From the first track to the last this CD is Rascal Flatts having fun and enjoying what they do for the fans. Are all the tracks going to be considered country, no, some seem to be more geared for the teenage fans of the group. But the guys and their team know what works for them and what their fans expect.
Unless you have been hiding under a rock or just plain don’t listen to the radio, you have heard their first release off the CD What Hurts the Most. It certainly shows the ability of the group to harmonize and they do it well, what comes through is a well balanced and sung ballad. I really expected them to release a more upbeat, toe tapping song first since their last hit Skin (Sarabeth) was a ballad and a pull on the heart strings type of song. Ellsworth is one song that will bring tears to your eyes, it touches on something that most everyone has had to or will have to deal with, an elderly member of their family losing touch with memories except for something that happened many, many years ago. This particular song deals with Grandma and her not remembering things from the recent past but she can remember everything from her youth and when she met Grandpa.
For the toe tapping songs on the CD you have a selection, Backwards plays on that old country saying about playing a country song backwards and sounds like the guys are just having fun with it. Me and My Gang is another one that I’m afraid is going to cause a bit of controversy with the sound of music. With the backlash hitting Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Big & Rich and other artists, they may have set themselves up for a bit of bashing by some fans. This song doesn’t have the accepted country sound that they typically display. It’s a fun song, it just isn’t exactly what you expect from this trio.
Overall, it’s a good listen and one that I think most fans will enjoy. Me and My Gang is definitely going to keep Rascal Flatts at the top of their game.
