“Mayberry” fondly recalls bygone days when people honored the Sabbath, neighbors waved hello and the world spun a little slower. Turning a phrase, the singer assures his girl that, when it comes to their love, “Too Good Is True.” “Like I Am” is a tribute to the transforming power of unconditional love. Romantic attraction leaves a guy lightheaded (“Fallin’ Upside Down”), makes him want to shout from the rooftops (“Love You Out Loud”) and gives him a stabilizing influence in his life (“Shine On,” “You”). “Dry County Girl” finds a man intoxicated by the preacher’s beautiful daughter, yet has his wandering thoughts put in check by her strong Christian morals (“She says there’ll be time for all of that when my dress is white and your suit is black”).
Minor. Unclear marital contexts leave “I Melt” and “My Worst Fear” open to interpretation.
Fans of Diamond Rio will enjoy this trio’s up-tempo style and tight harmonies. They’ll also appreciate how Rascal Flatts avoids fiddlin’ with problematic genre standbys like adultery and alcohol. Good stuff.
