Need You Now [+digital booklet]

It's amazing how fast Lady Antebellum has taken over the world of country music, and 2009 was certainly an unbelievable year for them. 'Need You Now' is a rock solid sophomore album, which is sure to send them not only higher up among the country superstars -- but propel them into the pop music world as well.

Their platinum debut album zipped up the country charts, and Lady A ended up bringing home awards for song of the year ("I Run To You") and group of the year, at the '09 CMA awards. Their great songwriting continues onto 'Need You Now', in which they've had a hand in writing 8 out of the 11 songs here. The title track spent 5 weeks at #1 on country radio -- and is now making its way onto the pop airwaves. This CD is full of beautiful harmony, brilliant lyrics, and lovely piano laden songs.

"Hello World" is definitely the standout song to me....It's just stunning. The song starts off softly with acoustic piano for a while, and then rises into a beautiful anthem about the simple things in life -- what life is all about. Great lyrics, production, and vocals..."Hello World" almost has a 'Coldplay' feel to it towards the end. "Perfect Day" and "American Honey" are nice summer type songs, in which Hilary sings lead vocals. Both singles are laid back tunes, which sound similar to classic Dixie Chick hits from long ago. "If I Knew Then" is a gorgeous ballad about missing an opportunity at love, by not taking a chance...something that many of us can relate to.

It seems very apparent that Lady A will continue on their road to becoming one of the most successful acts in pop-country music -- this CD is filled with some huge hit singles. It's a very strong album top-to-bottom, and I highly recommend it! ~9/10~

I was really excited for the release of this album. After such a great debut album I expected a lot from this group. While the overall content on the CD is good, I am a little disappointed because something just isn't clicking as perfectly this time around. On their debut album I gave them five stars. For this one they get four because there are a couple of flub songs on here, which I felt the previous album didn't have. So lets get the bad songs out of the way first shall we?

THE BAD

Hello World - (1/10) While some people may like this song, (A guy in another review) I just can't seem to make myself like it. Charles sings lead in this one, or from what I have heard of it. My imaginary ADHD kicks on during this song and my brain disengages. I've tried to listen to it a few times but, honestly I can't tell you what it's about because I always end up skipping it, or thinking about other things when it's playing. Why, you make ask? Well the arrangement is dreadfully boring, Charles does nothing to impress me with his vocals in this one, and the tune is just to slow and long (5:26)! I have no problem with long songs but when the song is boring and uneventful it makes it kind of painful. Why this song is on here is beyond me, as they usually use their own songs but, Tom Douglas, David Lee & Tony Lane wrote this song...whoever they are :P

Stars Tonight - (4/10) This song doesn't spin me either, it's hard to relate to. It's basically telling us were all stars tonight at their concert (La Te Da)...this song might actually work if you were at a Lady Antebellum concert in the moment, but on the CD it's cliche in a back rock concert kinda way, and basically pointless. It feels like a filler song to me, although it may have a better effect when the song is sung live.

THE GOOD

Most of the songs on here are good quality. Nothing to write home about, but they are worth a listen, and most people will relate to and enjoy them.

Something 'Bout A Woman - (6.5/10) Being a woman I don't really relate to this one :P However, it's got a good sound to it, and it's kinda got a sweet vibe with innocent and kinda naive lyrics. Charles sings lead and does good with this one. The guys in love will probably like this one, and will find it convenient to say "Hey baby, this song reminds me of how you make make me feel, cause your a great woman." (Hint, Hint!)

Perfect Day - (7/10) Big shocker, this song talks about the perfect day. Go figure! Hillary sings lead on this one. It's an uptempo feel good kinda song that would probably be fun live. The tune is catchy and creates an overall sense of good times and fun.

Ready To Love Again - (7.5/10) Hillary sings lead again on this one. This song rounds of the CD nicely. It's short and sweet. Slower tempo. It talks about a person who is ready to start looking for love again.

American Honey - (8/10) Hillary sings lead, she does a good job vocally on this one. This song has a good vibe, beat and sound. This kinda has a summertime/freedom feel to it.

If I Knew Then - (8/10) Charles sings lead. This again is a slower song. It's very pretty, the lyrics are sweet. It talks about a man who loses an opportunity to fall in love, and then regrets it later in life. He basically says if he knew then what he knows now he would have went the extra mile to fall in love.

Love This Pain - (8.5/10) Charles sings lead on this one, and does really well. This song talks about a guy who is in an unhealthy relationship with a women, but can't seem to get away from her, and for some reason she keeps pulling him in.

THE GREAT

My personal favorites are the duet styles between Hillary and Charles. That's where I think they really shine. These last three songs on the album are all duet style, and they all are great in my opinion!

Our Kinda Love - (9/10)Great song. Kinda of almost has a Rascal Flatts feel to it with the arrangement and the sound. It' a very fun song that is basically about two people in love and how they describe their love to you.

Need You Now - (9.5/10)I assume by now that most people have heard this one, but for those of you living under a rock or are new fans, it's kind of a darker and more desperate love song. This song is basically about two people who seem to have separated but are still very much in love and can't take being away from one another any longer.

When You Got A Good Thing - (10/10) This song for me is the best on the CD. Hillary and Charles both sing it beautifully. The lyrics are gorgeous, and you can't help but fall in love with this song it's so powerful. I think it could be a really big hit for them. The song is slower, but not to slow. It talks about two people who have got this great love together.


Overall, this CD is still a really great one, and worth the buy. The feeling and vibe is similar to their first album, but again there is a bit of something missing in this one. However, it's still a lot better than most of the other junk some artists try to pass off as good music.

I loved Lady A's debut CD and was really looking forward to the new release after hearing Need You Know on the radio. As far as I am concerned that is the only good song on the CD. I have listened to it several times thinking it will click with me but that just hasn't happened yet.

*I have been listening to it a lot lately and I am starting to like some of the songs. There are still a couple that I skip over but I increased my rating to three stars. I still like the first CD better.

I was introduced to Lady Antebellum by my sister, who is not a country music fan at all, but likes this group. I love every song on their first album, and was looking forward to the release of "Need You Now." I bought this album from Amazon MP3 for $4 the day it was released. Even though I was not impressed after hearing the samples, I thought it would not be too big a waste of money if I didn't like it. This album is not as good as Lady Antebellum's first album, but it has some good songs. I was not impressed at first, but it is starting to grow on me. Give it a few weeks, and I might rate it even higher. My favorites are Our Kind of Love, Perfect Day, When You Got a Good Thing, and Something Bout a Woman.

I have been a fan of Lady Antebellum since I saw them on GAC and listened to their first album. I saw a lot of potential in the three members of the country/pop/rock group: Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood. Their efforts have brought a solid fan base that continues to grow. "Need You Now" solidifies my adoration for the musical trio.

The first track here is also Lady A's first single: `Need You Now.' One of their slower songs, it's a great opener for the CD. One of my favorites however is `Perfect Day,' which has Scott at the lead vocal position. She sings about how a Cajun man playing a country tune would sound like, which is followed by the irresistible instrumental hook of the song.

Nevertheless, each song on Lady Antebellum's sophomore album is amazing. Some CDs may have filler tracks, but I think none can be found here. In my humble opinion, this trio is a positive sign of what country music is evolving into. Certainly, there are still artists who could be considered "pure" country if there is such a term, but bands like Lady Antebellum make it easier to draw in non-country fans to country music itself.

Therefore, I recommend "Need You Now" to those who simply enjoy well-written and fun music. I am sure you won't be disappointed by this impressive effort.

I purchase this as an MP3 download--which works superbly on my apple computer and imports into itunes.

I love the songs. I had only known the title song but have listened to the album 3 times today--It is really good and I'm glad I got it. It does seem to be a mix between country and rock--not sure how you classify that exactly--except that it will please a wide variety of people.

This has got to be one of the best albums I've heard in quite some time. Normally when I purchase an entire album I find I really like some songs, feel ambivilant about a few, and don't care for one or two. This is one of those albums where I like pretty much every song.

I just finished listening to the entire album and I have to say I'm hooked. If you like "Need You Now", you'll love the album. "If I Knew Then" and "When You Got a Good Thing" are great ballads, sweet without being overly sappy. There are a few upbeat songs and a couple definitely remind you it's a country-genre album. Aside from those, the album is full of the type of music that can easily transition to mainstream radio.

I liked the first album, love the second. Beautiful music, excellent harmonies, and wonderful lyrics. Exactly what music is all about.

Good album, but fewer great songs compared to their first album. Now that they are becoming more mainstream/pop, they are losing some of their uniqueness.

It's about time people start to notice Lady Antebellum. Their first album, had more catchy songs and was better in my opinion, that really defined them as a Country Group. This second album shows how they've matured as artists, songwriters, and performers. Need You Now is undeniably their biggest hit to date...crossing over into the Adult Contemporary category. American Honey (though not written by the trio) was the best follow-up to the ballad. It's fun, cute, upbeat and extremely catchy. A favorite of mine "Love this Pain" seems like a contender for the 3rd single...

...I have a feeling this group will be winning a lot more Grammy's in the years to come.

I think this album "need you now" is alot better than the last one "lady antebellum", It has alot more good songs on it. Need you now is my favorite song so far. I cant wait to see these guys in tour they are awesome!!