Rascal Flatts - "Why"
By: Bobby Peacock
It's far too easy to hate Rascal Flatts these days. It's far too easy to complain about the overproduction, the oversinging, the head-bobbing… Lately, it seems like it's just about impossible to say anything nice about the band at all, except that they're giving their fans what they want (even if they're drawing absolutely zero new fans in the process).
Their new single "Why" (listen here) is a whole different story altogether. Either it slipped through the cracks or it's a sign of things to come, but "Why" shows a side of Rascal Flatts that the last batch of radio singles has mostly buried under swelling strings, screaming guitars and squealing vocal histrionics. The lyrics alone are beautiful, with the narrator asking just why a special person in his life had to commit suicide. Perhaps the best line is "Why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song" — a very striking metaphor. "Who told you life wasn't worth the fight" is also a very powerful line. Overall, the song strikes just the right balance of detail and open-endedness to invoke emotions, not beat the listener over the head or trigger a knee-jerk "emotional" reaction. Even if you haven't been directly affected by suicide, the chorus alone should hit you.
Gary LeVox' voice starts off incredibly soft and emotional, effortlessly slipping into a warm falsetto on the first chorus. Come the second chorus, the song grows much fuller and louder in typical Rascal Flatts fashion, but here, the crescendo is organic and not a ham-fisted, overproduced attempt at drama; Gary just sings a bit louder, he doesn't scream or squeal like he usually does, giving what has to be one of his best vocal performances ever. Even better, there are almost none of the gratuitous "yeah, yeah ooh"s that are also quite typical of Rascal Flatts songs.
"Why" isn't just a future hit from a band that can seemingly take any song to the top of the charts. This is Song of the Year material, maybe even good enough to net a Grammy or two. It's a welcome reprieve from the last few years' worth of blandness that Rascal Flatts has given us, and it's certainly thrilling to see the band pulling off something outside of their usual scope.
You can support Rascal Flatts by purchasing this single at iTunes | Amazon.
You can read the review of their latest album Unstoppable by clicking here.
READER'S COMMENTS
crystal says:
Posted: Sunday, March 21, 2010
country music is as good as it ever was. times change. people change. for those people out there fussing saying country aint country no more you should just go ahead and throw your stereos in the yard sale because if you expect people to sound like patsy cline and george jones when you turn on your radio in 2010 your delutional. times have always changed music. people didnt talk the same in 1960 as they did in 1920 because times change. songs come from our everyday lives, and this is how we live.
Tracey says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I agree with jojo's comment. When I first heard this song and the line about leaving the stage in the middle of the song-right away I thought of Michael Jackson and sometimes I still do. Then tonight when I heard it again, I really listened to the words and I was bawling my eyes out, the song touched me so much. I have not lost anyone to suicide but I know others who have and I have lost many loved ones. Thanks Rascal Flatts!!
Chariy says:
Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009
I recently lost a friend of mine and although he didn't commit suicide the song still touches me greatly. I about tear up everytime I hear it. My favorite line in the song is "Now here we are gathered in our little home town this can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd". Even though the song is about suicide ultimately the song is about death and losing someone. suicide or not the song touches everyone.
jojo says:
Posted: Friday, November 20, 2009
when i heard this song i thought of micheal jackson because leaving the stage in the middle of a song. and the tell a lie part if they didnt write it for him they should have, so i will dedicate this one to the moon walker my self. For the wonderful talent that the genius good hearted sweet soul MICHEAL JACKSON GOD BLESS U FOR ALL WAYS
Melinda says:
Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009
As a person who has lost her Brother to Suicide back in 2002 who was also a musician and a good one at that. This song hit more than home and when I heard it, I had to pull the car over...Thanks it says everything that I ever wanted to say!!! You guys always find a way!
Cathy says:
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2009
As a woman that lost a child to suicide only months before this song was released I want to say thank you to the band. You are showing the world the depth of the grief, guilt, and pain a person whose lost someone to suicide feels. To those of you who say the song is 'inspirational' and gives 'strength and perseverance' must not have lost someone close this way. Inspiration is a good thing...yes, the song ends saying that life is worth the fight but its asking who told the victim it wasn't. Remember, the person the song sings to the person that committed suicide - no inspiration there but maybe the song can show the rest of the world what we are feeling.
david dow says:
Posted: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
George Jones is right. Today's artists are not "Country" Reba Mcyntire was the last one I took seriously. Most are loud instruments, ear hurting screams. Isn't this acid rock?
Matt B. says:
Posted: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
This song is probably about somebody the Songwriters knew or read about.
Another Mom says:
Posted: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Anybody know who this song is about?
norma says:
Posted: Monday, November 2, 2009
all I can say is "they have really out done themselves on this one" it is absolutely their best ever. so very touching. love you guys.
David says:
Posted: Thursday, October 1, 2009
I do believe that this is a song that does put Rascal Flatts back on the right track with critics. It is a song that has powerful lyrics and is not over-sung and not over-produced but still is able to deliver that powerful message.
Amanda says:
Posted: Saturday, September 26, 2009
this song is so inspirational and amazing...love it!
Nicolas says:
Posted: Saturday, September 26, 2009
I agree that this is a very good song =) And I also loved the line "Why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song" to the point where I'm so anxious for the song to reach that line that I almost can't stand the wait lol
supra shoes says:
Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009
I agree, it definitely does teach a lesson about strength and perseverance. Very cool, thanks for sharing!
Robin says:
Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009
awesome song.
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