Needtobreathe's sixth studio album, Hard Love, is a concerted pop effort, an arrow aimed at the mainstream bullseye. Since their debut in 2006, the Carolina quartet's journey from wide-eyed CCM-lite rock band into full-fledged powerhouse has seen them -- at different points -- tread the paths worn by Coldplay, U2, John Mayer, and Mumford and Sons. On Hard Love, they fully grasp the Kings of Leon influence that has always bubbled beneath the surface and splice it with Ryan Tedder's songcraft, making their best record since ...
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Needtobreathe's sixth studio album, Hard Love, is a concerted pop effort, an arrow aimed at the mainstream bullseye. Since their debut in 2006, the Carolina quartet's journey from wide-eyed CCM-lite rock band into full-fledged powerhouse has seen them -- at different points -- tread the paths worn by Coldplay, U2, John Mayer, and Mumford and Sons. On Hard Love, they fully grasp the Kings of Leon influence that has always bubbled beneath the surface and splice it with Ryan Tedder's songcraft, making their best record since 2011's The Reckoning. For the old-school CCM fans, there are still hints of devotion subtly woven into the lyrics, but overall, this is a 12-song collection to please everyone. The sheen and polish of their evolved sound is immediately evident on album-opener "Mountain, Pt.1," a haunting Auto-Tuned intro that recalls Bon Iver's work with Kanye West. The guys don't hold back from there, pounding away on the title track, which bleeds with urgency and deft production. Much of this album is a holy union of Kings of Leon's southern grit (frontman Bear Rinehart's vocal similarity to Kings' vocalist Caleb Followill is uncanny) and OneRepublic-sized pop/rock anthems. It's their poppiest offering to date and the most radio accessible. "Money & Fame" struts with funky backing vocals and horn blasts, like Gavin Degraw leading a church choir. "Happiness" is an aptly titled blazer, combining barn-stomping Lumineers energy with an explosive Nathaniel Rateliff-delivery that lifts the listener into the heavens. "Great Night" is the most rousing track on the album, employing a Gary Glitter heartbeat in a song about feeding the urge to just dance. Lyrically, faithful diehards may find some issue with the secular focus, but Needtobreathe have been slowly creeping away from overt CCM themes for a few albums, so it shouldn't come as a big surprise. For those who desire a little worship band reverence, "Be Here Long," "No Excuses," "Testify," and stunning closer "Clear" could just as easily be performed during a church service as on-stage at a rock concert. Aside from the tender ode to an obvious lover on "Let's Stay Home Tonight," the lyrical object of devotion could be God or a loved one; the difference lies in each listener. Like any cleverly crafted praise music, Hard Love balances both sides of their fan base, pleasing the faithful without alienating the mainstream. Whether they lift spirits with their music or their message, Needtobreathe's brand of riveting heartland spirituality reaches a peak on Hard Love. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi
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Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $2.94, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $2.94, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $3.00, good condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
Add this copy of Hard Love to cart. $3.49, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $3.63, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $5.00, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of H a R D L O V E to cart. $8.99, fair condition, Sold by Prime Goods Outlet rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Troy, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Atlantic.