Rock guitars kick off the band’s fifth BNA release with “Out Go the Lights,” an energized and danceable midtempo track that effectively sets the tone for the rest of what is poised to be a monster album. Lonestar effectively blends pop/rock-tinged country with soulful, AOR ballads, all effectively delivered by lead vocalist Richie McDonald, who has quickly become one of the genre’s gold singers. “Unusually Unusual” is a peppy, likeable serving of cotton candy, and “Not a Day Goes By” and “I’m Already There” are the kind of glossy, piano-based ballads that McDonald chews up with ease. “With Me” is an infectious, fiddle-driven, soaring cut that owes more to Kansas than country and nevertheless sounds like a hit. Lonestar flexes some creative muscle with the smoky power ballad “Without You” and the funky “Must Be Love.” While producer Dann Huff takes some sonic chances here and there, overall this album fits a formula that equals platinum.—RW
