and wasn't too impressed. However, their live show -- and their return to their southern roots on The Heat -- is what caught my attention. Bear Rinehart's soulful vocals are at home on The Heat, never sounding better. With them in the studio right now working on a follow-up, it's had me hoping it will match the quality of this release. And while they do sing about relationships a lot -- lost loves, etc -- they do strike more spiritual chords on this album, from the worshipful "Signature Of Divine," to the memorable tribute to the Rinehart brothers' preacher father in "Washed By The Water," or "Streets Of Gold," which addresses the hope of seeing a loved one again some day in Heaven. Still a record I spin regularly.

NEEDTOBREATHE
The Heat (2007)

Click here for a JFH Staff Review.

Our synopsis: "Soulful alt pop with more of a focus on the spiritual this time around. One of the best of 2007." (Recommended by JFH's John DiBiase)
Perfect For: Worship ("Signature Of Divine"), Love & Relationships
Song Highlights: "Signature Of Divine," "Washed By The Water," "We Could Run Away," "Second Chances," "The Heat," "Again"

So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album The Heat? Do you recommend it? If so, why?