NYCS First Impression: Rascal Flatts ‘How They Remember You’ EP

For over twenty years, Rascal Flatts, comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, have been the soundtrack to our lives. From “Bless the Broken Road” to “I Like the Sound of That,” Rascal Flatts have always been there for us, providing us with jams for our car rides and songs to cry to for the hard times. Now, they are giving fans one last project before they disband, quietly marking their farewell year. The brand new EP, How They Remember You is definitely for the fans.

A seven-song release, the new record is the country trio’s parting gift to fans that have been with them since day one. The EP begins with the title track and current radio single, which seems like the most fitting song to leave fans with. “How They Remember You” is a song about legacy and Rascal Flatts has definitely solidified their legacy in country music. Similarly, the closing track “Through the Years” is literally an ode to the time we have all spent together. Although dressed as a love song, the boy-band inspired track is definitely a thank you to the fans. “It’s better every day, you’ve kissed my tears away / As long as it’s okay, I’ll stay with you / Through the years”

Harkening back to the heyday of “My Wish,” “Looking Back” feels like an old-school Rascal Flatts jam. “Looking back is all that I look forward to,” is both a heartbreaking line, but also so poetic to have loved something so much that you’ll always wish to return to it. This song can, once again, be attributed to love, but also to the legacy the band has built over the years.

On the other hand, Rascal Flatts leans into their new-found pop-country style with songs like “Warmer” and “Feel It In the Morning.” Both songs showcase the bands’ evolution and their ability to transcend generations as well as genres.  Of course, they wouldn’t be Rascal Flatts without including an anthemic, funky song on their record. “Sip Away” is the drinking song that we know would be great for a live setlist.

“Yeah man that’s sounds just right / So grab a little sunshine, a corona, and a lime and mix it all up together / Get a tan while you can / And forget about your plans / Cause the summer won’t last forever”

Arguably one of the best off the record, co-written by Kelly Archer, Aj Babcock, Pete Good, and up and coming singer-songwriter Brandon Ratcliff, “Quick, Fast, In a Hurry” is a standout on the record. The song features songstress Rachel Wammack, and it is safe to say that her performance is impeccable. The song depicts the back and forth nature of on-again-off-again lovers, who are on the outs but still love each other. Wammack and LeVox, although unexpected, makes the perfect vocal pair!

“Quick, fast, in a hurry / Won’t keep you waiting for me / I can be there in 30 / Don’t worry if the lines get blurry”

Let’s hope the band rekindles their desire to play on stage one last time, and decide to reschedule their recently canceled Farewell Tour! Until then, thank you Rascal Flatts for all the stories all the memories, and all the music!

To keep up with Rascal Flats keep up with Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

NYCS Picks:

1. “Quick, Fast, in a Hurry” (ft. Rachel Wammack)
2. “Looking Back”
3. “Sip Away”

 

How They Remember You EP Tracklist:

1. How They Remember You
2. Feel It in the Morning
3. Quick, Fast, in a Hurry featuring Rachel Wammack
4. Looking Back
5. Warmer
6. Sip Away
7. Through the Years

 How They Remember You is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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