Never have I heard a more shameful cash-in than NEEDTOBREATHE’s Hard Love. They had an accidental hit with “Brother” and when that was successful, it seems like they decided to reinvent themselves and become America’s latest #1 smash, completely eliminating their Southern rock and giving their longterm fans the middle finger. Most of this horror album is slick synthesized pop, complete with drum machines (and in the case of the sleazy Money & Fame, shiny horns and random screeching saxophone solos). The title track is nothing more than a soccer mom anthem, and Great Night is a poor attempt at blues-rock, something they could’ve done well in older albums but couldn’t anymore, since they chose to become wannabe pop hitmakers. When I Sing, Don’t Bring That Trouble, Testify, No Excuses and Happiness are nothing more than excuses for airplay and high profile headliner bait. The only tracks of any worth are Be Here Long and Clear, Let’s Stay Home would’ve been among them had it not been for the well-intentioned but awkwardly written lyrics. And those would’ve been the worst songs on NTB’s other albums. Plus, Bear Reinhardt decided to alter his voice to fit the pop style, mutilating the soulfulness he had had and coming off as a nasally weasel at times. There was nothing natural about Hard Love, in either the instrumentation or the sound, nor in the makeover they were gunning for. To this day it stands as NTB’s lowest point, and one of the absolute worst albums I have ever heard. If you love them, avoid this album at all costs.

We listened to it like 💯 times on a vacation because my kids LOVED it 😍 also, I love this band, but what is '? Everyone says that!

❤️

ive heard NTB on the radio before, and fell in love with their beats and lyrics. But this album is disappointing. I understand how theyre trying to attract more people, but i dont think that should be their goal in life. Let's Stay Home Tonight was disappointing from a Christian Artist. Honestly, if i was given the opportunity to have a career like this, i would spend it glorifying God with everything in me. i guess these guys missed their mark. I hope they can re-focus, but no plans for buying more NTB in the near or distant future. sorry :)

Soooo good - production is exceptional! - I liek eveyr song - each one full of soul and cleverness - and endless medloic hooks. So far, no one A+ song for me - but it is still a 5 star release.

Needtobreathe will always be my favorite band, and I love that they are not afraid to write what they feel and try out different sounds, cause, lets be honest, they rock all of it! So much heart and time goes into their music!

I’ve read some reviews about people saying it’s more negative than other albums. Yeah it’s called life.... just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t have a down period or experience adversity. Wake up people and really listen to the lyrics. Sometimes you need to tap into mainstream to get other people to listen to some powerful messages and maybe change a few lives along the way.

All around best album they have written. No song is better than the other.

Every other NEEDTOBREATHE release has been played over and over and over by me. I just can't get into their overly produced sound in Hard Love. I've owned this album since the release, and I'd guess that I've listened to it less than 10 times. These guys have such raw talent in their musicality- their voices & harmony. Their more acoustic shows are the best. I wished they didn't feel the need to "expand" on the sound they produce when their unique, previous sound was what made them stand out and drew in many of us old time fans.

I thought these guys were christians but Let's Stay Home Tonight says otherwise