Rascal Flatts “Rewind” Album Review

Prime Cuts: The Mechanic, Compass, Riot

The title of Rascal Flatts' latest release "Rewind" is a misnomer.  Just like their preceding record, "Changed" did not really mark any sonic departure for the group; likewise, "Rewind" isn't an exercise of nostalgia either.  In no way is "Rewind" a cul de sac return to simpler tunes and more country leaning material.  Rather, "Rewind" veers in the opposite direction.  Here Rascal Flatts show that they have caught on well with the times --- with flagrant references to Instagram, phone apps and the latest guitar crunch - this is as fresh as tomorrow's headlines.  Most telling is that Rascal Flatts have ditched their long-time producer Dann Huff (who only co-produces one song on the album) in favor of Howard Benson.  Benson, for the acquainted, is no pal to country music.  Under his production eye are rock/pop acts such as Three Doors Down, Saliva, DAUGHTRY and Kelly Clarkson.  

"Rewind," following today's convention of releases, comes in two forms.  The standard package comes with 13 songs.  But if you are willing to take the excursion down to your local Target, the Target version contains 3 extra songs.  Before we delve into an exposition of the album proper, it is important to ask, are the bonus tracks worth the extra gas money?  And the resounding answer is yes.  "Compass" (which only appears in the Target version) is worth every extra cent.  Written by Diane Warren (Whitney Houston, Celine Dion & Mariah Carey), "Compass" is one of those huge bombastic love ballads that we have grown to love from Rascal Flatts.  Though there are some tepid attempts in the album proper for those ceiling reach soaring ballads, none seem to take off as well as "Compass;" a shame that it is criminally delegated just as a bonus track.

Speaking of big ballads, "I Have Never Been to Memphis" is poised as the album's showcase.   The song speaks of a guy leaving California, the place where people drive too fast and they never grow old, for the broad open skies of Memphis.  However, judging by the song's bombastic guitar searing bridge, he doesn't seem to have left California by the time the song ends.  Much better is the gorgeously crafted love ballad "Riot" that features some romantic bell chimes. Waxing poetic is the equally romantic "The Mechanic."  In a time where love songs are insipidly shallow, "The Mechanic" thrives on the use of contrasting images that is nothing short of sublime. Flourishing with a sizzling pop flourish is the current single and title track "Rewind." "Rewind" tells of an estranged pair of lovers with only the music of George Strait kept as their hanging thread.      

Those who like songs that reside in the sticks will love the frenzied banjo infused "Honeysuckle Lazy."  Joining the endless oeuvre of songs that celebrate teenage love is the somehow obligatory "Night of Our Lives." In short, "Rewind" puts Rascal Flatts right in line with what's hot and hip now. Predictably hits are going to fire off with precision to the top of the charts.  However, for the album's tailored made readiness for success, it's a tad too safe and accommodating in many ways.

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