Although many of these songs deal with relational struggles, they emphasize heart rather than hurt. “Wishing” and “I Will Wait” both explore the emotions of lonely lovers longing to be reunited. Romantic reconciliation is the goal of “Las Vegas Nights,” on which lead singer Darius Rucker regrets his own foolishness. On “Answer Man, “he tells a woman wallowing in negativity, “You seem to be drowning every minute . . . I don’t want to follow you into your cloud.” Optimistic love songs anticipate mending a troubled romance (“What’s Going on Here”), rekindling an old flame (“Home Again”) and imagining that someone admired from afar might eventually share similar feelings (“Only Lonely”). On “One By One,” Rucker pays tribute to a relative who believes in him (“Aunt Inez from Virginia/She makes me feel like I could be president”).
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These guitar-driven melodies stay true to the quartet’s Grammy-winning form. Should teens play Musical Chairs? We don’t see why not. And with lyrics this solid, there’s no need to stop the music.
