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    For our 10th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 10 artists/releases for a total of 20 in total for 2016. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2016! -- Please keep in mind that any artists that placed in the First Half (like Skillet, Paper Route and winner House of Heroes) won't be re-listed here!



  2 of 10  



Album Cover
#2. NEEDTOBREATHE
H A R D L O V E

Release Date: July 15, 2016
H A R D L O V E is a mixed bag of high quality and standard tunes, but it is nonetheless a fun album that has something for everyone.
        - Christopher Smith

Rivers In The Wasteland was a tour de force of emotion, healing and great songs. “Difference Maker,” “Brother,” “Wasteland,” “The Heart” and “Magnified” were fantastic songs that were as different in tone as they were great in structure. H A R D L O V E finds the boys from South Carolina in a better place as friends and family, and the album has a distinctly lighter feel. Fans may not be as taken with the happy material (see Bruce Springsteen’s “happy phase” in the 90’s), but the soul swing of “Money And Fame” and “Happiness” hint at a funky, soulful and joyful record.
        - Alex Caldwell

It was going to be difficult to replicate the sheer intelligence and sensibility of Rivers in the Wasteland, but then again, is that really what we wanted? H A R D L O V E has noticeably thicker production, which might rub some southern rock purists the wrong way, but I'm willing to entertain the idea of a poppier chapter in NEEDTOBREATHE's journey. At the minimum, it'll sound like nothing else put out this year, and that's a hard goal to achieve by itself.
        - Roger Gelwicks

Six albums in and there hasn't been an album from NEEDTOBREATHE I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Each album seems to improve upon the last, shaking things up just enough to keep it interesting while continuing to draw inspiration from their roots. H A R D L O V E is a solid contender for album of the year and possibly the Carolina band's best.
        - Lucas Munachen

Who among us has the willpower to ignore new tunes from one of today's most consistent mainstream Christian rock groups? Crafting a worthy follow-up to 2014's Rivers in the Wasteland, perhaps their best work to date, is a daunting task to say the least, but NEEDTOBREATHE have proven time and time again their incredible ability to summon melodies that are borderline irresistible. If paired with measured amounts of creativity and growth, H A R D L O V E could truly be something to admire.
        - Jeremy Barnes

Though I've heard the album already, and it's not their best, new NEEDTOBREATHE never truly disappoints. And H A R D L O V E improves with each listen.
        - Scott Fryberger

  • Visit our NEEDTOBREATHE page for more information about them...

  • 2016 Countdown: July to December

    10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
    Highlighting 2016
    ©January 2016 Jesusfreakhideout.com



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    This Friday, February 13, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Adiós Cometa Un Destello De Luz [Velvet Blue]
    AOH Music Breathe (Acoustic Live) (independent)
    BRAG Worship, Trip Lee For Your Glory - EP [Reach]
    Colony House 77 (Pt. 2) [LastDaze]
    Elan Brio, DJ Proof Solid Frequencies [Fly Dog]
    Elevation Español El Nombre De Jesús [Provident]
    Jake MacAdam for megan [Ocean House]
    Myles Maestro St. Valentine EP [Syntax]

    SINGLES
    ADIA One The Way (Remix feat. Erica Campbell) - Single [Rock City]
    Ian Austin Make Me Like Your Son - Single [Ocean House]
    AustinThaNoble Painkiller - Single [Syntax]
    Pat Barrett Break Open (Live) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Les and Joyce Carlsen He's God - Single (independent)
    idle threat Evermind - Single [Tooth & Nail]
    Jenn Johnson Here In Your Arms - Single [Bethel]
    KB BLOOD 2 - Single [Provident]
    The Kingsmen When Sunday Morning Dawned - Single [Bethel]
    Vic Lucas Love Like You - Single [Syntax]
    Jake MacAdam for megan - Single [Ocean House]
    Patrick Mayberry It Is Well - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Kevi Morse I'm Loved - Single [Syntax]
    NCS Collective, Dara Maclean Can You See It - Single [NCS]
    Lloyd Nicks Heal For You - Single [Curb]
    Passion What A Worthy Name / Watch Him Work - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Pastor Mike Jr. He Can - Single [Rock City]
    Dante Pride Just Believe - Single [TAMLA]
    Q-Flo Wild Flower 7 - Single [Syntax]
    Sanctus Real Steady - Single [Framework/The Fuel]
    Savaun & EJ Swavv More Than Friends (Reimagined) - Single [Syntax]
    John Waller All You’ve Ever Done - Single [DREAM]
    Darlene Zschech Shout To The Lord (All The Earth) (feat. Ana Paula Valadão and Ingrid Rosario) - Single [Integrity]

    VINYL
    Sixpence None The Richer Kiss Me / Perfect Day UO Exclusive 7-inch Single Vinyl [UO/Flatiron]

    This Saturday, February 14, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Dan Damon Needed Time: spirituals (feat. Kurt Ribak) (independent)

    Next Thursday, February 19, 2026
    SINGLES
    Marty Magehee Comin' Down - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, February 20, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Chosen Road American Morning: Side A - EP [Thoroughbred]
    Elevation Worship SO BE IT [Provident]
    Ginny Owens Different Kind of Water (independent)

    SINGLES
    29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel And Is To Come - Single [DREAM]
    Aaron Cole Peace At Last - Single [Provident/Sony]
    DOE Black Boy (feat. Jon Batiste) - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Heather Suzanne, Ian Austin Mad - Single [Ocean House]
    Hillside Recording Jesus You're Holy - Single [Ocean House]
    Run51 Feels - Single [DREAM]


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