JesusfreakHideout.com: Highlighting 2018 -- Looking Ahead To New Music of 2018

For our 12th 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 2018. So, without further ado, to complete our list of 20, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2018! (Click here for Part 1)

1 of 10

#1. NEEDTOBREATHE
Forever On Your Side (Niles City Sound Sessions) and Acoustic Live Vol. 1

Release Date: July 13, 2018 / November 16, 2018

NEEDTOBREATHE is one of those rare bands that remains unpredictable. While we were eagerly anticipating their latest EP of new music, the news that soon followed of an acoustic live album was unexpected and nearly as exciting. And while neither releases are as long lasting as a new studio album, these two bonus appetizers should hold us over until the next one drops.
- John DiBiase

While I wasn't crazy about the musical direction of previous LP H A R D L O V E, it eventually grew on me, becoming an oft listened to album in the car. I am hoping for more of a return to southern rock roots, but it will be hard for this longtime favorite band to disappoint with whatever they unleash on my listening ears.
- Josh Balogh

The new singles that NEEDTOBREATHE has released so far aren’t up there with some of the band’s best work. But, that being said, NTB hasn’t disappointed me yet, so I anticipate the new material. - Scott Fryberger

With many of Christian music's biggest names having either taken a break or closed the books on their respective careers, Needtobreathe only continue to provide quality tunes. Although 2016's H A R D L O V E tried to branch out into more contemporary waters, it felt unusually soulless and mechanically manufactured for a band who had created something as earnest as Rivers In the Wasteland. These latest tunes are proving to be a step back in the right direction and I'm genuinely excited to hear the latest material.
- Lucas Munachen

A good artist will constantly throw curveballs at you, and Needtobreathe’s H A R D L O V E was certainly one of those for many of their fans. The rootsiness of past albums (which came to a glorious peak in Rivers In The wasteland) was replaced with synths and vocal technology tricks. But in the midst of this musical right turn were a few of their very best songs (“Hard Love,” “Testify,” “Great Night”). Anything new from these South Carolina gentlemen will be greeted with the sort of curiosity of “what will they do next?” My take? I think they’ll keep writing great songs with slight twists, but never devoid of a pop feel. They are one of the best bands out there right now.
- Alex Caldwell

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