Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This Album Cover

“Nothing Like This” marks the first album released by Rascal Flatts on their new record label, Big Machine Records. Their seventh studio album stands apart from any album they have done before. It has an eclectic mix of songs, combing sounds from some of their previous albums, as well as some new uncharacteristic ones. Of all of their records, this one is some of Rascal Flatts’ finest work. The majority of the album is mid and up-tempo, with a few ballads, and was recorded in both Santa Barbara, CA and Nashville TN –two more reasons this album is set apart from its predecessors.

The album kicks off with the band’s first single, “Why Wait.” The song is an up-tempo, contemporary country song about a man not only proposing to his girlfriend, but asking her why wait? The second track features pop sensation, Natasha Bedingfield. The duet, entitled “Easy,” has a country-pop vibe to it. Gary LeVox and Bedingfield play very well off of each other in the song about a broken up couple, trying to prove to the other how easy it was to get over the break up. The next song, co-written by the trio’s own Joe Don Rooney, “Sunday Afternoon,” a mid-tempo love song which illustrates the true talent of lead singer, LeVox.

The next set of songs on the album are four of the best, the first being the song, “Play.” Long time fans will find this song enjoyable; it is one of the tracks on the album that delves into Rascal Flatts older sound, found on albums like “Melt” and “Feels Like Today.” The title track is the fifth song on the album. “Nothing Like This” is a ballad about finding true love. It has a similar story to “Bless the Broken Road,” one of the Flatts’ biggest hits to date. Up next is the upbeat, feel-good love song, co-written by Jay DeMarcus, “All Night to Get There.” “Red Camaro,” the seventh track on the album, is a guitar-driven mid-tempo song about how a car can spark memories of an old flame. It is a song that begs to be blasted on a car radio, with the windows rolled down.

“They Try” is a bit uncharacteristic for Rascal Flatts. It is one of their most soulful songs to date, yet it flows nicely with the order of songs on the album. Listeners will be caught off guard by this tune since its sound stands out from the rest of the 10 tracks. Following “They Try” are two songs co-written by lead singer, Gary LeVox, entitled “Summer Young,” and “Tonight Tonight.” The final track on the album is a powerful and moving ballad –a Rascal Flatts trademark. From their very first album, Rascal Flatts have always ended their records with a moving, and sometimes sad song, that many fans gravitate towards. “Won’t Let Go” is no different. The song is about caring and supporting a loved one.

It is difficult to pluck a song or two that makes the album stand out from other artists and records. The reason for this is because all eleven tracks are outstanding. Though Rascal Flatts have always made great music, this combination of songs is by far, some of their best work since the days of “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and “Here’s to You.” Fans and country music lovers alike will appreciate and love this album. There is something on it for everyone to enjoy. With its combination of upbeat, feel-good songs, slow and meaningful ballads, a touch of soul and funk, and the outstanding combination of LeVox’s powerful voice and DeMarcus and Rooney’s superb backup vocals, listeners will be thrilled to own, and possibly wear out, their own copy of “Nothing Like This.”

Kelly Jean
CMTT Music Contributor
Twitter: @Kji1014