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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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    Music Out This Week


    This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    SINGLES
    Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

    This Friday, June 6, 2025
    ALBUMS
    CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
    Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
    Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
    Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]
    Pastor Mike Jr. God Showing Out - EP [Rock City]
    Isaiah J. Thompson The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry [Mack Avenue]
    Chris Whittington Bright Portal 2025 Remastered Version - EP (independent)

    SINGLES
    7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
    Pat Barrett Praise The Lord Forever - Single [Capitol]
    Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
    bodie whisper and the wind (b+CL version) - Single [Provident]
    Burial Extraction The Overseer - Single [Charon Collective]
    Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
    Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD (ft. Parris Chariz and Jon Keith) - Single [RCAI]
    Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
    Kirk Franklin Do It Again - Single [Fo Yo Soul]
    Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
    Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
    King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
    The Kingsmen Wish You Were Here - Single [Horizon]
    Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA - Single [Provident]
    Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
    Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
    Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
    River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
    Sleeping At Last The Piano (Original Score) - Single - Single (independent)
    Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
    Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
    Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
    Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]
    Megan Woods I Believe You - Single [FairTrade]

    VINYL
    Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

    Next Friday, June 13, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
    King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
    Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
    Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
    War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

    SINGLES
    CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
    Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
    Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]
    For all release dates, click here!
     

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