Music Review: Rascal Flatts' Changed

I was sent a copy of Changed by Rascal Flatts from One2One Network to listen and review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up I was never really a fan of country music. Not because I didn't like it, but because I was never exposed to it. Fast forward to college and I fell in love with the genre as newer artists cross back and forth over boundaries. Rascal Flatts is one of those great country groups that have a little rock to their music. Last year I saw them in concert and loved every minute of it.

Their new album was released on April 3, 2012 and I was lucky enough to receive a copy to review.  Falling in line with the rest of their music, the songs on Changed range in tempo and topic.  I listened to the eleven track album, but there is a deluxe edition which includes an extra four new songs. 

I think my favorite song was Banjo which was about getting away from the "concrete jungle" and just following the sound of the banjo to where the maps don't lead.  It was a very upbeat song that I found entertaining.  I often wish I could just get in the car and get lost from the craziness of life.  They make it sound like getting lost is so easy and relaxing.  Sunrise is another track with the same message about getting away from the things that cause you stress so that you can enjoy life.

Let it Hurt was another interesting song.  A ballad, it was about how the best way to appreciate the good is to feel the bad.   I could really sense the pain of a broken heart as I listened to the lyrics of the song.  The lyrics were written in a way that whoever is listening can imagine their own heartbreak and how things not only got better, but how the pain of the bad helped them see the true value in the good.

The tracks all blend together really well to tell a story of love, pain, and moving on.  While each track can obviously stand on its own, Rascall Flatts and their producers did a wonderful job of choosing songs that would tie together in a united theme for the album.

Rascal Flatts has another winning album to add to their long, no end in sight, career.  The songs on Changed fit with their older music but were different enough to keep them fresh.  These guys are extremely talented musicians and formed a great partnership that has remained strong through the years.  While other bands break up or call it quits, Rascal Flatts continues to provide quality music that inspires the masses.

For fans that want to see Rascal Flatts preform live, I have two fun events to tell you about.  The first is a contest to win a trip to see them perform. I have included the entry widget on my review to make entering easier. This is not my contest, but I have entered to win.  The contest ends on April 30, 2012 so don't wait to enter.

The contest's widget doesn't seem to be working so please use this link to check out the Fly Away contest.

This contest is really cool. They're giving away airfare, hotel, tickets and meet & greet passes for two lucky fans to see Rascal Flatts on their summer American Band tour kicking off this June with Eli Young Band, Little Big Town and Edens Edge. Contest ends April 30th. Suh-weet! (One2One Network)

The second option is to attend a "live" concert at your local movie theater.  NCM Fathom is currently promoting a concert on April 5, 2012.  This concert will be filmed and aired live (taped delay in PT/HI/AK).  Besides the actual concert, they will also be taking you behind the scenes between songs to get a look at what really happens during a concert.
  
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of Changed by Rascal Flatts through the One2OneNetwork. I was not compensated for this review but by writing it I am entered to win a prize.