REFUELED- Rascal Flatts Album Review

Rascal Flatts – Life is a Highway: Refueled Duets – Album Review – Chelsea Jean Leppanen

June 6 2000, twenty five years ago the trio of music men known as Rascal Flatts released their self titled debut album. Fast forward 25 years and over 40 major music awards later. The band is back together and collecting guest members for each track of their latest album.

It had been 8 years since their last studio album. The joining forces have dropped a REFUELED album.

This album has been fueled with premium and high octane!

“Life is a Highway” , one of their biggest hits, unleashed a table slapping spin. On this track they invited the modern Queen of Rock n Roll Lzzy Hale from Halestorm to boost this country classic.

The song already is one that has made us sing along for decades. With Hale’s power house sound amplifying each word. It just made you want to roll down the windows and let the wind pass through your fingers as you sing this love the life you live anthem, with some grit at the top of your lungs. They absolutely melded the octane and country into what could easily be the next country BILLBOARD top charting song.

The album opened with the newest single “I dare you” with the Jonas Brothers which immediately snags your attention. The duel voices and sounds created the perfect song for those who, have met somebody that is giving you reasons to keep the walls up but challenging them to let love lead the way

“ I know that it’s a big decision but we ain’t runnin’ with scissors

I ain’t playin’ no games with your heart

Might jump too far and get in too deep

Never know what this thing could’ve been, yeah

So, I dare you (I dare you)

I dare you to love somebody like me (somebody like me)

I dare you (I dare you)

I dare you to let me be your everything (yeah)”

The following track Jason Aldean joins them. His distinctive sound immediately was picked up on. “Fast Cars and Freedom” was a perfect match. Vocals gave goosebumps as Jason’s guitar sound strummed the bold American country sound and fits the “Night Train” , “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kind of Party” Aldean influenced setlist.

Carley Pearce delivered the sweet, steady and smooth notes for “My Wish”. For the song being 19 years out sounded like the first time and the new favorite version.

“Summer Nights” is upbeat and Ashley Cooke delivered undeniable summer vibes.

Over all the voice match making this album was spot on. Nailed it however the phrase is! BAZINGA!

Finally, “What Hurts the Most” who better to join them than the iconic boys band of the millennium. That’s right, Back Street is back! May 8th they joined Rascal Flatts at the 60th ACM Awards and performed the new rendition giving a taste of the duet collection to come.

Each voice delivers extra edge to the classic Rascal Flatts sound. The harmonizing and simple instrumentals gave opportunity to hear the voices really being the musical instruments.

Kelly Clarkson performed the heartbreak empowerment ballad. “I’m Moving On” originally written by Phillip White who is co writer to Reba McEntires “I’m a Survivor”

When first presented this song was shot down by labels and singers. They said it was too slow to sad and the writer was told it would never be a single. Garth Brooks picked it up but never was released before Garth gave it to the new trio in Nashville. Rascal Flatts added it to their debut album and it sold over 60 thousand units day one after playing. Kelly Clarkson took this and delivered the premium and powerful notes that can break a heart and heal it at the same time.

This album is Refueled with the best possible matched artists. These reimagined songs will be giving summer jams revamped vibes for the 2025 summer cycle. This will for sure submerge this generation with the songs we all loved .

If you haven’t had the chance to dive into the melding collection of the legendary trio do so now! Don’t forget to buckle before cruising down memory lane with Rascal Flatts latest album REFUELED with premium duets and boosts of octane that bring country hits a harmonic and beautiful blend of turbo tunes .

Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets Album Tracklist:

“I Dare You” (with Jonas Brothers)

“Fast Cars and Freedom” (with Jason Aldean)

“My Wish” (with Carly Pearce)

“Mayberry” (with Blake Shelton)

“Stand” (with Brandon Lake)

“Summer Nights” (with Ashley Cooke)

“What Hurts the Most” (with Backstreet Boys)

“Yours If You Want It” (with Jordan Davis)

“Life Is A Highway” (with Lzzy Hale)

“I’m Movin’ On” (with Kelly Clarkson)

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