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Rascal Flatts' latest mocks country, dumps twangy roots
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Also by Stacey Nathan:
- Harper shows Both Sides on latest (March 23, 2006)
- Rascal Flatts' latest mocks country, dumps twangy roots (April 6, 2006)
- Family Force 5's CD delivers funky punk (April 7, 2006)
- Buckcherry breaks lengthy hiatus (April 21, 2006)
- Outkast's newest decent, not great (September 7, 2006)
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- Country awards forget competition (November 9, 2007)
- MadHatters continue crooning act (April 28, 2005)
by Stacey Nathan
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Many listeners' first experience with Rascal Flatts was with their first single, "Prayin For Daylight," off their self-titled debut released in 2000. It was a good song, but nothing about the rest of the CD was really exceptional. It covered the pop-country genre well, but it was much more pop than country.
On their next two albums, the band progressed as musicians. Although Me and My Gang is a not particularly country-sounding album, fans will be happy, as it is supposedly the band's best album thus far. Unfortunately, the music itself is nothing extraordinary, except for the voice of lead singer Gary LeVox, which is compelling. It has that country twang but with the capabilities of an R&B diva with an incredible range.
The most country-sounding song on the album would have to be "Backwards," which details what would happen if you were to play a country song in reverse: "You get your house back / you get your dog back / you get your best friend Jack back / you get your truck back / you get your hair back / you get your first and second wives back."
Essentially, Rascal Flatts is making fun of the fact that many country songs are about losing things … sort of like their next song, "I Feel Bad." The song is reminiscent of a barn dance — or what I imagine one would be like. It makes you want to jump up and start slapping your knee, which is what true country music should make you do.
Too many of the tracks are slow, delivering a somewhat downbeat musical experience. The title track, however, has a faster tempo, which automatically makes it more enjoyable. The lyrics are actually funny at times, "We're gonna rock this thang / cock this thang / me and my gang. / We got hippies, gypsies, freaks and geeks / high class women in Daisy Duke denim / bangin' on gongs and singing our songs."
"What Hurts the Most" seems to be getting the most attention off the new album. The lyrics are heartfelt and meaningful: You can almost feel the pain they claim to feel. "What hurts the most / was being so close / and havin' so much to say / and watchin' you walk away." It's a typical country song about losing the one you love, but it has great vocals and lyrics, so we'll let it slide.
One of best tracks on the disc would have to be the very first, "Stand." It's an uplifting song about withstanding the trials and tribulations one might face. With some simple harmonies and faster-paced tempo, it is hard not to like.
"Yes I Do" takes an interesting turn on a country song. It starts out sounding like reggae, but once you get to the chorus you remember again that you are in fact listening to Rascal Flatts. It's on the same topic as the majority of their songs: love. What else would you expect? At least this one deviates from the norm.
The rest of the album is nothing special. All of the songs are good, nothing outstanding worth detailing. Any particular song could be released as a single, but no particular song seems to have as much appeal to pop audiences as with their previous albums, except for "Me and My Gang." There is nothing here to make teenyboppers want to go purchase a Rascal Flatts album, but it will definitely be successful in the country scene.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 1:00pm):
That is a poorly written article, and I find it nothing short of pathetic.
In this situation, #'s are the key here my friend, #'s. They sold just over 714,000 copies in their first week. They hold the #1 country song and #1 country album for M&MG and are still sitting at #7 for Feels Like Today.
And although What Hurts The Most is not #1 on the Hot 100 it went from #52 to #8!!!
Numbers my friend, sheer numbers. Next time do some research and then write an article.
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 1:32pm):
I am a major Rascal Flatts fan and I am only 14, so I guess that would make me a teenybopper wouldn't it? Yeah, I absolutely LOVE their new cd! Every single song is AMAZING! You may think otherwise about them but all of their other fans and I know they're the best and this cd is no different!
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 2:26pm):
Aren't MOST country songs about love?? So why critique Rascal Flatts for "not deviating from the norm"??? This article is apparently by a critic with no taste in music. Maybe try a survey next time. Personally, I couldn't wait to get my hands on TWO COPIES of the new album. Besides that, I have every copy of every cd they have and had to buy an extra one because I wore out the original cassette!!
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 3:27pm):
That review SUCKS! The new album is AMAZING!! What about "He Ain't The Leavin Lind" or "Ellsworth" or "my Wish".. doesn't sound like you've even listened to the album!! It's absolutely AWESOME!! Another GREAT cd from the guys!!
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 3:41pm):
You guys are WACKED!!!
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 8:20pm):
well it seems to me that someone liked it ..the first days sales out did the first week sales of feels like today so somebody out there is sure liking it an aweful lot for one person to be buying all these copies dang
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 9:47pm):
I am not sure how to put this nicely, so please excuss the 17 year old "teenybobber."
ARE YOU CRAZY?! This CD is one of the BEST CDs to be relased since "Feels Like Today." Hmm, wonder who released that CD? OH YEAH! IT WAS RASCAL FLATTS. Next time you want to write a review, listen, really LISTEN, to the WHOLE CD, go to the fan boards, look at the NUMBERS of albums sold AND what postion they are on the charts then try to write an article. Maybe then you will actually know what you are talking about...
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 10:00pm):
That CD is number one sales wise so you can't really say that "teeny boppers" don't rush out and get it. I went and got it the first day it came out. All of the songs on the album are very good and meaning full. Thats all I have to say! :(
Sheri Reedy (April 13, 2006 @ 10:07pm):
I happen to be a fan of Rascal Flatts and am totally blown away by the way you portray them as musicians and artist! Their new Cd Me and My Gang happens to be amazing!! There is not 1 song on there that's not awesome!!! You failed to mention that it is the top cd in the nation right now...that ought to tell you something! :)
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 10:10pm):
wow that was horrible...worst article ever you have noooo idea how big rascal flatts is and how amazing they are OBVIOUSLY! they have a huge fan base that GET IT! think things over before you write them PLEASE
Anonymous (April 13, 2006 @ 11:42pm):
K first of all if you didn't liek the first 3 albums why did you consider listening to the fourth one?...ya mmm..hmm!..ok second of all have you seen how many were sold!..obviously one one of the few that are bashing it! just let me give you a word of advice plz listen to the words before you try and "guess" what songs are about!..that always helps!
Anonymous (April 14, 2006 @ 12:12am):
ME AND MY GANG IS AN ABSOLUTLY AMAZING ALBUM FROM RASCAL FLATTS!! IN NO WAY IS IT POP SOUNDING WHAT SO EVER!!! IT GETS SO ANNOYING TO CONTINUALLY READ HOW POP SOUNDING RASCAL FLATTS IS!! THEY ARE NOT POP!!! RASCAL FLATTS IS THE TOP COUNTRY GROUP IN COUNTRY MUSIC AND IS WINNING COUNTLESS AWARDS FOR THEIR MUSIC!!! THIS ARTICLE IS APPALLING AND ME AND MY GANG IS ONE OF THEIR BEST ALBUMS TO DATE!! MAYBE YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THE WHOLE ABLUM BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DESICION!!
Anonymous (April 14, 2006 @ 7:25am):
I think that this new album from Rascal Flatts ROCKS! It is the best and thats why its number one in the nation on the top 200 billboard charts and country charts!
Anonymous (April 14, 2006 @ 7:46am):
Rascal Flatts' highly anticipated new CD Me And My Gang debuted in the #1 position on the Soundscan Top 200 albums chart, making it the highest selling CD across all genres, beating out new releases from Pink and the popular NOW compilation. As the highest selling title in the nation, Rascal Flatts' new CD also debuted at #1 on Soundscan's country album chart.
I happen to be a rascal flatts fan, but I know all people don't have to like the music nor enjoy it. But I do think the facts speak for themselves.
Anonymous (April 14, 2006 @ 8:09am):
You are so wrong. Just look at the sales of the cd. And you failed to mention amazing songs on their cd like Ellsworth.
Anonymous (April 14, 2006 @ 9:17am):
I am a huge fan of Rascal Flatts and think Me&MY Gang is the best CD that they have put out so far. Everthing that they sing is country and it debut at #1 in the nation- so someone is buying it and loving it. these 3 guys have all the talent and with all the awards that they have won they must be doing something awesome. The songs that they sing touch the heart and souls of the listeners and their fans.
Anonymous (April 15, 2006 @ 9:06am):
The writer of this article obviously does NOT appreciate country music. It's easy to be negative on something you do not have a passion for or know nothing about. True Fans of RF, (even us 41 yr old Moms in addition to teenyboppers) appreciate all of their music. Ballads & upbeat. They have put a new twist on a few songs, but isn't that what a great artist is all about. Stirring the pot alittle, stepping out of their box to gain a bigger fan base, and surpass the expectations of the current fan base. Do us a favor, don't critique in areas like Rascal Flatts OR Country Music for that matter since you don't appreciate it to start with. Sales speak for themselves, as do their awards.
kristin primm (April 16, 2006 @ 12:35am):
I have to agree with Sheri! I am another huge Rascal Flatts fan. They are a bunch of great artists! The new album is amazing! It is their best work yet. Like said before, all of the songs on the new album are great! and yes, they have the #1 cd in the nation ..while "What Hurts the Most" is still hangin on to #1.
:)
Anonymous (April 16, 2006 @ 2:03pm):
All I have to say is..."we get it". This album is awesome!!! Rascal Flatts knows their fans are behide them 210%.
Jean Eccles (April 16, 2006 @ 11:43pm):
Ok here is another Rascal Flatts Addict: You are totally off on your review. The whole album is a masterpiece. The only thing you were right about was about Gary's voice. It is compelling!!! That voice has & does make GROWN women weak in there knees!! Just so it is clear the fans have make them superstars. We dont rely on critics to tell us what we buy & dont buy. Just to quote Joe Don "the fans (that's us by the way) we get it!!! Thats all RF worries about! If you notice everytime the win an award or in an interview they thank god first then they thank there fans!!! The sale of this 4 album says it all #1 & the single What hurts the most still #1. So there you remember "THE FANS GET IT"!! We are making them very wealthy people & they deserve it!!
GO GUYS UR FANS LOVE YOU!!!!
