Rascal Flatts – “Why”
It’s tempting to suggest overexposure to the Flatts’ own soulless brand of emo country as a possible reason “Why” the troubled character in this song (call it “How Do You Get That Lonely” redux) brought his life to an abrupt end. But that review has already been written countless times. At this point, the freshest approach to these critical pariahs is to set aside one’s preconceptions and try to hear them on their own terms.
The first order of business: Gary LeVox is actually a very strong balladeer. Though tendencies toward up-tempo shrieking and crescendoing, melodramatic arrangements do him few favors, he has laid down tight vocals on past hits such as “I’m Movin’ On” and “Bless the Broken Road.” He does the same here, and it would be no exaggeration to say that Ronnie Dunn could not have made more of “Why” than LeVox does.
Although the Flatts’ over-the-top arrangements make them an easy target for critics and those who demand that country releases bear some relation to country music, their treatment of this particular song actually feels more emotionally right than Larsen’s flatly traditional performance on “How Do You Get That Lonely.” The failure of Larsen’s hit was partially a matter of positioning: by setting its narrator up as someone who encounters suicide as “just another story, printed on the second page/Underneath the Tigers football score,” it was almost predestined to end up an incongruously cold handling of what should have been a heartfelt topic.
“Why” writers Allen Shamblin and Rob Mathes wisely move the narrator closer to the deceased, allowing for the visceral response that seems more appropriate to such an emotionally charged topic. People considering the suicide of a loved one, and the possibility that they could have done something to prevent it, aren’t known for being levelheaded: they’re known for being devastated messes. Rascal Flatts, who have made a career of reveling in just such melodrama, have at long last discovered a song that actually seems to justify their usual overdone style.
Dodging the bullets that are LeVox’s unusual voice and his group’s favored pop-rock production, the song is ultimately done in by something even more fundamental: its length. Five minutes isn’t unprecedented for a radio single, but it’s long enough that an artist risks appearing self-indulgent if the extra time does not seem strictly necessary. The biggest problem with “Why” is that it says everything it needs to say in the first half, then continues anyway. Distilled down to three minutes, this would be the Flatts equivalent of a tour de force. As it is, it could be marketed as a sleep aid. There just isn’t five minutes worth of content to fill this five minutes worth of time.
Considering the Unstoppable album as the source, this is the best possible single that could have been chosen. For the first couple of minutes, it’s even fairly effective. In the end, though, this song about leaving too early sabotages its own chances by staying too late.
Listen: Rascal Flatts – “Why”
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[...] Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” BOMSHEL’s “Fight Like a Girl,” Rascal Flatt’s recent single “Why” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” all toe that line, with a million [...]
October 19, 2009
[...] Flatts have an amazing career because they are a f*cking amazing band. ● – – Truer words have never been [...]
October 23, 2009
[...] October 2009 Rascal Flatts – “Why” [...]
168 Comments
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October 9, 2009 at 9:09 am Permalink
Wow, I clicked the link expecting CM to rip into this song. I applaud your restraint and agree that the biggest problem is that its biggest problem is that it’s too long.
October 9, 2009 at 9:31 am Permalink
“this song about leaving too early sabotages its own chances by staying too late.”
Great, great line. Agreed on the review too.
October 9, 2009 at 9:50 am Permalink
a tick over the top but quite beautiful.
October 9, 2009 at 9:52 am Permalink
Another thumbs down, but one that in this case is well-deserved. Rascall is certainly mainstream, Pop mainstream that is.
By the way, CM Wilcox’s review of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is great. I would encourage you to read what he said of Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives. This is one group that deserves all the critical acclaim they receive.
October 9, 2009 at 10:16 am Permalink
Waynoe,
Rascal Flatts may be pop but it certainty is anything that mainstream pop would play. Adult Contemporary, maybe but not pop.
October 9, 2009 at 11:16 am Permalink
A thumbs down because the song is too long??
Wow, that is truly sad.
October 9, 2009 at 11:36 am Permalink
Did you really say that Ronnie Dunn would have done more with this song than Gary? Do you know anything about vocal talent? And how is it emo pop? Should we all listen to Jammie Johnson instead you old time country purist idiot?
October 9, 2009 at 11:53 am Permalink
Actually, Ryan, he says the opposite. Read again before calling people idiots.
October 9, 2009 at 12:14 pm Permalink
Ryan,
He said:
“and it would be no exaggeration to say that Ronnie Dunn could not have made more of “Why” than LeVox does.”
October 9, 2009 at 12:21 pm Permalink
I wish people’d read the review before commenting.
October 9, 2009 at 12:28 pm Permalink
“It’s tempting to suggest overexposure to the Flatts’ own soulless brand of emo country as a possible reason “Why” the troubled character in this song (call it “How Do You Get That Lonely” redux) brought his life to an abrupt end. But that review has already been written countless times.”
But…didn’t you kind of just write it again? I respect your opinion, but I find that a bit tacky.
October 9, 2009 at 12:29 pm Permalink
The song’s title is appropriate. I often ask myself “why” concerning Rascal Flatts.
October 9, 2009 at 12:43 pm Permalink
“But…didn’t you kind of just write it again?”
Nope. Key sentence:
“The biggest problem with “Why” is that it says everything it needs to say in the first half, then continues anyway.”
Agree or not, that’s not a generalized dismissal of, cheap crack about or swipe at Rascal Flatts, it’s specific to the song.
October 9, 2009 at 12:52 pm Permalink
“Agree or not, that’s not a generalized dismissal of, cheap crack about or swipe at Rascal Flatts, it’s specific to the song.”
Fair enough – I just think the reference speaks for itself. Unless critics actually have been using this swipe to review “Why.” In which case…wow.
October 9, 2009 at 1:26 pm Permalink
“Considering the Unstoppable album as the source, this is the best possible single that could have been chosen.”
Ouch! But you’re right.
October 9, 2009 at 1:28 pm Permalink
“It’s tempting to suggest overexposure to the Flatts’ own soulless brand of emo country as a possible reason “Why” the troubled character in this song (call it “How Do You Get That Lonely” redux) brought his life to an abrupt end. But that review has already been written countless times.”
First off, what the hell is “emo country??”
I can’t even imagine why anyone would call this “souless.”
No, Gary isn’t a techincal vocalist by any means? Is he gifted at being emotive and making a connection with the listener? Absolutly.
“The biggest problem with “Why” is that it says everything it needs to say in the first half, then continues anyway.”
So even though there were tons of compliments on the delivery, restraint and emotion in the song, it STILL deserves a thumbs down for one little quirk? Proves my point that people will do anything to tear down Rascal Flatts, even if they put out an excellent peice of work.
October 9, 2009 at 1:30 pm Permalink
I just really need them to stop with those dang electric guitar solos.
October 9, 2009 at 2:55 pm Permalink
When we first got this at work, I actually didn’t hate it, which is a good sign. My next thought, though, is that it’s too much like the lead single from their last album – the one where the girl is screaming in the video because her boyfriend died in the car crash (???) – and that leads me to believe that Rascal Flatts is only capable of the over-wrought, overly dramatic ballad or the completely inane summertime party song for 16 year olds. There is no middle ground with these guys.
October 9, 2009 at 2:56 pm Permalink
I loveeeee the song!! It is an awesome peice of work! It is long, but it’s still a great song! I loveeee Rascal Flatts… And the song is great! Very sad!!
October 9, 2009 at 3:36 pm Permalink
Excellent review. I honestly wanted to like this, but that key line in the chorus – the one about leaving in the middle of the song – just doesn’t do it for me. It’s like the Hallmarkiest way to describe suicide ever. And Gary’s power notes at the end sound exactly the same as the end of “Here Comes Goodbye,” which I didn’t like the first time.
It’s not that I can’t possibly appreciate Rascal Flatts, though; they just keep pushing the exact same formula at us, and their songs seem to be getting less memorable all the time.
October 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm Permalink
I actually like this song a lot more than most of the stuff I’ve heard from Rascal Flatts
October 9, 2009 at 4:40 pm Permalink
When we first got this at work, I actually didn’t hate it, which is a good sign. My next thought, though, is that it’s too much like the lead single from their last album – the one where the girl is screaming in the video because her boyfriend died in the car crash (???)
That was from the “Me And My Gang CD; it came out three years ago.
…and that leads me to believe that Rascal Flatts is only capable of the over-wrought, overly dramatic ballad or the completely inane summertime party song for 16 year olds. There is no middle ground with these guys.
As a loyal RF fan, I absolutly disagree. Here’s some examples:
“Stand”
“Backwards”
“Words I Couldn’t Say
“Mayberry”
“He Ain’t The Leavin Kind”
“Me And My Gang”
“Ellsworth”
“She’d Be California”
“Things That Matter”
“Feels Like Today”
“Shine On”
“Better Now”
October 9, 2009 at 4:53 pm Permalink
Hahaha, I was worried at first that they tried to cover Jason Aldean’s Why.
Now that would have been scary.
October 9, 2009 at 6:04 pm Permalink
I think the song reviews itself with its title.
October 9, 2009 at 6:20 pm Permalink
“So even though there were tons of compliments on the delivery, restraint and emotion in the song, it STILL deserves a thumbs down for one little quirk?”
Going on when you’ve finished saying everything that needs to be said is more than a little quirk; it’s a major flaw. I don’t know that I agree with the criticism, but if that’s the reviewer’s perception, I’d say the “thumbs down” was warranted.
October 9, 2009 at 6:42 pm Permalink
Your just jelious, CM, because you can’t write a song this long!!! I loveeee it.!
(Great review)
October 9, 2009 at 6:49 pm Permalink
Somebody’s been drinkin’.
October 9, 2009 at 7:18 pm Permalink
Now the oak trees are swaying in the early autumn breeze.
The golden sun is shining on my face.
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This whole world really ain’t that bad of place
Oh why, there’s no comprehending.
And who am I to try to judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one burning question
Who you told you life wasn’t worth the fight
They were wrong, they lied.
Now you’re gone, and we cried”
Why is this repetative again? The song is simply reflecting on what makes the world beautiful; why you should continue living as opposed to just giving up on life.
In light of recent trite like “Boots On,” “Small Town USA” and company, I’d say this song is head and shoulders above at least 80% of contemporary country singles on radio right now.
In my opinion, this song has the pontential to follow in the footsteps of “I’m Movin On.”
No matter how pointless or cheesy the song may seem to some, it’s the type of song that has the potential to save so many lives and impact millions of people in this often cynical and fast-paced world.
That alone gives this song a thumbs up in my opinion.
October 10, 2009 at 12:20 am Permalink
Save lives? Some people would rather lose their lives than listen to RF.
October 10, 2009 at 12:52 am Permalink
Save lives? Some people would rather lose their lives than listen to RF.
Wow. That’s really mature, asshole.
October 11, 2009 at 4:48 am Permalink
…so much for mature replies.
October 11, 2009 at 10:52 am Permalink
Rascal Flatts is definitely in AC territory with this song. Not exactly a bad thing, but Rascal Flatts is definitely guilty of misrepresentation. They’ve veered off the dirt road path a long time ago, and now are just cruising down the blacktop. They’re still being sold as a country group though, and that’s just wrong. Brooks and Dunn are more country than Rascal Flatts can ever hope to be at this point.
October 11, 2009 at 11:21 am Permalink
Thomas,
I’m sorry, but I wasn’t aware that swearing implies immaturity. Making a joke of sucide, however, does.
Seriously, get over the Rascal Flatts are not country arguments please. They are just as country as Sugarland, Lady Antellum, Carrie Underwood, Chesney, Swift, Urban and dozens of other contemporary country artists.
I even think Gloriana and Love and Theft are the closest to pop country artists can get. They are “too country” for top 40 radio, but way too pop to even be called contemporary country.
If you don’t like the music don’t listen to it.
October 11, 2009 at 1:08 pm Permalink
Rascal Flatts maynot be country to some people.But you cant take away from them that they are not a good band.They sell out all their concerts and have won many awards and they wouldnt be doing all of this if they were not good at what they do.We have seen them manytimes in concert and each time we have a blast.
All ages go to their shows
October 11, 2009 at 1:46 pm Permalink
K, Thomas’ comment wasn’t about the swearing, but that you resorted to name calling. And really, if you don’t like the criticism, don’t read or respond to it–but I guess it doesn’t really work like that, does it?
October 11, 2009 at 1:57 pm Permalink
Dallas: You’re right. No one will every be able to take away from them that they are not a good country band. Most of us don’t even want to
October 11, 2009 at 8:58 pm Permalink
“Dallas: You’re right. No one will every be able to take away from them that they are not a good country band. Most of us don’t even want to.”
If they’re so terrible they wouldn’t be the record-holders for Group of the year, they wouldn’t be in the rop ten tours of all generes for three years in a row, and they wouldn’t be able to sell millions of albums and downloads in an unusally quiet music market. They are excellent musicans, writers, and people who deserve everything they have.
October 11, 2009 at 9:46 pm Permalink
But look at the competition.
October 11, 2009 at 11:09 pm Permalink
True. But how many country artists have that type of success in all genres and have longevity?
The only band that fits in my mind is the Dixie Chicks, and as far as male groups go they’ve smashed the compitetion, and even surpassed their predecessors Alabma in some cases.
They are the most successful country band this decade has seen, and they broken records set by the likes of Garth, Shania and more.
Their compitetion via Lady A, Sugarland, Zach Brown Band, Gloriana have the chance to catch on like that and they haven’t.
The fact that these guys are able to stay revelvant after all these years speaks volumes in my opinion.
October 11, 2009 at 11:21 pm Permalink
success doesn’t equal talent. Bleu Edmondson, Stoney LaRue, And Brandon Rhyder probably don’t sell even an eighth of the records RF sell, yet are many times more talented writers, singers, and performers.
October 12, 2009 at 8:53 am Permalink
K: By country standards The Chicks have barely been around long enough to start to have longevity. Look harder and you will see that this week we had another release by another huge cross over country act–Hank Williams.
October 12, 2009 at 8:55 am Permalink
But probably the biggest ever cross over act in country music came in the 1930’s. Remember, in our current economic state labels are moaning about album sales. Patsy Montana managed to sell a million copies of her album in the middle of The Great Depression.
October 12, 2009 at 9:09 am Permalink
Not to detract from Patsy Montana’s achievement, because those figures are impressive regardless, but I think it was only a single (a 78) of ‘I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart’.
October 12, 2009 at 9:28 am Permalink
Occassional Hope: It was a “single” but that was the “album” of the era. Plus, I think it makes the achievement MORE impressive that so many people were willing to buy one song. My grandmother remembered getting that album for Christmas when it was the only Christmas present for her entire family.
October 12, 2009 at 10:38 am Permalink
I have lost what little respect I had left for this blog. It is now clear that they will use ANY excuse possible to “justify” a poor review for ANYTHING Rascal Flatts puts out.
Nice try 9513, but your bias shines through quite clearly.
October 12, 2009 at 10:50 am Permalink
Or it could just be that Rascal Flatts aren’t as good as you think they are.
I Dont like them, although some of their songs I will (shamefully) admit to enjoying. Skin, Stand, Words I Couldn’t Say, and Winner at A Losing Game are all good songs, I’ll admit that.
I’m just tired of seeing artist like RF, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley have anything they sing go to #1, while guys like Bleu Edmondson, Brandon Rhyder, Kyle Park, Stoney LaRue, Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers Band, Eli Young Band, and the like struggle to even chart a single, despite being obviously more talented.
October 12, 2009 at 10:52 am Permalink
Its not called bias when you don’t like Rascal Flatts, its called taste.
October 12, 2009 at 10:56 am Permalink
Rascal Flatts:
ACMs
7x Consecutive (Running) Top Vocal Group
2000’s Top New Vocal Duo or Group
2002 Song of the Year – “I’m Movin’ On”
CMAs
6x Consecutive (running) Vocal Group of the Year
2002 Horizon Award
16 Awards between the two major Country Music Award ceremonies, 13 of which are for best vocal group.
SUCK IT 9513. SUCK IT morons who refuse to acknowledge the band as country,
SUCK IT!!!
October 12, 2009 at 10:58 am Permalink
“Its not called bias when you don’t like Rascal Flatts, its called taste.”
Actually, it is bias when the only criticism the reviewer can use to justify giving the song a poor review is “it’s too long, boo hoo hoo.”
October 12, 2009 at 11:00 am Permalink
Or Wade, it could just be that Bleu Edmondson, Brandon Rhyder, Kyle Park, Stoney LaRue, Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers Band just “aren’t as good as you think they are.”
But guess what? Songs that rank high on the charts are that high on the charts because (DRUMROLL PLEASE Brrrrinnnnng) PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR IT MORE THAN SONGS THAT DON’T CHART HIGH!!!!!!
October 12, 2009 at 11:02 am Permalink
You like to hijack the Rascal Flatts reviews, don’t you Emgee? Tone it down a bit and discuss things intelligently.
October 12, 2009 at 11:02 am Permalink
…size matters.
October 12, 2009 at 11:17 am Permalink
Hey Brady, you like to tell others to “discuss intelligently” because you’re incapable of doing so yourself, don’t you?
October 12, 2009 at 11:27 am Permalink
Pot, meet kettle
October 12, 2009 at 11:38 am Permalink
You don’t think “SUCK IT!” is an intelligent point of discussion?
October 12, 2009 at 11:40 am Permalink
I find it an apt response to:
“the song is too long”
and to criticisms that RF is not country
October 12, 2009 at 12:20 pm Permalink
…the song’s too long. if rascal flatts were a real country band, they’d be able to make a song out of this line.
October 12, 2009 at 1:09 pm Permalink
Emgee: Songs on the charts are high on the charts becuase of money.
October 12, 2009 at 1:23 pm Permalink
Thomas,
Rascal Flatts IS a real country band. Get used to it.
October 12, 2009 at 1:47 pm Permalink
Music is a business. You don’t have to be a great band to have a great career in music. You need a great businessman. That’s why bands like Rascal Flatts have an amazing career.
October 12, 2009 at 2:13 pm Permalink
Rascal Flatts have an amazing career because they are a fucking amazing band.
October 12, 2009 at 2:24 pm Permalink
…god, you superfans amuse me.
October 12, 2009 at 3:34 pm Permalink
Not as much as those who deny that Rascal Flatts is country amuse me.
October 12, 2009 at 4:32 pm Permalink
I think we’ve established by now that “country” is in the eye of the beholder. Let’s move on.
October 12, 2009 at 4:43 pm Permalink
“Music is a business. You don’t have to be a great band to have a great career in music. You need a great businessman. That’s why bands like Rascal Flatts have an amazing career.”
No, you don’t need great businessmen, you need a combonation of hard work, marketing, millions of fans, great songs to keep people interested and some talent. You have to dedicate yourself to exhaustive, almlost year-long tours, interviews, press, and dealing with fans while trying to balance a private life.
You have to be great to your fans, and people love and respect artists who know where they came from and don’t act like prima dona’s because of what they do for a living.
Rascal Flatts have accomplished all of this and more; that is why they have an amazing career. No successful artists rely on only one element of the business to get them where they are.
Does some of their sucess have to do with marketing,money and luck? Absolutley. But it is fair to say no success story relys on talent, dedicated fans, and great songs to get where they are? Absolutely not.
October 12, 2009 at 10:20 pm Permalink
Country, pop or whatever you want to call RFs…I’d rather hear my dog howl than hear RFs sing. I’m sorry, but how does anyone listen to a whole CD of Gary Levox’s voice! I tried one time and wanted to through it out the window! They seem like nice guys, but I just don’t dig their music at all. Their popularity amazes me just as much as Taylor Swifts does! Some artist you click with, but these 2 I don’t!
October 12, 2009 at 10:25 pm Permalink
It seems like all their fans are teenagers and soccer moms.
October 12, 2009 at 10:30 pm Permalink
You don’t have to be a big Rascal Flatts fan – or a fan of the group at all – to see that they’re a country act.
Stormy, calling Hank Williams a “huge country cross over act” is simply ludicrous. He had some big pop hits as a songwriter, but not as an artist. And it’s even more ludicrous to call a single an album; by definition they’re two different things. And in what respect was Patsy Montana a “cross over” act? What meaning does that term have for pre-chart times?
October 12, 2009 at 10:52 pm Permalink
” It seems like all their fans are teenagers and soccer moms.”
Just like all Cash and Waylon fans are old geezers who sit around knitting and watching “Wheel Of Fortune” all day and Carrie Underwood fans are nasty, machincal robots who spend their lives living, breathing, and eating anything to do with her…right?
NO sterotyping of any group of fans is accurate, nor fair. You can say all you want about fans of a certian artists while beliving it’s true…but it simply isn’t.
“. I’m sorry, but how does anyone listen to a whole CD of Gary Levox’s voice!”
Obviously tons of people do, juding by the millions of albums and tickets they sell.
I will never understand Swift as a singer, though. She would be decent if she did all ballads like “White Horse” or “Tim McGraw,” but all too often she chooses to sing songs that couldn’t showcase her thin voice in a worse way.
October 13, 2009 at 2:25 am Permalink
Comments like the one above that says “It seems like all their fans are teenagers and soccer moms” only invite Flatts fans to make nasty comments about the stereotypical George Jones or Waylon Jennings or Hank Jr or Dale Watson listener.
October 13, 2009 at 6:42 am Permalink
Jon: EVERYBODY Listened to the music of artists like pasty Montana and Hank Williams.
October 13, 2009 at 6:54 am Permalink
“Comments like the one above that says “It seems like all their fans are teenagers and soccer moms” only invite Flatts fans to make nasty comments about the stereotypical George Jones or Waylon Jennings or Hank Jr or Dale Watson listener.”
Because making an observation that very well may be true (and not negative) is akin to making outlandish, “nasty” comments about listeners of other artists. Let me tell you, that’s the best way to make a strong counterargument or to correct a misleading claim.
October 13, 2009 at 8:10 am Permalink
“Jon: EVERYBODY Listened to the music of artists like pasty Montana and Hank Williams.”
Maybe in that 6th dimension of yours, but not here. As I’ve pointed out before, backing one ridiculous claim with another isn’t really a winning strategy.
October 13, 2009 at 8:25 am Permalink
You don’t think “teenagers and soccer moms” is intended to be dismissive, Brady?
October 13, 2009 at 8:41 am Permalink
It can certainly be expressed that way, but it’s not inherently dismissive.
October 13, 2009 at 9:02 am Permalink
“It can certainly be expressed that way, but it’s not inherently dismissive.”
Probably not, but I’m trying to think of a time when it’s been used on this here blog in a way that’s not pretty obviously dismissive – including in this thread – and coming up empty-handed. Got an instance?
October 13, 2009 at 9:12 am Permalink
I do agree with Brady that there is nothing inherently dismissive in saying that music appeals to “soccer moms” but I interpreted the comment as dismissive for the reasons Jon notes at 9:02 AM.
October 13, 2009 at 9:26 am Permalink
I don’t have an instance that I can recall off hand, but I don’t think dismissing something is inherently “nasty” or negative, either. In any case, that was only a small part of my comment and it’s larger point still stands, which should be fairly obvious.
October 13, 2009 at 9:29 am Permalink
Dismissing something is indeed inherently negative (though maybe not nasty), and I think the tit-for-tat you were responding to was and is pretty childish. But take away the tat and you’ve still got the tit.
October 13, 2009 at 10:10 am Permalink
Well, as long as the tit’s still there.
October 13, 2009 at 3:17 pm Permalink
“how does anyone listen to a whole CD of Gary Levox’s voice!”
Is that a question, or a statement? Or have you just forgotten what a question mark is?
“Because making an observation that very well may be true (and not negative)”
Except, A) it’s not true and B) it was meant to be negative.
October 13, 2009 at 3:33 pm Permalink
As a note, please refrain from attacking other commenters, otherwise we will remove your comment.
October 13, 2009 at 5:52 pm Permalink
Hey EMGEE! You need help girl/guy..which ever! You are an over obsessed fan. If criticizing my punctuation makes you feel better…go for it! I still had rather hear my dog howl or a room full of crying babies than to hear Gary Levox sing. You have your opinion and I have mine. He even has trouble singing live, but I guess you ignore that too! BTW, you need to wash your mouth out with the soap. That’s a statement!
October 13, 2009 at 7:04 pm Permalink
Wow, Gloria, you really should calm down. Emegee is not an “over-obsessed” fan because he/she is defending something they enjoy.
Some people think they are talented and some don’t; it’s not a matter of who is “right” or “wrong.”
Gary doesn’t always have trouble singing live, either. Did you hear their 2008 ACM performance? Or their 2007 and 2009 Oprah apperances? Or their version of “Bless The Broken Road” with Carrie Underwood? Or their 2007 Grammy performance?
He isn’t a great, or even above average, vocalist from a techinical standpoint, but he is talented. Just because you chose to dismiss talent based on awards shows doesn’t make you better than anyone or above an opinion.
These guys are incredibly gifted musicans, writers, producers, performers and singers.
They give so much to their fans and they are 100% geninue, charitable people. You don’t have to agree with me, but your opinion is just that. An opinion.
October 14, 2009 at 2:17 pm Permalink
Gloria–EPIC FAIL!
I find it funny that you call me an over-obsessed fan when you’re an over-obsessed critic. After all, I’m commenting on something I enjoy. You’re the one wasting your time bitching about how much you hate Rascal Flatts.
As for washing my mouth out with soap? That’s what toothpaste is for. And Orbitz gum!
October 14, 2009 at 5:31 pm Permalink
Yeah. Sorry guys. This song, just like the review of Don’t Blink, is once again a victim of extreme bias towards the respective artist. Maybe, given the fact that it’s not the 3:30, verse chorus verse format the industry favors, it’s not a good single, but as a song, it is above and beyond anything else on radio today. period. this song is extremely well written, and the line about leaving the stage is about as far from hallmark as a song gets. comparing a musicians suicide to his leaving the stage in the middle of one of his songs is an excellent analogy. it just goes to show rascal flatts could release anything, and it will get a negative review, simply based on their name. it really is a shame
October 14, 2009 at 7:48 pm Permalink
Its not based on their name. Its also based on their awful music.
October 14, 2009 at 7:57 pm Permalink
“Its not based on their name. Its also based on their awful music.”
Actually, it’s based on a critique of the specific song – as it should be – and can’t reasonably be said to characterize it as “awful music.”
October 14, 2009 at 8:31 pm Permalink
You’re right. Awful is too mild of an adjective. How about putrid?
October 14, 2009 at 8:52 pm Permalink
With every post, y’all are making CM look better. And I mean all y’all.
October 14, 2009 at 8:56 pm Permalink
“Its not based on their name. Its also based on their awful music.”
By whose opinion? The nmillions who have supported them, bought 20 million albums, made them the top selling band of the decade, or bought four million concert tickets, among other things?
Naw, that can’t be it! How about the millions who dispise them and their talent, refuse to buy their records or tickets and think their responsible for the tween girl pop-country fandom?
Problem is, that second group has little to do with thier success, and can do absolutly nothing about the history they have and will contiue to make.
Their fans have much louder, more dominate voices than those who chose to tear them down for anything they can at any cost.
People who don’t care for them can say what they want- thier dismisal no longer matters when they can do nothing about the success or accomplishments of another.
I find it sad that some of you don’t respect and honor your favorite artists enough to support and promote your talent of choice instead of wasting your time on some “awful” trite like Rascal Flatts mucic.
This discussion tells me more about the jealousy and lack of support you “fans” give to those who make supposdly suprior music than it does about Racal Flatts or their fans.
Thanks for telling me everything I need to know!
October 14, 2009 at 9:04 pm Permalink
Right, because 20 years from now, Rascal Flatts will have a bigger long term musical impact then Wilco or Uncle Tupelo, because of record sales. By that logic, Backstreet Boys have had a bigger impact on the American music scene then the Velvet Underground.
October 14, 2009 at 9:14 pm Permalink
Well the backstreet boys rode what to prove to be a huge fad, although they, unlike many of their peers are still around. Plus BSB were genuinely nice guys, and wrote some surprisingly good music. Want a music appreciation lesson??? Look up their song the perfect fan. Great great song, regardless of whether you admire the rest of their work. Same can be said of ‘why’ and rascal flatts. Regardless of whether you hate them for their ‘boyband’ pop image, this is a truly good song, and deserves to be judged as such. Please staff??? For once look past your opinions of them and judge their songs on their own merit??
October 14, 2009 at 9:17 pm Permalink
Robert, are seriously comparing the artistic merits of the Backstreets Boys to the Velvet Underground? Who cares if Lou Reed and others were drug addled-nice has nothing to do with making great music. And boys bands do not make great music unless you are really a 12 year old girl.
October 14, 2009 at 9:31 pm Permalink
Jon: But any “bias” against against Rascal Flatts is based on their music. I think we are all pretty much cool with the name.
K:
The Spice Girls have sold around 65 Million Album. They must be amazing singers with totally awesome songs, right?
October 14, 2009 at 9:32 pm Permalink
Steve: Uncle Tupelo and Wilco helped CREATE an entire new genre of music. RF coasted on Shania Twain’s coattails.
October 14, 2009 at 9:35 pm Permalink
No Stormy, they coasted on MUTT LANGE’s coattails. We must give credit to where credit is due.
October 14, 2009 at 9:37 pm Permalink
Steve: But what would Mutt have done without Shania’s belly button?
October 14, 2009 at 9:39 pm Permalink
Hey, the man made a band with a drummer who only had one arm the biggest rock band of the 80s. I am sure he could have found another hot Canadian to ride to the top of the country charts.
October 14, 2009 at 9:53 pm Permalink
Joe Elliott had a pretty good belly button too.
October 14, 2009 at 9:55 pm Permalink
Stormy, I will have to take your word for that.
October 14, 2009 at 10:31 pm Permalink
No I am not a 12 year old girl I am a 20 year old guy but I lived through that era. And the point is this: good music, like this song, deserves so much better that insecure snide comments by people like you who think their manhood is rooted in knocking what you deem wuss music. You can not look at something without letting your personal hatred toward a group or artist show. Grow up
October 14, 2009 at 10:40 pm Permalink
I have trouble taking anyone seriously who believe that boybands created by pedophile producers are capable of making something approaching anything close to what the western civilized world calls music. And have you ever bothered to explore music not on top 40 stations. Do you even know who Uncle Tupleo is? The velvet Underground? Are these names new to you?
October 14, 2009 at 10:54 pm Permalink
Robert: What should I root my “manhood” any?
October 14, 2009 at 11:17 pm Permalink
No, i do not know who Uncle Tupelo is, but i do know who the Velvet Underground are, and i have a great deal of respect for them. Here’s a hint. instead of simply proclaiming that it is impossible for a band you hate to produce a good song, look up the lyrics to the perfect fan, by the backstreet boys. Composed and written by one of their members, brian littrell, who is an amazing singer, songwriter, and person. i will not claim to like the majority of the music they have put out, but this song stands out, far and above the rest of the music. simply put, it’s great. the same holds true for rascal flatts. it is quite obvious you hate them, which is clearly your right. but there comes a time when you have to put down the clever attacks and actually objectively listen to a song, and judge it on its OWN merits. There is simply nothing not to love about this song. I know you won’t go look up the BSB boys song, your bias seems too deep to overcome, but if you do, i think you’ll find that you cannot simply pigeonhole artists. It doesn’t work.
October 14, 2009 at 11:22 pm Permalink
And no, i’m not COMPARING the backstreet boys to either of the artists you mentioned either. they clearly don’t compare. But to say that, incorrectly too, that music produced by ‘pedophile producers’ cannot approach what your great western civilization approaches music is just plain dumb. its people like you who make people HATE anything to do with us. Arrogant and way too absorbed in ourselves. step outside of the box for a minute. i think you’ll like the view a bit more
October 14, 2009 at 11:23 pm Permalink
“Right, because 20 years from now, Rascal Flatts will have a bigger long term musical impact then Wilco or Uncle Tupelo, because of record sales. By that logic, Backstreet Boys have had a bigger impact on the American music scene then the Velvet Underground.”
No one can judge the impact Rascal Flatts will have on the future of country music; you cannot judge overall impact of anything when they’ve been around for a mere ten years.
What we do know is the impact they have on the genre now. Why can’t they be juged on that, when it is impossible to judge them on futuristic impacts that have not taken place yet?
They have created lots of drevel,yes, but they have created some amazing music that WILL be remembered years from now.
“Bless The Broken Road,” “These Days,” “What Hurts The Most,” “Why” and “I’m Movin On” are some of the most impactful songs of this decade,if not of the Rascal Flatts catalog.
They have many fantastic substantial songs that weren’t singles, but will be remembered as classic songs to many Rascal Flatts fans. “Things That Matter,” “My Worst Fear,” “I Melt,” “Mayberry,” “Like I Am” “The Day Before You” and others are no doubt among them.
The impact of an artist has to do with overall impact in the industry, yes, but the impact that any artist has on their fans lives is what’s really important.
October 14, 2009 at 11:42 pm Permalink
Hell no I wouldn’t listen to a boy band anymore then I would listen to my daughter’s Hannah Montana cds. Or you evidently knowing who Jeff Tweedy is.
October 15, 2009 at 12:05 am Permalink
Look up the lyrics then. Although I know you won’t…you can’t risk opening your eyes to the world outside your cliches.
October 15, 2009 at 12:21 am Permalink
Lyrics wrapped up in heavy instrumentals because the guy couldn’t read music or play an instrument? Thank you no. I prefer my bands to be dysfunctional,with at least one alcoholic or drug addict who disrupts everything. Every band with Gram Parsons qualifies.
October 15, 2009 at 12:24 am Permalink
Do you need Gram Parsons defined?
October 15, 2009 at 7:06 am Permalink
i don’t know what the overall legacy of rascal flatts, kenny, carrie or taylornation will be but
one thing’s already clear: they’ve given us the “talifan”.
October 15, 2009 at 7:28 am Permalink
Not to mention a group of people who seem to have nothing more enjoyable or productive to do than obsess over music they can’t stand.
October 15, 2009 at 7:58 am Permalink
Robert: There are a lot of things not to love about this song:
The cheesy arrangement
The heavy handed production
The lackluster vocals
The generic and cliched writing
K: The impact RF has on contemporary country is really bad. Are you sure you want us to judge them on that?
October 15, 2009 at 8:00 am Permalink
Jon: And you, apparently, have nothing better or more productive to do than obsess over us, ergo, we have an incredibly productive thing to do. We give you somehting to obsess over.
October 15, 2009 at 9:16 am Permalink
“Robert: There are a lot of things not to love about this song:
The cheesy arrangement
The heavy handed production
The lackluster vocals
The generic and cliched writing”
The arrangment and production is fault of the producers. The writing is not to be blamed on Rascal Flatts, either.
The vocals are anything but “lackluster. The writer didn’t compare Gary to Ronnie Dunn for nothing, buddy.
Basically, all the elements you are chosing to complain about are not at the fault of the band.
This song is beautiful, and your opinion is 100% subjective. It doesn’t mean anything to the hundreds of fans who have been comforted or helped by this song.
Again you’re continuing to ignore what really matters about this song and music in general. It doesn’t matter if a few people think it’s terrible and chilched. What does matter is if it reaches people and helps them find something they can relate to whereas sometimes people cannot suffice.
Now, why don’t you read the review of Rodney Atkins “Chasin Girls” and then come back and discuss how “lackluster and “cliched” this song is: (:
October 15, 2009 at 9:49 am Permalink
“This song is beautiful, and your opinion is 100% subjective.”
*facepalm*
October 15, 2009 at 10:01 am Permalink
“Not to mention a group of people who seem to have nothing more enjoyable or productive to do than obsess over music they can’t stand.”
Exactly. Best comment by Jon thus far.
October 15, 2009 at 10:03 am Permalink
@steve:Lyrics wrapped up in heavy instrumentals because the guy couldn’t read music or play an instrument? Thank you no. I prefer my bands to be dysfunctional,with at least one alcoholic or drug addict who disrupts everything. Every band with Gram Parsons qualifies.
what are you talking about here? cause it’s clearly not rascal flatts
October 15, 2009 at 10:32 am Permalink
K: I did not compare Gary to anyone at all. And yes my opinion is subjective. My opinion can either be subjective or based on how much chocolate and tequilla a band is willing to buy me. To find this song good, I would need a lot of chocolate and tequilla.
Robert: You just made me imagine if Gram Parsons were in RF. DO NOT DO THAT TO MY BRAIN. Its still reeling from trying to find a place to root my manhood.
October 15, 2009 at 11:05 am Permalink
“The Gelling Burrito Brothers”
October 15, 2009 at 11:23 am Permalink
I don’t know why everyone is so against Rascal Flatts. I like them as a group, I think they put out great music. “Why” is now one of my favorites, it brings tears to my eyes and I am not the only one to say that. To LONG, come on how short do you want it.
October 15, 2009 at 12:02 pm Permalink
Kate.
Some posters think Rascal Flatts is a pop band not a country band and that maybe their rason that they are against them.
October 15, 2009 at 12:25 pm Permalink
Its not just that they are a pop band, they are also a BAD pop band. The Sundays and The Beatles are also pop bands and they manage to make good music.
October 15, 2009 at 12:59 pm Permalink
Robert “what are you talking about here? cause it’s clearly not rascal flatts.”
I am saying that this talentless band could do with a lead singer with a drug problem to give it some personality. Or for that matter, any personality.
October 15, 2009 at 1:04 pm Permalink
Stormy,
Perhaps you should read what I said before you reply, eh?
I did NOT say you compared anyone to Gary; I commented that the writer of this article did, and it was a huge compliment.
” My opinion can either be subjective or based on how much chocolate and tequilla a band is willing to buy me. To find this song good, I would need a lot of chocolate and tequilla. ”
Why are you listening and commenting on something you don’t enjoy? Seems like a concept that a man supposdly in his thrities could understand.
“music in general. It doesn’t matter if a few people think it’s terrible and chilched. What does matter is if it reaches people and helps them find something they can relate to whereas sometimes people cannot suffice.
Now, why don’t you read the review of Rodney Atkins “Chasin Girls” and then dare come back and say this song is “chiched” and “terrible.”
October 15, 2009 at 1:14 pm Permalink
“The arrangment and production is fault of the producers. The writing is not to be blamed on Rascal Flatts, either.”
Oops. What kind of defense is this?
October 15, 2009 at 1:17 pm Permalink
Leeann, that is the Rascal Flatt’s defense. We had nothing to do with the song excepting singing it. We are just the hired talent, not artists.
October 15, 2009 at 1:23 pm Permalink
Why are you listening and commenting on something you don’t enjoy? Seems like a concept that a man supposdly in his thrities could understand.
Mayhaps that is my problem, what with my rootless manhood…..
October 15, 2009 at 1:25 pm Permalink
And K: BOTH this song AND Rodney’s song can be cliched and bad. Unfortuately the “cliched and bad song” field it not a small one.
October 15, 2009 at 2:48 pm Permalink
“Leeann, that is the Rascal Flatt’s defense. We had nothing to do with the song excepting singing it. We are just the hired talent, not artists.”
They ARE artists, and it is an insult to say they’re not; the gripes made by Stormy have little to do with the choices they made.
“And K: BOTH this song AND Rodney’s song can be cliched and bad. Unfortuately the “cliched and bad song” field it not a small one.”
Again, opinion is not fact. This song is not cliched or bad, it is better than 80% of the trash on the radio, and it means a lot to a hell of a lot of people.
Just so you know, Stormy, I plan on sticking around this topic, so you’re not going to get rid of by simply acting rightous or throwing a few childish insults.
October 15, 2009 at 2:55 pm Permalink
K,
I just quoted something from above, from a RF defender. It seems that that particular quote is suggesting that they aren’t artists. By saying that they shouldn’t be blamed for the song or its arrangement means that they don’t “own” the song, which is what would make them artists. Personally, I say they are artists and it’s just nasty to say otherwise. I don’t like the artists they are, but they’re artists. With that said, as artists, they must take full responsibility for their arrangements and the songs. Thus, ““The arrangment and production is fault of the producers. The writing is not to be blamed on Rascal Flatts, either.” does not work as a defense from someone who claims that they are artists.
October 15, 2009 at 2:56 pm Permalink
“The Gilded Palace of Crap”
October 15, 2009 at 3:09 pm Permalink
Funny thing is, there’s probably only one degree of separation between the Flying Burrito Brothers and Rascal Flatts. Two at most.
October 15, 2009 at 4:49 pm Permalink
K: Perhaps you need better radio stations. The ones I listen to don’t play carp. And I am perplexed as to the sheer number of people who say they listen to radio stations that play 80% crap. Why do you listen to these stations?
Jon: 2 degrees of seperation and a gazillion levels of talent.
October 15, 2009 at 4:53 pm Permalink
Jon, that’s too easy and vague. I want specific groups/musicians/sounds/influences.
October 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm Permalink
“K: Perhaps you need better radio stations. The ones I listen to don’t play carp”
Whatever
October 15, 2009 at 5:08 pm Permalink
Carp are the best singers in the fish world.
October 15, 2009 at 5:14 pm Permalink
Wow, so mature.
October 15, 2009 at 6:47 pm Permalink
Chris: I have seen the Little Mermaid and fish aren’t very good singers. Shellfish are the chanteusses of the ocean.
October 16, 2009 at 12:21 am Permalink
Jeff Hanna.
October 16, 2009 at 10:38 am Permalink
Sounds right to me, but feel free to expand upon it.
October 16, 2009 at 11:00 am Permalink
See The9513’s interview with Hanna posted 9/29.
Then there are the musicians who play on RF’s albums, like Dan Dugmore (there’s another one degree) – and his name is just the first I happened on in looking at the credits for one album.
You can also get from RF to FBB via producer Mark Bright, but that’d be a couple degrees more.
October 16, 2009 at 12:08 pm Permalink
Those seem like two-degree jumps to me. I’m still looking for the one-degree.
October 16, 2009 at 12:17 pm Permalink
Depends on how you count, I guess. I figure, if A knows B, that’s 0 degrees – no separation – but maybe I’m not sufficiently versed in the nomenclature.
October 16, 2009 at 12:33 pm Permalink
I just don’t think the session guys on the Flatts records are as old as you think they are.
October 16, 2009 at 12:48 pm Permalink
Wait, why am I arguing with Jon? Somebody smack me!
October 16, 2009 at 1:30 pm Permalink
And I am perplexed as to the sheer number of people who say they listen to radio stations that play 80% crap. Why do you listen to these stations?
I dont listen to them. Which is why I dont listen to much radio. I dont have any choice. They all play “top 40″ “new country”.
There is one that plays “classic country”. I cna pick it up if the wind is blowing right. kinda like the old AM stations.
October 16, 2009 at 2:35 pm Permalink
“There are a lot of things not to love about this song:
The lackluster vocals”
Yeah, considering everyone besides the 9513 review the song and say that the vocals are spot on…I don’t take what YOUR dumb ass says seriously.
October 16, 2009 at 2:50 pm Permalink
Just got back from the doctor’s office. He prescribed me this song to cure my acute cases of insomnia and originality.
October 16, 2009 at 3:42 pm Permalink
Jon, I believe the classic way to count is that if A knows B that’s 1 degree. I’m disappointed, though; I thought you had some insight about musical influences and you just mean who knows whom. I mean, I’m 2 degrees of separation from a couple of Congresscritters, but that doesn’t mean I have any influence on legislative policy.
October 16, 2009 at 4:39 pm Permalink
Oooohhhhh, One degree of seperation in the sense that both Gram Parsons and Gary LeVoix have likely heard of the existance of Jeff Hanna. Okay, I get that.
October 16, 2009 at 4:40 pm Permalink
Emgee:
My ass is SMART. People tell me that all the time.
October 16, 2009 at 5:48 pm Permalink
Shouldn’t that be “slap,” not “smack?”
Dan Dugmore plays steel on the latest Rascal Flatts album; he bought his first guitar from Sneeky Pete. Etc. And yeah, he’s a studio guy, but they’re not interchangeable, especially at his level.
NM, I didn’t say anything about influence, but I don’t think “knows” quite captures the situation, either. Hanna and the FBB guys (of whom Gram Parsons was only one, Stormy) were part of the same scene and community of musicians, among whom there was a huge amount of creative interchange (if you’re interested at all in that scene and not familiar with Einarson’s work, you really ought to fix that). And it’s not hard to see from the Hanna interview posted here that RF was intent on recording his song over a period of years.
October 16, 2009 at 6:14 pm Permalink
Stormy,
If you are in fact told that, apparently the people who say it are as dumb as you yourself are.
October 16, 2009 at 6:49 pm Permalink
Everyone else got the joke, right?
October 16, 2009 at 9:58 pm Permalink
Oh, I got the “joke.” Add “not funny” to your growing list of traits.
October 17, 2009 at 8:03 am Permalink
That is funny emgee, because I have always found liking Rascal Flatts under the not funny category.
October 17, 2009 at 9:09 am Permalink
Well Steve M, that’s good, because there’s nothing about it that is SUPPOSED to be funny.
Two words describe you, Steve M…EPIC FAIL!
October 26, 2009 at 6:52 pm Permalink
I think the song is a beautiful song… Anyone that has ever had someone close to them commit suicide would understand the length of the song… here I am 20 years later asking myself still, “Why?” did a close teenage friend kill himself? So, the length, to me, is a reminder for us, that no matter how long it’s been we still wonder why.
October 26, 2009 at 6:59 pm Permalink
It’s quite a stretch to say that the length of the song represents anything.
October 30, 2009 at 5:05 pm Permalink
I diagree with your review. This song came out right around the time that I lost my Dad of 83 years to suicide. It was so devistating on me and my family. We just didn’t understand and still don’t. This song really helped explain “why”. I have shed many tears listening to this song and it really has helped with the closure of my fathers legacy.
“It’s not like you to walk away in the middle of the song” were key lyrics for me. Thanks Rascal Flatts and if you don’t win the world with this song you helped a family find comfort in our grief. Sincerely, Korbi Hart
October 31, 2009 at 10:09 pm Permalink
Rascal Flatts are nominated for a Billboard/Eventful award for Best Concert of the Year. They;ve got some tough competition so be sure to vote EVERYDAY!!!!
Vote here http://eventful.com/competitions/fanschoice2009 and grab a widget to put on your site!!
October 31, 2009 at 10:18 pm Permalink
Rascal Flatts is nominated for a PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!!! The awards don’t air until next year, but voting has already begun! Help the boys get to the final round of voting by doing your part today! Just click the link below to vote for RF! Thanks for the support! :)
Just visit: http://www.pcavote.com
October 31, 2009 at 10:19 pm Permalink
Please take some time to vote for RASCAL FLATTS for the 2009 American Music Awards! They’re up for 2 awards and could really use your help! We would love it if the guys could come home with these 2 awards! They’re fan voted so its possible! LET’S DO THIS!
Just visit: abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards to VOTE!
November 12, 2009 at 8:46 am Permalink
It amazes me yet still today that we have the nerve to sit here and tear down one of the best country groups of all times.I write and play country music and to be perfectly honest with you there is not a thing wrong with Rascal Flatts.I grew up listening to Garth Brooks,Randy Travis,and Kenny Rodgers.What is amazing about it is that the exact same things were being said about them during their time of reign in country music.They have added a different style to country music which isnt all that bad.Everything at one time or another needs change. Rascal Flatts adds a whole new dynamic to country music. For that and That alone they get hats off for the creativity they bring with their vocals.Usually when we start tearing down someone like this its usually cause we are wanting to be somewhat like them and cant, so we do the next best thing. Tear them down.There isnt a thing wrong with Rascal Flatts. If you dont play and you dont write please keep your negitive comments to yourself. Only a true artist has the right to make critque comments about another. you might as well had been the one to take the mike out of Taylor Swifts hands. Cause your doing the same thing to Rascal Flatts.
November 12, 2009 at 9:03 am Permalink
“one of the best country groups of all times”
Taz – what have you been smoking ? Give it up before it corrodes your lungs the way it’s already corroded your mind !!
November 12, 2009 at 9:05 am Permalink
…garth or randy travis going anywhere near something like “bob that head” or “me and my gang”? dopey concept – and that’s polite.
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