Rascal Flatts CD Review: Rascal Flatts

In 2005, Rascal Flatts was the most played artist on country radio. Now on the brink of releasing their sixth original album Unstoppable -- which hits music racks everywhere on Apr. 7 -- fans shouldn't forget the album where it all began.

Signing with Lyric Street nine years ago, the trio erupted out of the country music gates with their debut album Rascal Flatts, released in 2000. The self-titled cd was the group's launching pad, selling more than 1 million copies in the United States. Four of the album's tracks crescendoed to the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in Hot Country Songs with "Prayin' For Daylight," "This Everyday Love," "While You Loved Me" and "I'm Movin' On."

Musical staples of the band -- sugary beats, sentimental lyrics, pop-driven percussion and acoustics and feel-good harmonies -- were immediately revealed from this very first album. The group lays its melodic groundwork, creating the infatuating sound that they've become acclaimed for.

Rascal Flatts is by no means a heavy-handed band with their sweet (sometimes saccharine) tunes and emotional (sometimes overly-emotional) outpourings. But these guys aren't trying to be Cat Stevens. Their sunny vocals and warm melodies about love are supposed to make people feel good. And that, they achieve in spades.

A well-produced, quality debut album that has left millions intoxicated.

BEST TRACKS:

"This Everyday Love"

Charming, good-natured tune about consistent, daily love that makes everyday feel new.

"It's Not Just Me"

What beautifully captures the melancholy and longing of this song are affectionate piano keys during the verses, combined with passionate vocals during the refrain.

The lyrics describe a man who desperately wants to believe in love and yearns for reciprocation of his feelings. Anyone who has experienced strong feelings toward someone will relate to the desperate need for affirmation that lead singer Gary LeVox wails about.

A well-constructed ballad.

"See Me Through"

The best track on the album.

A tremendously warm song with lyrics about sticking by somebody despite one's flaws.

Well-composed, this remarkably heartfelt tune softly glows with sincere singing and charismatic chords. In it, a man admits he's a difficult person and asks his lover for patience -- to look beyond his faults to his golden inside.

The song also has one of the most masterfully-produced, seductive codas ever released on any album. If you aren't won over by the final minute, you will be then.

In short, this is a really touching song.

"Prayin' For Daylight"

This opening track was the band's first hit single.

For a song about loss and loneliness, it has an upbeat and energetic tune. It sounds as if he's happy that he's laying awake, praying for daylight, after a lover has left him.

But this contradiction is the point. Upon closer listen, the audience realizes that the song is about denial and self-deception. The man is trying to convince himself of feelings -- both his and hers --that aren't really there.

Rascal Flatts showcases their well-synched vocals in this bright and bouncy song.

"Waiting All My Life"

A charming tune about finally finding the love you've searched for in someone. The song magically combines a feel-good, fun mood with genuity and romance.