RASCAL FLATTS
Me and My Gang
Producer: Dann Huff
Lyric Street
Release Date: April 4

Rascal Flatts' fourth album finds the trio true to form and even scaling new heights. The Flatts' sound revolves around Gary LeVox's vocal range, sterling harmonies from Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney and accessible, earnestly rendered country/ pop built for radio. It is all here in spades, brilliantly steered by Dann Huff on soaring opener "Stand" and the lush
"Pieces." LeVox has a voice made for ballads, and he really brings it home on lead single "What Hurts the Most." The guys venture off their beaten path effectively with the driving, totally clever "Backwards" and even flirt with hillbilly reggae on standout cut "Yes I Do" and backwoods funk on the title track. Another winner is the atmospheric "Cool Thing." On "Gang," Rascal Flatts serves up an improved version of the sound that already is taking it to the top. -- Ray Waddell