Don’t be fooled by the title. “Love Song” definitely is not. It is a well-written song about an encounter with an ex-lover, in which the man in the song suggests that they rekindle their romance. The first verse describes the circumstances surrounding the breakup, with the narrator explaining how his pride got the best of him, and 'what he felt were things that he couldn't say.' In the second verse, he says he has learned his lesson, and vows to be a better man. Lead singer Steve Rice flat-out sells the vocal delivery in a sultry “come-on” type of performance that is full of character. He doesn’t just sing the words and hit the notes, but he also demonstrates strong interpretive abilities.
The heavy country-rock production may be difficult for some country purists to digest. Granted, it is a bit hard to imagine a single like this being played next to Alan Jackson and George Strait. But when you consider how country music has evolved in the past decades, it may not seem so out of place after all.
I’m just glad that this isn’t another stereotypical country-boy anthem or a frivolous summer party tune. It may be a rather unconventional form of country music, but “Love Song” is still a rock-solid choice for a single.
NO JUSTICE’S SCORE: 8
(Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 10)