H a R D L O V E

NEEDTOBREATHE's latest offering, H A R D L O V E, is like a rollercoaster ride through a wild west theme park - exhilarating, slightly cheesy, and packed full of surprises. This South Carolina band has never been shy about wearing their heart on their sleeves, and this album is no exception. From the anthemic opening track "Mountain, Pt. 1" to the gospel-tinged swagger of "Money & Fame," H A R D L O V E is a bold declaration of love, loss, and redemption. Lead vocalist Bear Rinehart's distinctive growl is front and center on tracks like "Happiness" and "Testify," where he wails like a Southern preacher on a Sunday morning. The band excels at crafting catchy hooks and toe-tapping rhythms, with plenty of handclaps and foot-stomping moments to keep the energy high. But, like any amusement park ride, there are moments of lulls and predictability. Songs like "Great Night" and "Clear" feel like filler tracks that don't quite hit the same highs as the rest of the album. And the production, while slick and polished, sometimes veers into overkill territory, drowning out the band's raw talent. Overall, H A R D L O V E is a fun, feel-good romp through the American heartland, with enough emotional weight to keep it grounded. So buckle up, grab a cotton candy, and enjoy the ride - just don't forget to check your heart rate at the end.