That first Number One is always a big event, but it's also part of what can make or break a new act. The next single's quality is crucial to the act's long-term success — especially if it's also the leadoff single to a new album. Lady Antebellum certainly has plenty of momentum built up: a gold-certified debut album, a couple Grammy nominations, and of course, that first Number One with "I Run to You," and with any luck, "Need You Now" should keep that momentum going.
"Need You Now" starts off with a similar midtempo groove to "I Run to You" and a similarly catchy melody. The production has the same rock influences as Lady A's debut album (translation: plenty of guitars), giving it a little bit of an edge. At first glance, the lyrics may seem to be a fairly pedestrian song about, well, how one person needs the other (specifically, estranged lovers). However, the lyric is given more depth simply by splitting it between lead vocalists Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott. By doing so, the song feels like an actual dialogue between two characters, and not just a one-sided conversation like so many other songs with the same topic. Of course, it helps that both Kelley and Scott are in typically fine voice; in fact, even moreso than on the debut.
Except for Rascal Flatts, almost no group or band has managed to string together more than a couple hits at country radio lately. Some of these groups just didn't have the material; others didn't have the support. Lady Antebellum certainly has the whole package: a clearly-defined sound, well-written songs, a strong fanbase, and plenty of promotion. "Need You Now" is a sure sign of good things to come.
You can support Lady Antebellum by purchasing this single at iTunes | Amazon.
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