It all begins when the lights go down. For Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, it has been that way since they were playing for a handful of people in a club in Nashville's Printers Alley. These days, of course... more », they play for thousands of screaming fans a night, drawn by state-of-the-art production and sound, and by spectacular vocal harmonies in service to an ever-expanding catalogue of hits. In between, it was the magic of those performances that catapulted Rascal Flatts into the front ranks of entertainers in all genres. By any measure, Rascal Flatts is in elite territory. They are the reigning 2006 CMA, ACM and CMT Vocal Group of the Year. In 2005 they added Billboard and R&R Artist of the Year trophies as well. The trio also picked up its first three Grammy nominations in 2005, and their "Bless The Broken Road" received the Grammy for Country Song of the Year. Coming off the biggest selling artist album of 2006, Rascal Flatts is geared up for their brand new album coming on September 25.« less
It all begins when the lights go down. For Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, it has been that way since they were playing for a handful of people in a club in Nashville's Printers Alley. These days, of course, they play for thousands of screaming fans a night, drawn by state-of-the-art production and sound, and by spectacular vocal harmonies in service to an ever-expanding catalogue of hits. In between, it was the magic of those performances that catapulted Rascal Flatts into the front ranks of entertainers in all genres. By any measure, Rascal Flatts is in elite territory. They are the reigning 2006 CMA, ACM and CMT Vocal Group of the Year. In 2005 they added Billboard and R&R Artist of the Year trophies as well. The trio also picked up its first three Grammy nominations in 2005, and their "Bless The Broken Road" received the Grammy for Country Song of the Year. Coming off the biggest selling artist album of 2006, Rascal Flatts is geared up for their brand new album coming on September 25.
Michelle M. (veggiechick) from ROME, GA Reviewed on 11/19/2010...
They're one of my favorite groups. A great addition to my collection.
CD Reviews
Still Feels Good- Maybe for the Rascals, but not for the lis
S. Ammann | US | 09/26/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Let me start off by saying I am a huge Rascal Flatts fan. I have all of their cd's, have seen them multiple times in concert, and have followed them since "Praying for Daylight." With that said, I must say how disapointed I am in their latest effort, Still Feels Good. To me, this album is nothing new. It's nothing fresh. It's the same old, but without the magic. I mean, if they had given us another, Melt, I'd be happy. More of what we love, right? But this album sounds too familiar. As I listend to the tracks I kept feeling like I have heard this album before. Their second song on the album "Here" talks of how grateful the speaker is that even though he had to go down some rough roads, he would do it all again if it led him to his current love. Oh, didn't they already release that and call it, "Bless the Broken Road?" Their song, "Bob that Head", has that exact sound as "Me and My Gang" and their title track "Still Feels Good" talks of how the two are still in love, still love his "ride" and basically how nothing has changed. Kind of like "Fast Cars and Freedom". Even one of the closing songs about angels crying about how it's not supposed to be this way sounded like the God song from their last album, "He's not the Leaving Kind." The songs are just forgetable. All in all, I just felt like I already owned this album before I ever bought it. I'd suggest sampling it online before buying. I know many will love it, but I guess it was "My Wish" that Rascal Flatts would give us something new while still using the fomula we love. "Still Feels Good", does feel good, but only for the Rascals. Why? Cause playing it safe always feels good."
Still Feels Good
L. Michalek | Rochester, NY | 12/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a huge Rascal Flatts Fan so it is no surprise that I thourally enjoy every track on this CD. Upbeat, Country-Pop type melodies with words that you can understand... truly a miracle in today's musical world! Unique songs and CD comes complete with lyrics and access to enhanced web based CD program."
Following in Keith Urban's footsteps with better vocals
Gary Scharg | Boulder, CO USA | 09/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts have done it again....marrying 70's West Coast Rock, 80's AOR and 90's CCR with new country, this stuff ROCKS! If you like Keith Urban's latest CD, you will love this album just as well. Very crossover Pop-Rock-Country with outstanding vocals. Heard this in a Borders today and HAD to buy it."
Still Feels Good
C. Ehlinger | 03/12/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ladies and gentlemen, it should be no surprise that Rascal Flatts just released their fifth album in four years, and fans still can't get enough of them. Their latest album, Still Feels Good, is doing exactly what the title says, making people feel good. Rascal Flatts have come up with a winning recipe of songs with just the right mixture of ballads, lyrics, and instrumentals to make a successful dish. Still Feels Good follows this recipe step-by- step and still has fans begging for more. Rascal Flatts has also paved the way for a new country genre termed "pop-country" which refers to artists who have country roots with a dab of contemporary pop sound thrown in to their songs. They are making country fans out of people everywhere. Rascal Flatts has made their latest album, Still Feels Good, another success with their sequence of songs, heart-warming lyrics, and the lead singer's trademark voice.
The types of songs found in all of Rascal Flatts albums range from break-up, to new love, to that one ridiculous song that people just can't help but jam out to. One can get an idea of what the songs are about just by the title. For example, the song, "How Strong Are You Now" relays the feelings of a tough guy's experience after a break-up. "She Goes All The Way" explains that heart-felt admiration for a lucky woman, and "Still Feels Good" not only talks about keeping the love alive be also seems to describe the band's career up to date, thus earning the power to name the album. Although their sequence of songs follows a natural rhythm of slow to fast, there is always one song that is the misfit in the album. "Bob That Head" plays that role because it has a very different sound from the rest of the songs. The meaning of the song doesn't help its awkwardness since it is all about a truck. "Bob that head/Every Friday night/Got the windows rolled down," the lyrics are not only annoying but pointless. Rascal Flatts can sing about anything they want, but a truck? Seriously? The same occurrence can also be found in previous albums such as their 2006 album Me and My Gang, with the song "Backwards". Although the lyrics of these songs can be catchy, they mostly just stick out like a sore thumb. However, the album as a whole has a nice flow of songs from one to the next.
Although the themes behind Rascal Flatts latest songs are nothing new, they have a talent of crafting creative ways to word the songs. For example, the song "Secret Smile" talks about that happy, goofy feeling of a new love and Rascal Flatts phrases it by saying, "You make the sun shine down/You paint the darkest clouds and turn them into rainbows," which can put a smile on anyone's face. They add a sweet twist when describing a new love. Also, the song "Better Now" describes the feelings after a break-up. "Next time, I won't suffer this kind of pain/Own my mistakes not just pass off the blame". Many people tend to dwell on the mistakes of a relationship after it ends, which is the message the song expresses. The thing about Rascal Flatts is that they are consistent. Some common ingredients found in each of the songs are the references to women and manly things such as trucks or beer. The songs can start to sound very similar, yet they never fail to speak to the souls of women everywhere. Not saying that Rascal Flatts doesn't have any fans who are men, they just know how to compliment women in all the right ways.
Rascal Flatts would not be the success that they are today without that recognizable voice of lead singer Gary LeVox. With his unique voice, he sings with the power that could move mountains. During the up-beat and happy songs his tone cannot help but put people in a good mood. Gary LeVox's voice then transforms like a chameleon into the slow, sad songs. His ability to put emotion into what he is singing makes people feel as if he is speaking directly to them. He is a smooth talking, lyric singing son of a gun. Gary LeVox has made his voice known in the country world. He could be recognized as the modern day Garth Brooks with a boy band nice guy next door kind of twist. Although some may argue that his voice gets monotonous, Gary has felt no pressure to change his ways. One should also not ignore the other two guys in the group. They are the ones with the instrumental talent but seem to keep getting lost in the over powering shadow of the lead singer. Although they can be forgotten, it has not yet upset the balance of the band. With their chill and laid back attitude, life can't be all bad being a part of a band that sells millions of copies of every album.
Rascal Flatts is good at what they do: making country music. They have created a name for themselves that is well-recognized all over the world. Their unique sound and style is what sets them apart from other artists. Their ability to have women holding on to their every word keeps them consistent in their writing. The band's charm is undeniable and anyone who can't see it must not be listening to the right group. However, it is questionable how many more similar albums they can make and still experience the same success they have today. Consistency is a good thing, but it can become boring after awhile. The real challenge for Rascal Flatts in the next couple of years will be to create a different sound while maintaining their boy band characteristics that people have come to expect. For now, they will continue to do what works so Still Feels Good is the perfect name for their latest album because that is exactly how Rascal Flatts should feel. With their country-pop sound and artistic songs, Rascal Flatts is the biggest name in country today, and it still feels good.
"
Great Music - Feels Good While Listening To It
H. D. Espinosa | 12/22/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Whether Rascal Flatts is a truly country band or not is a huge discussion that would take hours and end unresolved. What really matters is that they deliver great pieces of music on each track of "Still Feels Good".
Whatever the song is, they make it with great quality and you feel that it comes from their very heart and soul.
"Here", "Still Feels Good", "Winner at a Losing Game", "No Reins", "She Goes All The Way" and "How Strong Are You Now?" are my highlights. They make the purchase of this album be worthy."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
Michelle M. (veggiechick) from ROME, GA 
