The Long Surrender

NEEDTOBREATHE is by far my favorite band of all time. Never listened to another band like them. You could imagine my excitement when I heard that they were releasing a new album. Despite what most fans thought of CAVES, I thought it was a great rock album that bridged the gap between their older rock stuff and their more experimental side (a la H A R D L O V E & Out of Body). But this album completely flipped expectations on it’s head. Almost no rock tunes (with the exception of “Take Me Dancing”), no soaring melodies, but songs from rock bottom. The title track is one of my favorite songs of their of all time, along with a few other cuts from this record. But the thing that strikes me the most? How Christian this album is. Sure, NTB has put out a few Christian tunes for the industry, but never was a whole record of theirs Christian leaning. Then came this record. There are so many references to Christ and God in these songs it’s surprising. I love how raw Bear’s voice and his lyrics are in these songs. It met me when I was at my lowest. Despite what many “old-school NTB fans” say, I don’t care that it isn’t a rock record. I don’t care if it doesn’t have the same ol’ music they seem quantifies a NTB record. I care about how honest, raw, and genuine this record is. There’s no fluff. There’s no mask. It’s the band at it’s rawest and finest, and I hope they continue to make records like this. Maybe the next record could be more rock (like “The Cave” from CAVES or other cuts from the Reckoning) and raw (like this record and Rivers) but who cares. I’m lovin’ on my favorite band’s amazing new album, and I hope many others are loving it too. Love you NTB :)

The album is good, same NTB chords, it’s just more organic, more country, with some light Southern Rock…far less processed production than their last one…

4.5 stars* On my favorite NTB album from this decade, the band opted for slower music and personal lyrics that combine for a stunningly sincere effect. This is one of their more unique albums and I truly appreciate the risky choices that were made. That being said, I hope they never make another album like it. If The Long Surrender was catharsis, I hope Album Eleven is a revival in rock and roll energy.

This band has been getting worse and worse since River in the Wasteland…. Go back to your roots.

This is not a N2B album in the slightest. This sounds more like partial songs Bear wrote for a solo project. There isn’t a single memorable chorus or melody. Bear should have released this as a solo album. The entire album is equivalent to background chatter in a restaurant… musical melatonin. A real bummer.

I admit to a bias here for this band. I have all their music and listen regularly as a soundtrack to life. That said, my favorite album of their’s has been Into the Mystery because of it’s authenticity…like a beautiful piece of naturally finished hardwood, getting more of the original emotions and less of the other finishes that (though many times beautiful in its own ways) can take away from the natural beauty. This album is so very much the same sincerity I love best about this band! I love their rock and roll, good time feels, their grander sounds too, but THIS heart and emotion is what I absolutely LOVE about this band. It connects deeper! Fantastic! Can’t wait to see them again on tour!

Welcome back boys to the Need2breathe your true fans know and love!!!! And thank you for it, we’ve been patient waiting.

NEEDTOBREATHE has been my favorite band for a very long time and I always love their stuff. Despite losing members of the band over the years they always make meaningful, emotional, and beautiful songs. This album is another great one!

I have been following this band since 2010 and this album feels more vulnerable and honest. Not just hits, but music that makes you feel. Men being open about struggles in the lyrics like never before! I am proud to be a fan!

Just a new age band now. Sad how easily others who pursue sin are so willingly decieved by this meaningless nonsense these days. Yes, they have talent, but it is meaningless now. Just "spiritual" new age garbage. For those who worship them no matter what they do. Throw a tantrum if you want. It is not my fault you do not read the bible or have any care to what the lyrics of songs actually say. Sad how easily people are decieved willingly by darkness.