Lady A isn’t the kind of band that will ever surprise you. They do what they do, and they do it well, but you’ll never catch yourself saying, “Wow, I TOTALLY didn’t expect that from Lady A!” I’d like to hear them change their sound, maybe rock it up a bit more, or do something totally rootsy and acoustic rather than the bland formulaic pop/rock arrangements they’ve been doing.

i do agree that the songwriting has gone downhill. Their first album had some brilliant stuff on it, the second I liked a few of the songs, but “Just A Kiss” sounds like something some first year songwriting student would churn out.

I also agree that the band brings a lot of fans in the door for the country genre. No, they aren’t the lifeblood or even a defining act, but they help it be more than it is which is good for all the acts.

@Kevin John Coyne: Actually according a friend who plays guitar with Thompson Square, Jason Aldean has been selling out arenas lately. (they’re on tour with Jason Aldean right now and he says they’ve been selling out 30,000 seat arenas.)

I loved your review – definitely harsh and true for the most part. I don’t always classify Lady A with country music, but I like their sound. They certainly attract a new listener and if they’re looking for success as a new group, their shallow words made for radio and 12-year-old girls seem to be the way to go right now. I did think you made an excellent point when you said, “Even when song lyrics are subpar, a spirited melody can go a long way toward enhancing the appeal of an unremarkable song.” I look forward to reading more from you.

http://cornfedcommentary.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/lady-antebellum-album-breakdown/

I think “Cold As Stone” is awful, though. It’s incredibly “Colder Weather” (ZBB) reminiscent, and the orchestra at the end is like they revamped the Titanic song.

Best of the album: “Wanted You More”
Worst of the album: Too many to name.

However, I completely agree with the rest of the review; it’s not good news when a “nice” song is the highlight. Lady A clearly has a knack for writing musically interesting pop-country that can turn a great hook into an well-done, accessible song, and they’re in a position to get the best of the best of Nashville’s song kernels from their co-writers. Which is why I don’t understand how the hooks and messages here are so… bland.

They seem to be growing more focused on their “sound” than they are on putting out great songs, which is not a very good thing for a country act.

I still really enjoy their harmonies. And unlike most others, I don’t really hear what’s so bad about Hilary’s voice. I like it, to be completely honest. I like Charles’s voice more though. I just hope that they get their act together and release something that is more interesting.