On November 9, 1999, country music singer Faith Hill's fourth studio album "Breathe" was released via her record label, Warner Brothers Records Nashville. This album went on to produce pop-country hits such as "Breathe," "The Way You Love Me," and her collaboration with her husband, country singer Tim McGraw "Let's Make Love." Thus far, "Breathe" is Faith Hill's most successful album of her career selling over eight million copies.
Thanks to the commercial success of "Breathe," Faith Hill received six Grammy nominations in five categories at the 2000 Grammy awards, taking home accolades in three categories: "Best Country Album," "Best Country Collaboration with Vocals" for her duet with Tim McGraw, as well as "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" for her single "Breathe."
Breathe: Singles From the Record
The lead-off single from "Breathe" was the title track song, which propelled Hill into country stardom, in the same league as fellow vocalist Shania Twain. The song stayed at the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Charts for six weeks and reached #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Charts. At the 2000 Billboard Music Awards, "Breathe" was selected as the 2000 "Single of the Year." Ever since its release, Faith Hill's love ballad "Breathe" has become a standard tune in contemporary wedding ceremonies.
The second single from "Breathe" was "The Way You Love Me," a fun and uptempo tune which went on to peak yet again at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and stayed at that top position for four weeks. Particularly impressive about this song is that due to its background vocals, it gives the listener the impression that there are two songs in one; moreover, in the song's music video Faith Hill is featured in multiple outfit changes, reminiscent to Carrie Underwood's 2007 music video "All American Girl."
The third single released from the album was Faith Hill's collaboration with Tim McGraw entitled "Let's Make Love." In this song, the couple declare their unconditional love for each other and sing about it. This duet was rightfully awarded a 2000 Grammy award for "Best Country Collaboration with Vocals."
The fourth and final single released from "Breathe" was the up-tempo tune, "If My Heart Had Wings," in which Faith Hill discusses what she would do if her heart had wings. This song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Country Charts.
Breathe: Noteworthy Album Cuts
Although "Breathe" produced only four singles, several other songs on this album are equally remarkable. "It Will Be Me" is a stunning ballad in which the country vocalist makes a statement that she will always be there for her significant other and will never desert him or hurt him.
Bruce Springsteen "The Boss" lends his songwriting talent on this record on a song called "If I Should Fall Behind."
The album closes with the inspirational tune "There Will Come A Day," in which Hill is backed by a gospel choir. This tune was performed on the 2000 Country Music Association (CMA) awards, the year Faith Hill was crowned CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year," as well as by American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle on Season 6 of American Idol.
The Verdict
In summation, Faith Hill's album "Breathe" is recommended for fans of all genres of music. There is something in this album for everyone, recorded by one of the most beautiful and beloved vocalists in modern country music, Faith Hill. "Breathe" truly showcases Hill's talent at the top of her game and proves that she rightfully earned every award that this album received.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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