Gavin DeGraw and NEEDTOBREATHE Electrify Throughout "Brother"

"Brother" unites soulful Gavin DeGraw with NEEDTOBREATHE to produce fantastic results. You get drawn in to the epicenter of an uprising you don't want to exit anytime soon. Slap on the buoyant piano then let it rip like nobody's business. You'll note that in the lyrics much attention gets paid to the lighthouse guiding lost souls to shore after enduring choppy waters. The titular "Brother" receives encouragement not to worry about being left alone. Gavin vows to be the fortress protecting him from what slings and arrows may come. The gaps in orchestration fill in oh so nicely. We get at least a few seconds worth of free air to absorb all fragments of what Gavin and NEEDTOBREATHE are laying down. It doesn't matter what fierce winds might be blowing in his direction. Shelter can be depended upon. Over the half way mark we bound into a chord shift. NEEDTOBREATHE which, for the uninitiated happens to be a Christian rock outfit from South Carolina, Seneca to be exact. Bear Rimehart can claim credit for how the piano morphs from one heart stopping loop to another. Right in step with a Christian uprising comes the hand clapping entourage. You'll certainly be hard pressed not to appreciate how the prevailing attitude digs deep into your most vulnerable crevices. The opening lure is the NEEDTOBREATHE chorus combining voices to hit a glorious acme. Gavin's voice brings sincerity to new heights. Warm piano during the shift pushes to the fore a marvelous course alteration. The closing notes hold together to bring about a stellar high point to build momentum from. Gavin DeGraw's backup gang includes two drummers, Travis McNabb and Mike Baker. Their influence goes a long way in summing up the lingering attention you derive from repeated listening. Right now a good many are stumbling for answers to light the way to a brighter future. "Brother" reassures minus sugarcoating the rocky road ahead. Gavin with open hand admits his weakness right down to confessing they are what make him stronger. Like many before him Gavin presents the whole "no man is an island" theory. Simply put, he couldn't take on the world alone. Is Gavin the man you'd want watching your back in rough sledding? Yup. Does "Brother" carry with it the adrenaline rush needed to make the hurdles before you? Not in the Olympic athlete sense but for sure on an under the skin level. Dig deep and far. This pace wraps you up blanket style. The warmth isn't oppressive or saccharine. The muscle beating beneath means only to carry you over the rough spots. "Brother" demonstrates the raw beauty of what happens when the meshing of spiritually elevated voices come together for a united purpose. "Brother" gets the nod as a seriously heartfelt family affair.