The Long Surrender – NEEDTOBREATHE
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The Long Surrender is NEEDTOBREATHE’s tenth studio album, and the follow-up to 2023’s Caves. The album has a mostly stripped-down acoustic sound – with the exception of the more upbeat “Take Me Dancing” and “Growing Slow” – and features excellent vocal harmonies. All of the songs were written or co-written by Bear Rinehart. The album was produced by six-time Grammy Award winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton) and recorded at his Savannah studio.
The album’s lyrical content stands out, featuring references to Christian themes such as the Bible, Galilee, Heaven turning the weight of our sorrows into a crown, feet being planted on the rock of ages, being carried by God, being born again, wanting to be with God, and feeling the power of God. Other themes include home, worry and life out of control.
Here are a few comments about each of the twelve songs on this excellent new album, one of my favorites of 2026:

Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:

• More of this review
• Music News
• Song of the Week Lyrics ~ “Pilgrim Way (Zayin)” by Stillcreek

The Long Surrender – This beautiful song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song has a country feel, and features acoustic guitar, organ, harmonies, and drums.
Key lyric:
It’s the long surrender
On our knees where Heaven gets found
We will wait with the lost and weary
While You turn the weight of our sorrows into a crown

Say It Now – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by NEEDTOBREATHE. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. He is on his knees, and can only stand God’s outstretched hands are holding him.
Key lyric:
The veil is broken, the battle’s won
But the war seems like it’s just begun

Highlands – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song features acoustic guitar, and harmonies. How long will it be until his feet are planted on the rock of ages.
Key lyric:
So, be my rest, be my mountain
Be my never gonna pass away
When I go blind, be the voice I’m hearing
‘Til we all get to see your face
In the highlands

Sing To Me Savannah – This could be a love song or an ode to the city they recorded the album in. The song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song features piano, Eagles-like harmonies, and drums.
Key lyric:
Your patient love is all my wounds will ever see

Where You Call Home – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song features acoustic guitar, harmonies, cello, and bass. If you’re еver in need of a train to get back or get on through, take a ride to the place and the last time everything felt true.
Key lyric:
So take out your map and put your finger on the place
Where you call home

Strangeness Of It All – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and John Luke Carter, and produced by Dave Cobb and NEEDTOBREATHE. This song, about God carrying him through life, features guitar, bass, drums, and harmonies.
Key lyric:
Carry me when I’m holding
On to me, oh, when I’m hopeless
Heavеn, help me, make Your movе
I know You’ll see me through
Nice and easy, take control
Teach me as I walk through the strangeness of it all

Take Me Dancing –  This song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song features electric guitar, drums, bass, and a memorable chorus about wanting to be with God.
Key lyric:
Okay, okay, God, I’m gonna talk to You
Like a child who keeps on running back into the room
Saying love me, love me better
I just want to be with You, take my chances

The Door – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song features acoustic guitar, harmonies, drums, bass and a memorable chorus about not worrying.
Key lyric:
Oh, and I can’t worry about the weather
Oh, and I can’t worry about the headlines anymore
Yeah, and I can’t worry about Los Angeles
Only you can keep the wolves back from the door

Growing Slow – This rocker was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb. The song is about a life out of control. The song starts slowly with the vocal accompanied by piano, and then picks up with the chorus (guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals), and includes a harmonica solo.
Key lyric:
All along, there’s a message inside
It’s my possession, it’s blinded by this heavy load
Here’s my confession, I’m tired of my reflection
This life is out of my control

Momma Loves Me – This country flavored song was written by Bear Rinehart and produced by Dave Cobb and features the Red Clay Strays. The song features acoustic guitar and beautiful harmonies.
Key lyric:
So wrap me up in sweet forgiveness
Take my wrongs and make them right
Take my scars and take my troubles, spread my ashes in the wind
‘Causе momma loves me, I’m still born again

Take The Blame – This song was written by Bear Rinehart produced by Dave Cobb and NEEDTOBREATHE. The song features a vulnerable vocal from Rinehart, acoustic guitar, and harmonica. His religion’s coming undone, but he still feels the power of God.
Key lyric:
Holding on to the promise of the here and not yet
Praying, God, deliver us

Spread The Ashes – This song was written by Bear Rinehart
produced by NEEDTOBREATHE. The song features piano, drums, guitar solo, harmonies, and a memorable chorus. Today was just a little better than his best.
Key lyric:
So, strike a chord, sing a song
Let the paint dry on the picture
Holding on to the promises of yes and amen
‘Cause in this life, there will be trouble
And there’s no time for us to mourn
So, strike a chord, sing a song
And spread the ashes

Favorite songs:
The Long Surrender
Where You Call Home
Strangeness of It All
Take Me Dancing
Momma Loves Me

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Music News:

• YFWYA.  Here is the official music video for “YFWYA” by Switchfoot.
• God I’m Just Grateful (Piano Version). Enjoy this beautiful version of “God I’m Just Grateful” by Chandler Moore.

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“Pilgrim Way (Zayin)” by Stillcreek

This week’s song of the week is “Pilgrim Way (Zayin)” by Stillcreek. The worshipful song was written by Dave Aubrey, Bryan Fowler, Aaron Williams, and Josh Wood, and is from their new EP Psalm 119, Vol. 2. Listen to the song here.

This is my comfort in affliction
That your promise gives me life
When I’m fearful and surrounded
This I call to mind
Lord, you’ve always been a shelter
The safest place I know
I remember what you’ve spoken
It’s my only hope
I set your words to a melody
I keep your words right in front of me
As I walk this pilgrim way
As I walk this pilgrim way
Your statutes have been my song
When I look upon the wicked
Holy anger burns within
But when I rest upon Your justice
I take comfort yet again
I set your words to a melody
I keep your words right in front of me
As I walk this pilgrim way
As I walk this pilgrim way
Your statutes have been my song
This is how I spend my life
I remember day and night
Trusting every word you’ve said
Treasuring your promises
This is where I find my hope
I know you will lead me home
Following for all my life
Carried by the love of Christ
I set your words to a melody
I keep your words right in front of me
As i walk this pilgrim way
As I walk this pilgrim way
Your statutes have been my song