My summer go-to album has to be, without a doubt, Rivers In The Wasteland by South Carolina rockers NEEDTOBREATHE. You could argue that they’re technically a Christian rock band, despite their own affirmations as to otherwise – with the term being too innately negative in mainstream media, as well as simply just a limiting title – but ultimately they’re simply feel-good rock.
NEEDTOBREATHE have some of the most inherently calming music that I have ever listened to, and given the amount of work I spend my time avoiding by listening to music, that’s saying something. Rivers In The Wasteland isn’t necessarily their best album, nor is it the longest or most renowned or acclaimed. But for me, it’s the album that is the most meaningful. The first song of theirs I heard was their Grammy-nominated ‘Multiplied’, and the first that I added to my playlist was the ‘song of the year’ nominated ‘Brother’, featuring Gavin Degraw; so to me, Rivers In The Wasteland is my introduction to their music; not to mention that they were touring this album when I saw them at Big Church Day Out (for those less religiously inclined it’s more fun than it sounds, promise).
there’s nothing more suited to listen to than an album which I find it impossible not to be cheered up by
So, when I’m enjoying the patchy English summer, there’s nothing more suited to listen to than an album which I find it impossible not to be cheered up by. Whether it’s reading a book, where the gentle sounds of Bear and company fail to threaten my concentration; sunbathing, where the upliftingly good-natured band help rock me to sleep; or perhaps to have on in the background so as not to intrude on conversations between my friends and I, Rivers In The Wasteland is undoubtedly my favourite album for sunny days.
