Rascal Flatts Nothing Like This

After signing to Big Machine and fulfilling a lifelong dream of being labelmates with Taylor Swift, the members of Rascal Flatts have gotten back to the grind with Nothing Like This, their seventh studio album in the last decade. (That's some serious Dylan-like output, fellas). Lead single "Why Wait" is a typically catchy shot of modern country that typically gets ignored by most mainstream press outlets, so don't be surprised when it wins Record of the Year at the 2011 Grammys. It's silly to change the formula when you're one of the biggest selling acts of the 21st century, and we shouldn't expect them to be busting out the 10-minute free-jazz suites or spoken-word conceptual pieces; no, the Rascal boys make country music, and they sell it better than anyone. The tour promoting this album is sponsored by JC Penney, of all stores. Can't you smell the New York Times about to scoff at that one?

Abstract by Jeremy Gordon