Rascal Flatts
Melt
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The clean-cut boys of Rascal Flatts became boy-band famous thanks to their 2000 debut, Rascal Flatts, a heavy helping of hyperpolished country pop. But while their breakout single, "I'm Movin' On," showed potential for depth, Flatts rarely moved beyond new Nashville's worst inclinations -- synthetic harmonies, utterly maudlin lyrics and the odd "authentic" steel guitar. Their second album wants to be more mature, but songs such as "These Days," "I Melt" and "Love You Out Loud" are as predictable as their titles suggest. Rascal Flatts are best when they underperform, as on "Dry County Girl," which makes room for Gary LeVox's clean voice. JON CARAMANICA
Read More CLASS="grey">(RS 915 – February 6, 2003)
Their sophomore album is all about two things: the ballads and the harmonies. Often regarded as the boy band of country music, Rascal Flatts are portrayed here as the Beach Boys of twang. Songs like "Mayberry" exude the kind of American innocence wrapped in the sort of vocal parts that Brian Wilson penned in his prime.
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