American country band Rascal Flatts have released their third single "Why," from the trio's sixth studio album "Unstoppable," was written by Allen Shamblin and Robert Mathes, and released to radio stations on September 29.The single "Why" is a slow-tempo song, sung from the perspective of a man whose close friend has committed suicide. All three members of Rascal Flatts said that they had difficulty recording the song, because they all individually losing someone close to them because of suicide. The song makes particular use of metaphors, comparing life to a song and the world as a stage. The lyrics alone are beautiful, with the narrator asking just why a special person in his life had to commit suicide. Perhaps the best line is "Why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song?" a very striking metaphor. "Who told you life wasn't worth the fight" is also a very powerful line.
"Why" writers Allen Shamblin and Rob Mathes wisely move the narrator closer to the deceased, allowing for the visceral response that seems more appropriate to such an emotionally charged heartfelt topic. Rascal Flatts, who have made a career of reveling in just such melodrama, have at long last discovered a song that actually seems to justify their usual overdone style. For all of their songs that drive some fans and critics of country music crazy, the single has lead singer Gary LeVox on vocals with piano driving this ballad, and his group's favored pop-rock production, the song is the best possible single that could have been chosen from album.
"Why" isn't just a future hit from a band that can seemingly take any song to the top of the charts. This is Song of the Year material, maybe even good enough to net a Grammy or two. It's a welcome reprieve from the last few years' worth of blandness that Rascal Flatts has given us, and it's certainly thrilling to see the band pulling off something outside of their usual scope. LeVox is actually a very strong balladeer and he handles the lyric as delicately as its subject matter calls for. His voice starts off incredibly soft and emotional, and giving what has to be one of his best vocal performances ever since "I'm Movin' On." Overall, the song strikes just the right balance of detail and open-endedness to invoke emotions, not beat the listener over the head or trigger a knee-jerk "emotional" reaction. Even if you haven't been directly affected by suicide, the chorus alone should hit you.
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