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It's been a while since there's been a band in Christian music with as much buzz as NEEDTOBREATHE. With its first CCM Magazine cover this month and plenty of critical props from Christian and mainstream outlets alike, what's all the fuss about? Certainly, the band's backstory is intriguing. With potentially lucrative careers as a football player and professional actor respectively, brothers Bear and Bo Reinhart gave up those dreams to pursue musical ones instead. Then, after slugging it on the independent scene, the band's wide appeal attracted the attention of not one, but two labels.

Now with a foot in both the Christian and mainstream market, NEEDTOBREATHE's debut Daylight shimmers with that big, atmospheric sound we've heard from Oasis, Coldplay and Keane. (Bear's vocals also make the bend reminiscent of Jesse Butterworth and Daily Planet). Trust me: As a devoted connoisseur of Brit rock, I'll say these certainly aren't bad influences. But rather than settle for something that's already been done extremely well, it would be better if the band should take a little more ownership of its sound, something it does well on pretty piano tracks like "Don't Leave Just Yet" and "Over Now."

The lyrics don't help much in distinguishing the band, either. While the songs are certainly relatable and equally singable, the sentiments are often blasé. On "You Are Here," Bear sings, "Seas of everlasting grace/Fall down upon this sinner's face tonight/'cause you give up all you wanted the time is right/I know it you are here." And while that's certainly true, it would be more captivating if expressed more poetically.

However, there are moments where the direct approach is probably best. On "Haley," the band's no-nonsense lyrics poignantly convey a message about relationships than can't help but connect with anyone who's been hurt in one before. And even when the songwriting isn't the most creative, there's still plenty to like here if you don't dissect it too much. If you're looking for catchy pop/rock that's not necessarily high art or musically innovative, Daylight is an enjoyable escape with a refreshingly optimistic perspective.

© Christa Banister, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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