If you’re searching for music with a unique and fresh twist, Needtobreathe is what you’re looking for. I became a fan of Needtobreathe this summer, and I think The Outsiders is their best album. It’s their third album and was number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart when it was released last August.
Even though they doesn’t sound like your typical pop music hit, Needtobreathe is more popular than I thought originally. Their music has been featured in lots movies and TV shows, like P.S. I Love You and The Hills.
They play in the genre of Christian music, but a lot of their songs deviate from strictly religious themes, which draws in a bigger audience than just those who listen to Christian music.
Needtobreathe makes very unique music. The singing sounds a little bit like The Fray, but their music has a distinctly country or bluegrass twang to it sometimes. They mix in violin, harmonica, and acoustic guitar on occasion to make a distinct sound that I really enjoy. It sounds like Southern rock with a very acoustic feel.
The Outsiders is a really fun album to listen to. I usually don’t like country or bluegrass music, but I appreciate the Southern flavor on this album. Songs like “The Outsiders” and “Lay ‘Em Down” are especially good. The title track “The Outsiders” has a banjo playing throughout with clapping in the background, which gives it a down-home feel without being obnoxiously country. “Lay ‘Em Down” has a comparable feel, but it reminded me more of a grassroots spiritual. It reminded me of songs from the movie O Brother Where Art Thou.
Not all songs on The Outsiders have the grassroots country feel, though. The duet “Stones Under Rushing Water” is a slower ballad with just an acoustic guitar that’s perfect background music for studying or taking a nap. I also love the song “Garden” because it has gorgeous violin, and that’s one of my favorite instruments to listen to. The lyrics talk about the Garden of Gethsemane, which is a unique topic usually addressed in popular music, and I liked that creativity.
My favorite song on the album is “Girl Named Tennessee.” It has upbeat piano music and makes you want to kick up your heels. I like the lyrics, too, which are about dancing with a mysterious girl and falling in love. It’s just a fun little ditty with a great beat and groovy piano.
So overall, The Outsiders is a great album if you’re looking for something a little different than the latest hip-hop hit. I recommend listening to older Needtobreathe music too. It’s great for people who like country music, for people who don’t, or just for someone who just wants to find some good music to listen to.
15/10/2010 at 12:01 am Permalink
Great story over a band that is much overlooked. This sounds like music that would be fun to listen to. I will definitely have to check it out!