The title track encourages those who’ve “made a lot of mistakes” to “get down on your knees and dig deep” and to believe that faith and love combined can “bring you back to being born, again.” “Things That Matter” challenges us to let go of the annoyances and bitterness that hinder our relationships, and to remember that God wants to help us even when we’re determined to go it alone (“God was right there waiting for me all along/To fall down on my knees, surrender all”). “Why” poignantly ponders how a friend could have chosen suicide. “Love Who You Love” counsels seizing every moment to love those around us passionately and purposefully (“Love those you love/With all that you have/ … Give all you’ve got/Like it’s your last day”). This being a country album, five lament-filled breakup songs reflect on why what seemed to be true love wasn’t (“Here Comes Goodbye,” “Close,” “Forever,” “Holdin’ On,” “Once”). These lyrics from “Forever” are representative of the emotional tenor of those tracks: “I miss you so much/Your light, your smile, your way/ … Though you’re gone/You’re still here/In my heart, in my tears.”
“Summer Nights” looks forward to a nonstop summer party on the beach that includes attractive girls in bathing suits (“Now fellas/ … Don’t them teeny French bikinis/Make you lose your breath?”) and tipping some beers (“It’s Coronas in Daytona, y’all/Well, it’s wild and it’s free”). “She’d Be California” is an innocuous track that nonetheless objectifies its female subject (“She got the long blonde hair/ … Her legs are palm tree tall”) and compares her to a good glass of wine (“She’s like a red, red wine”). “Things That Matter” mentions a crude hand gesture (“He gets cut off, flipped off, ticked off/Out on the interstate”). “Close” employs strong language to describe a woman’s post-relationship anguish (“The tears take over/She’s still in hell”).
Rascal Flatts has become one of America’s best-selling acts by employing a consistent formula. The trio’s chart-topping albums infuse rock-oriented country tunes with upbeat messages about God, faith, love and perseverance—flavored of course, with the obligatory radio-friendly tearjerkers and an adolescent ode to perpetual partying. “Summer Nights” scoots a step or two over the line in pursuit of a good ol’ time.” Meanwhile “Things That Matter” points fans to God. That’s the way it is with this band: Positive messages abound, mingled with a few that are a bit more mixed. Like we said, Rascal Flatts hasn’t messed much with their time-tested approach on their sixth outing.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
