Breathe cover

Released 27 years ago this October

Breathe

Faith Hill · 1999

12 min · 3 tracks · country music

A blend of soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics that define the essence of late '90s country pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Breathe (radio version) — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending romantic urgency with an unforgettable melody that showcases Hill's powerful vocals.
  • →
    This Kiss (radio version) — This upbeat anthem became a hallmark of Hill's career, merging catchy pop elements with country roots and capturing the exhilaration of love.
  • →
    What’s in It for Me — The song's introspective lyrics delve into themes of self-worth and relationship dynamics, presenting a more complex narrative within the album's overall romantic focus.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album blends contemporary country with pop elements, featuring strong melodies but suffers from cohesion issues due to bonus tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track 'Breathe' introduces a more emotional ballad that shifts the album's tone.
  • Several tracks feature prominent backing vocals and harmonies, particularly in 'Let's Make Love' and 'The Way You Love Me', enhancing the lush sound.
  • The album includes both radio edits and original versions of songs, with the last two tracks being alternate takes that may disrupt the flow.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Breathe (radio version)

    The bridge shifts to an intimate declaration of love that deepens the emotional connection established earlier in the song.

    This moment elevates the narrative from mere infatuation to profound commitment, highlighting Hill's vocal range and emotional depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Breathe (radio version) 4:09
  • 2 This Kiss (radio version) 3:16
  • 3 What’s in It for Me 5:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata