"On the Waters" is the second studio album by the American soft rock band Bread. Released in July 1970, this album contains the characteristic chart-topping single, "Make It with You". The album was a crucial follow-up to Bread's debut effort, "Bread", and helped to seal the band's considerable success in the early 70's.
"On the Waters" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and was Bread's first leap into the public consciousness. Notably, the album's style is marked by the combination of mellow tones and rich harmonies, which became the signature sound that made Bread one of the leading acts in the soft rock music scene.
Bread, formed in 1968, consisted of main members David Gates, Jimmy Griffin, and Robb Royer. For "On the Waters", Gates primarily handled vocals and played guitar, bass, and keyboards, while Griffin shared vocals and guitar duties, and Royer contributed on the bass, guitar, and keyboards as well. Mike Botts, a new addition to the group, played drums for the album, solidifying the band’s lineup.
The lyrics of "On the Waters" take on a style that is easily relatable, dealing with themes like love, heartbreak, and introspection. This, in combination with the band's musical style, resulted in an album that resonates with a wide audience. To this day, "On the Waters" is widely regarded as one of Bread's most popular and enduring works in their discography.
