After only two albums, Lady Antebellum has become one of the most recognizable and popular names in country music. Winning five Grammy Awards in 2011 for its second album, Need You Now, Lady Antebellum has appealed to music fans of all genres as a crossover success. With its third album, Own the Night, the trio of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood provides fans with a diverse set of emotional songs, all revolving around that little four-letter word: love.
Whether you're feeling angst for someone lost, giddy for someone new or on top of the world with the one you love, Own the Night has got you covered. Although a few songs don't hit the proverbial high note, the album gives more than enough catchy alt-country hooks and folksy melodies to resonate with listeners across the spectrum. The first track, "We Owned the Night," starts the album off with energy and a feel-good vibe. Co-lead singer Kelley provides his strongest performance of the album right from the beginning. After that, only a few other songs live up to the tone set by the first title. But take that with a grain of salt, as songs like "Friday Night" and "When You Were Mine" are still fun, enjoyable tracks, perfect for singing in the car. The songs are so charming, in fact, they make you forgive some lyrical cliches such as "I wanna be your Friday night" and "I felt the world was ours for the taking/ When I fell into your eyes" that might otherwise make you cringe.
The most noticeable difference on Lady A's third album is its subdued tone. Upon first listen, the romantic ballads and upbeat pick-me-ups seem less striking than powerful anthems like its smash hit "Need You Now." Still, that doesn't make this bout any less effective; as I listened more and more, it became clear that, while not as raucous, Own the Night is just as compelling as Lady A's last two albums. In songs like "Singing Me Home," we get a relaxed tune which focuses on setting a mood rather than vocals or instrumental accompaniment. "Singing Me Home" is one of those songs people will be singing on road trips, with circles of friends and even while doing homework, just to stay happy and calm. On the slow ballad "Cold As Stone," there is a quiet emotional energy which can touch your heart even deeper than louder, more energized ballads, as Scott and Kelley's intertwined voices croon, "Wish I was cold as stone/ Then I wouldn't feel a thing/ Wish I didn't have this heart/ Then I wouldn't know the sting of the pain."
Overall, Own the Night again displays Lady Antebellum's versatility in tapping into different emotions and musical styles. The bluegrass, pop and rock influences are still all there, keeping in line with the group's wide crossover appeal. Own the Night is a solid album which fans new and old will grow to love with time. It probably won't blow your mind, but then again, some great albums don't have to.
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