Released February 2, 2015 (2015-02-02) Format Digital download
7" vinyl Genre Christian rock
pop rock Length 4:51 (Album version)
3:28 (featuring Gavin DeGraw) Label Atlantic Records
Warner Music Group Writer(s) Bear Rinehart
Bo Rineheart | ||
"Brother" is a song by American Christian rock band Needtobreathe. It was released as the fifth single from Rivers in the Wasteland on February 2, 2015. The official single version features Gavin DeGraw and was released to Hot AC radio on May 4, 2015. The song was written by Bear and Bo Rinehart, and produced by Dave Tozer, using elements of Ed Cash's LP version. Since its release, the song has peaked at number 8 on Billboard Hot Rock Songs, number 1 on Billboard Hot Christian Songs, number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's first chart entry, and highest peak on the chart.
Critical reception
Entertainment Weekly's Madison Vain stated "[Brother] is full, anthemic, a little bit woodsy, and alarmingly catchy." and claimed that "[Bear Rinehart's] sincerity is unmistakable in his vocals, and the bluegrass backing culminates in something sweetly rich." Pailey Martin of Billboard called it a "heartfelt track." BreatheCast's Jeannie Law said it was an "unforgettable collaboration" and that "[Bear Rinehart's] raw vocals, and the bluegrass backing truly make the song a powerful anthem." Jeff Koch of PopMatters called it "cheesy" and said that "[Brother] is practically begging to be used in the background of some Grey’s Anatomy montage."