One of the best marks of a good album or song is when other musicians choose to listen to it or even create their own cover versions. From professional peers to gifted amateurs, countless musicians have connected with NEEDTOBREATHE's work and offered their own interpretations. And with good reason: brand new record HARD LOVE is perhaps the best example yet of the band's ability to write songs with infectious musical grooves and rich, soul-baring lyrics.

The way the new album connects to listeners and musicians is proved by the fact that YouTube is already home to a wide array of covers from the album's pre-released tracks. In honor of HARD LOVE's release, we singled out some of the most exceptional NEEDTOBREATHE covers on YouTube.

"Washed by the Water"
Most fan were first introduced to NEEDTOBREATHE with their 2007 album The Heat, in particular the moving rock and roll spiritual "Washed by the Water." This cover reinterprets the lyrics into a more traditional hymn sound, the result being an arrangement that feels perfectly at home in church. 
 
"Something Beautiful"
There have been countless interpretations of NEEDTOBREATHE's 2009 smash hit "Something Beautiful" from The Outsiders. What sets this one apart is the choice to arrange it for an ensemble. Multiple voices and diverse instrumentation help this cover shine.

"Slumber"
The release of 2011's The Reckoning was a beautiful season for the band as the album would propel them into a tour spot opening for Taylor Swift. This cover of "Slumber" captures some of that energy and momentum, particularly in the soaring vocals.

"Lay Em Down"
The southern roots run deep on many NEEDTOBREATHE songs, including this track from The Reckoning. That element plays perfectly into this bluesy, gospel-influenced rendition by Harper Still, the sister duo formed by Jamie Grace and Morgan Harper Nichols.

"Multiplied"
Early on in her juggernaut musical career, Lauren Daigle took on this worshipful NEEDTOBREATHE song from then-brand-new album Rivers in the Wasteland (released in 2014). Lauren's soaring voice and worshipful heart were the perfect vehicle to take this song up a notch.

"Difference Maker"
Melancholy, introspective and humble, "Difference Maker" would epitomize some of the struggles Bo and Bear Rinehart found themselves in middle of during the writing of Rivers in the Wasteland. This cover captures the song's vulnerable heart. And if the name Michael Castro sounds familiar, it should: Michael is brother to Jason Castro, American Idol alum and solo Christian artist.

"The Heart"
"The Heart" is one of Rivers in the Wasteland's most high-energy tracks. That makes it remarkable that this duo of musicians was able to strip it back to a more mellow tone, carried by a unique arrangement of two guitars and two voices. 

"Brother"
For NEEDTOBREATHE's biggest hit to date, it's a challenge to choose just one out of the dozens and dozens of existing covers. Chart-smashing "Brother" has been covered by several of NEEDTOBREATHE's peers, including newcomer Jordan Feliz. His cover casts the song in his intensely powerful vocals. As a bonus: sister duo Harper Still (Jamie Grace and Morgan Harper-Nichols) covered this one as well.

"No Excuses"
One of the early tracks from HARD LOVE was quick to capture listeners, including indie artist Nathan Sink. His mellow cover features a harmonica, landing this melancholy love song in the folk arena--a suitable sound for its keening melody.

"Happiness"
HARD LOVE's lead single has sparked several covers, including this simple living room rendition. Simple covers like this highlight NEEDTOBREATHE's ability to craft instantly memorable melodies that stand strong whether on their own or surrounded by careful layers of instrumentation.


Are there any standout covers we missed? Share with us in the comments!