Changed by Rascal Flatts

On their second effort for Big Machine, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus have arena-ready country-rock covered with the power ballad “Hurry Baby,” the infectious “Hot in Here” and the less effective “She’s Leaving,” on which the lackluster background melodies seem handpicked to instigate a stadium-sized singalong.

However, the bright, sparkling production and hooky chorus of “Lovin’ Me” more than make up for such lapses, combined with breezy, uplifting lyrics that could make for a possible radio hit. The album’s lead-off track and namesake is a heartening, gospel-flavored ballad with Gary’s vocals front and center, initially accompanied only by sparse guitar.

Bringing the album together is Dann Huff’s glossy production. While the album lacks some of the energy and freshness of 2010’s Nothing Like This, introspective tunes such as “A Little Home,” “Sunrise” (co-written by Joe Don) and the Lady Antebellum-esque “Come Wake Me Up” add even more depth to the trio’s sound.

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