Lady Antebellum – “I Run To You”

Having only one album and three single releases to their name, Lady Antebellum has already racked up an impressive number of accolades. They were nominated for Top New Duo or Vocal Group in the 43rd Annual ACM Awards a full month before their debut album was released and eventually won the award. Granted, they were nominated in a weak year, but the trio also went on to receive a nomination and win for New Artist of the Year at the 42nd CMA Awards over much more formidable competition, and are currently up for the Grammy’s Best New Artist covering all genres and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Despite the accolades, the group doesn’t exactly have any pretensions of actually being country, as demonstrated by their third single. “I Run To You” is a vague profession of love by lead singers Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott and while Kelley’s husky vocals have been widely praised as fresh, they’re slightly reminiscent of singers like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Scott Stapp of Creed. And though his voice isn’t especially unique outside of country, there is a place for him within the genre if the group demonstrates a willingness to embrace it as more than a marketing label.

“I Run To You” begins with Kelley proclaiming that he runs from hate, prejudice, and pessimists–things nearly anyone most likely wouldn’t want a part of. Then Scott joins, contemplating whether or not she’s in control of her life and the speed at which she “runs.” After establishing that Kelley avoids pessimists, the duo somewhat contradicts that opening line by singing that the “world keeps spinning faster/Into a new disaster….” It’s all a little abstract, but at least they have each other to run too, right? But considering the reasons they’ve mentioned for “running,” it’s a mighty faint profession of love.

The song comes across as purposefully cryptic because they either didn’t fully develop the idea, haven’t become comfortable opening up in their lyrics, or they just didn’t feel the need to focus on the lyric other than as a device to support the melody. Whatever the case, it’s a method that doesn’t need to be followed by them or any new or upcoming country acts.

Despite the lack of a meaningful, coherent lyric, the song still manages to make for a pleasing listen due to the group’s knack for catchy melodies and harmonies. As long as the production doesn’t get in the way, the same could be said for nearly any song they release, so it’s important that they don’t become complacent with their lyrics in a genre that places a premium on well crafted stories.

Listen: Lady Antebellum – “I Run To You”