On April 3, country music trio Rascal Flatts debuted their new album "Changed." The group, who originated in Columbus, Ohio, includes three performers: Gary LeVox as lead vocalist, Jay DeMarcus (Levox's cousin) on bass guitar, keyboard and piano and Joe Don Rooney as lead guitarist. All three sing vocals, though LeVox is publically known as the lead singer.
Rascal Flatts is famously known for their top number one spots on country music charts for their 2005 hit "What Hurts the Most" and a cover done the same year, "Bless the Broken Road," which has turned out to be their longest running number one hit. After their label, Lyric Street Records, closed down in 2010, they joined independent label Big Machine Records, which assisted in releasing numerous singles and their latest album.
The trio has also begun collaborating with other artists. Early in 2011, they joined recent hit, Justin Bieber, in a remix for his song "That Should Be Me." Also in 2011, Rascal Flatts partnered with British singer, Natasha Bedingfield to produce a duet between her and LeVox about moving on and broken hearts entitled "Easy."
One track off their new album debuted as a single back in January. "Banjo," an upbeat, fun country song that has built its way up to the top 10 in country music, was the only song debuted as a single prior to the album's release. Another track, "A Little Home," was a new sound for the trio though. The song related especially to college students, those fighting overseas and even just people away from home. It reminds us that, even if we don't know it, we all need home a little and miss the familiarity when we are away. The first line "fifth floor, up in her dorm, studying for her midterms" just speaks to all students who have ever had troubles in college.
Many of the songs on the new album come from the heart of Rascal Flatts and the heart of their country origins. Since 2000, when they took off in country music with "Prayin' for Daylight," the group has been known for their romantic and meaningful songs that always have that little country edge to them. "Hot in Here," "Great Big Love" and "Sunrise" are just a few examples of songs from the album that speak to the original country lovers. The title track "Changed" has a deep and soulful sound. The song deals with poverty and struggles, and the title just emphasizes the true meaning behind the song.
The album is sure to raise a buzz about the band, who were recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Becoming a member of the Opry is one of the highest awards one can achieve as a country artist and, after over 10 years of country music, Rascal Flatts was finally placed amongst great artists such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. "Changed" hit stores as Rascal Flatts' eighth album and was number one on charts by April 12 with sales of almost 130,000 copies. To better describe the album, a line from the song "Changed" fits perfectly: "There I was, now here I am."
