Me And My Gang - Rascal Flatts

Rascal Flatts - Me And My Gang

(This is quite possibly my longest ever review, and I apologise for that!)

Rascal Flatts are an amazing, multi award winning country group from USA, who burst on the music scene in 2000. Their music has a strong rock feel, as well as being in the country genre. There is a Christian theme running through many of their songs, which is something I like in a world where music videos are filled ...
...the privilege of seeing their Me And My Gang tour in the Staples Centre, LA. The friend I went to the concert with and I share a lot of special memories thanks to Rascal Flatts.


~ ~ ~ Group Background ~ ~ ~
The group is made up of three guys, all around 30 years old. In the centre of the album cover is the lead vocalist is Gary LeVox (his birth name is Gary Wayne Vernon, Jr!). He has a really nice range, mastering both ... more

Rascal Flatts - Me And My Gang

(This is quite possibly my longest ever review, and I apologise for that!)

Rascal Flatts are an amazing, multi award winning country group from USA, who burst on the music scene in 2000. Their music has a strong rock feel, as well as being in the country genre. There is a Christian theme running through many of their songs, which is something I like in a world where music videos are filled with people wearing less and less clothing singing about how fantastic they themselves are. Rascal Flatts was one of the first country groups I was introduced to, and I have been a fan since. This summer I had the privilege of seeing their Me And My Gang tour in the Staples Centre, LA. The friend I went to the concert with and I share a lot of special memories thanks to Rascal Flatts.

~ ~ ~ Group Background ~ ~ ~
The group is made up of three guys, all around 30 years old. In the centre of the album cover is the lead vocalist is Gary LeVox (his birth name is Gary Wayne Vernon, Jr!). He has a really nice range, mastering both the high songs and the low without flaw. At times he sounds quite dry, and this fits nicely into the songs. The bassist is a cool guy called Jay DeMarcus, right on the album cover, and is actually Gary's second cousin, both from Columbus, Ohio. The third member is Joe Don Rooney on Electric guitar and he's on the left on the cover. Their music is also often backed up by drums, by the drummer isn't technically named as a band member. During the concert, the guitarist Joe, and the actual drummer had a 'drum off' - and both proved to be amazing! I've never seen drumming like it! Joe is also a fantastic piano player, and whenever keyboards/piano are used, it's usually him. One of the most beautiful tracks ever (Bless The Broken Road) is him on the piano.

~ ~ ~ This Album ~ ~ ~
Me And My Gang is the latest in a stream of brilliant albums from Rascal Flatts. It was released in the US on the 4th April 2006 and sold more than 722,000 copies in it's first week on sale - meaning it hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and was the countries best selling new release since in Tim McGraw released Live Like You Were Dying in 2004 (766,000 sales) (an album I might get around to reviewing one day!) This album has since become double platinum award winning.

The tracks have some very different feels, ranging from depressing topics like death, to a light-hearted track making fun of the cold country music ways. There have already been a number of hits from this album, including What Hurts The Most and the title track, Me And My Gang.

A little known fact about Rascal Flatts is that they featured in the Cars soundtrack with their hit Life Is A Highway. Even after seeing the movie, and listening to the album, I didn't make the connection until they mentioned it during the concert! (For reference, it's the part of the movie with the truck drives off with Lightning sleeping in the back)

~ ~ ~ The Tracks ~ ~ ~

1. Stand 3:28
This is a nice mellow start to the album, quite slow and easy to get into. It also isn't overly 'countrified' so would be a smooth introduction if you're not too sure because of the genre. By the middle of the track, there is a full accompaniment of guitars and drums, and the track wouldn't sound out of place in the UK charts.

The lyrics tell of overcoming life's struggles, and that maybe you will fall down along the way, but learn to "decide you've had enough, you get mad, you get strong, wipe you hands, shake it off and then you stand." This is a good motivating song if you're feeling down or beat. By the time the song comes to an end you are thinking - yeah, I can do this!

2. What Hurts The Most 3:34
This is my favourite track on the album, and getting on for my all time favourite Rascal Flatts song. Unfortunately it's in a key that I just can't sing along at all! This one is also quite pop-y and wouldn't be out of place if it came onto UK mainstream radio.

It's so sad, and beautiful. At the concert, they had the video playing on huge screens behind them, and it was just so powerful. The video tells the story of a guy and a girl, who initially split up because the girl's dad doesn't like him, but then on the way home, his truck turns over and he dyes. The lyrics fit in because they are about it being the worst thing so close, and then having someone ripped away from you, being left with so much to say, but not being able to because the person has walked away/left. The song itself is very moving, but accompanied with the video it's quite heart wrenching. The young girl in the video gives a sterling performance!

3. Backwards 3:48
This track has a very different feel to the previous two, and almost doesn't fit as the third track, because the tone is so different to the second. It starts off very simply; with Gary sing-speaking the first verse and then when the chorus kicks off it becomes very honky-tonk country.

Its an old joke in that country songs are depressing and about misfortune, and that if you were to play them backwards, you'd get all the good stuff back. That's exactly what this track is about. There are also a number of references to other, 'classic', country tracks in this song, so if you've got the background knowledge it does make for interesting listening, trying to pick out all of them. The first time I heard this track it made me laugh out loud because it is quite funny, but after that I haven't really listened to it that much as I don't particularly like it's sound. The honky-tonk style of country doesn't really fit in with the rock-country image that first attracted me to the Rascal Flatts.

4. I Feel Bad 3:18
Back to the softer, more mellow (nicer, in my opinion) sound now. Starts off with just a keyboard and lead vocals, with more instruments and force joining in as the song progresses.

He (Gary) has just broken up with his girlfriend, she's walking away down his driveway, and he feels bad. But not because he's breaking up; he feels bad, because he doesn't feel bad! He feels too strong and cold because he's not crying and not falling apart. The song is basically about the fact that it's the right move to not be together, and rather than dwelling on something that is over, turn the page and get on with life.

5. My Wish 4:08
Another very beautiful track, and one I actually share with my best friend as 'our song'. It's probably my second favourite on the album. There are a lot of instruments playing in this song, but it still sounds remarkably simple, and not the slightest busy - vocals, keyboard, various guitars (I think electric, bass, and also steel) and a drum beat, and yet it's still quiet and simple! This song has a lot of words, fitted into quite a small space of time, but it comes off nicely, seeming to just flow constantly - where he breathes, I don't know!

It's about loving someone, and wanting the best for them in life, wherever that takes them, you'll still be there with them the entire time. I think the words to the chorus are just fantastic, and rather than describing them, I'll quote them instead:
"My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this is my wish."

6. Pieces 4:07
This has a different sound to all the tracks before it, but it still fits in remarkably well. The opening, and essence, of this track is that it is played on an acoustic guitar, while all the other tracks so far have been electric guitars. When the vocals come in, other instruments join in too, but the simple acoustic introduction is quite a highlight of the album. As the main backing is the acoustic guitar, it makes the bass guitar sound a lot more prominent than in other tracks, and as a bassist myself this is something I quite like. It's still not heavy and dominating, but identifiable.

The words tell of heart ache and betrayal, and that his heart has been broken so many times it'll have to be returned in pieces - hence the song name. The chorus is one that I, and probably anyone who's had a relatively unhealthy relationship can identify too - "I don't want to see you anymore
I'm just not that strong, I love it when you're here, but I'm better when you're gone." I love that this track is so relatable, and that even though it's a kid of depressing subject, the song itself is very upbeat and easy to dance to, making you feel more upbeat about your own situation.

7. Yes I Do 4:16
This one has a very different sound again. The opening could almost see Hawaiian girls doing the hula to it! It maintains this throughout, but gets slightly heavier and country-rockier as the song progresses.

The premise of this song is very simple. He lists a number of things that the still-loving ex would want (such as "Do I cry, in the night? Do I long to hold you tight? And do I wake, wanting you?"), and says, "Yes, I do to" each. And then in the chorus the words show how he knows that it's over, but he still prays for it anyway. As far as Rascal Flatts goes, there are relatively few words in this track, but its still the same length as the others, because its quite slow paced. There is also quite a long outro at the end, which can get slightly tiresome, as it's the same handful of chords over and over.

8. To Make Her Love Me 4:08
There is a slightly ballad like feel to the beginning of this song, and for a while its just Gary singing accompanied by a simple piano. By the end there is a strong rock guitar playing, making this a powerful, with a strong meaning.

This is one of the first on this album where the Christian theme comes through very strongly, and it's probably something most people have done. The lyrics tell about how he (Gary) has seen the wondrous things God can do (make miracles, make mountains, made dreams come true etc), so how come he can't do a simple thing like making this girl love him? The middle verse is quite moving as its about acknowledging that as a human, Gary isn't perfect and has done things wrong, so he's asking for another chance, and once he's got it, can he have the girl too? "Come on, how hard could it be, to make her love me?" The phrasing could be seen as quite disrespectful, challenging God almost (the 'come on' part) but once you learn that these guys are Christians, it's simply a desperate man crying out in anguish to his creator.

9. Words I Couldn't Say 4:35
This one is the true sound of Rascal Flatts that I was drawn to. A strong rock background, but now overpowering, accompanying quite mellow vocals producing a very nice, complete, all round sound. Everyone takes part in this one - vocals, drums, keyboard and several guitars.

Back on the theme of break ups, he's reflecting on the words he couldn't say but now that she's gone, wishes he had, or could. All that's left now is the "silence that remains and the words I couldn't say". I'm sure everyone has regrets about not saying something and wishing you had at the opportunity, and for that reason this is another very relatable song, although it doesn't really give any answered like others do.

10. Me And My Gang 3:38
The title track to the album, this very upbeat, very country, and quite rocky. It also has too many words for the space! - it has Rascal Flatts written all over it. Several radio stations in the US have adopted this one to use as jingles, so it's played so much on the radio there! I love this one, its so much fun to sing and dance along to, and definitely gets the blood pumping!

The lyrics take you on a slight tour of the US almost, describing several of the well-known country music states, - namely, Alabama, Montana, California, Oregon, and even a few hillbillies in New York! - bringing them all together in the name of music. Other verses describe people grounds, rather than geographic groups - "hippies, gypsies, freaks and geeks, High class women in Daisy Duke denim". The chorus is about bringing everyone together under a common purpose. Again, I'm just gunna quote the chorus rather than describe it:
"It's a brother and a sister kinda thang
Raise up your hands if you all wanna hang with
Me and my gang
We live to rock, we rock to live
Me and my gang
Jump on that train
Grab a hold of them reigns
We gonna rock this thang, c*ck this thang
Me and my gang"

11. Cool Thing 3:51
After Me And My Gang, anything would be a hard act to follow, and personally I don't think this was the right choice for follow up song. Don't get me wrong, it's an okay song on its own, but not after track 10! For the beginning it is just very slow vocals accompanied by the simplest drumbeat. By the first chorus is has gained slightly more life, but if you are still on a high from M&MG then it isn't going to hit the spot!

The words are slightly strange, especially considering that I've already told you they are Christian and show it quite a bit. From what I gather this song is about a casual sex affair with someone he met on a holiday - neither of them were in it for love and it didn't mean anything! By anyone else, I would probably like this song, but from Rascal Flatts, I don't like it because of the topic.

12. Ellsworth 4:01
Now this one I do like. It's back to being slow and mellow, and an appropriate topic! Once again it starts with simple vocals and a quiet backing of guitar and drums, then picks up pace for the chorus.

This is quite a sentimental song, telling us about his aging, and deteriorating, Grandmother. The first verse explains how she ended up in assisted living after numerous dangerous accidents, and that her mind and memory are gradually going. But if you bring up his Grandfather "its like someone flipped a switch", and even though "tomorrow she won't remember what she did today, just ask her about Ellsworth, Kansas, 1948" and she can tell stories in great detail, like she was 17. Like several others, this is probably a track that would resonate with a lot of people.

13. He Ain't The Leavin' Kind 4:33
The final track on this album, this one again has a strong Christian message. It's a nice soft ending to the album, and leaves you feeling quite refreshed after your Rascal Flatts experience! Once again, the beginning is vocals and simple drums, and then it gets more lively during the chorus.

The words are very powerful. They claim that even though we try to take God out of schools, and out of politics, and out of libraries, "He ain't the leavin' kind, He'd never walk away, even from those who don't believe, and wanna leave Him behind, He ain't the leavin' kind". The closing words of the album are very boosting and motivating: No matter what you do, no matter where you go He's always right there with you.

~ ~ ~ A bit about the concert ~ ~ ~
(I know this is only mildly related to the album, I still want to include it)

This summer I went to the Me And My Gang, Rascal Flatts tour at Staples Centre LA. Rascal Flatts are one of the few bands I have ever seen in concert, but they blew me away when I was lucky enough to see them. Even though we were quite a long way back most of the time, you could still tell that each gives a performance full of passion, and that for the majority of the time they were just having fun. There was a certain amount of unscripted (I think) banter between the guys in between song sets and these really made them seem much more human and 'down to earth' - they are just three friends having fun, playing music, hanging out, and there happens to be several thousand people with them! It's also clear that they are very thankful to their fans - with a specific song 'Here's To You' dedicated to everyone who helped them get where they are today.

The reason I say we were quite a long was back for 'most of the time' is that half way though they moved to a small stage in the centre of the auditorium, and then we were front row! It was awesome, and something I'll never forget. This is such an amazing group of guys!

~ ~ ~ CD Features ~ ~ ~
I don't own the physical CD of this album, just the music (I used itunes, it's all legal lol!), so I don't know if there are any other features on the disk, but I don't believe so (I do know people with the actual CD)

~ ~ ~ Overall: ~ ~ ~
Although not widely available in the UK, you can easily pick this up as an import from places like Amazon, or ask for it to be ordered in the bigger music stores. I think it would appeal to a lot of people if only they gave it the opportunity. Most of the songs aren't overly country, and indeed its more the rock side that comes through as a whole.

If you ever get the chance to see them in concert - go for it! You won't regret it. (But listen to a few of their songs first so you'll be able to sing and dance along!)

5 out of 5 - even though there are weak links, the other tracks more than make up for this. 

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