‘Heartbreak’ by Lady Antebellum (Album)

Lady Antebellum: the trio of Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley

With solo itches now fully scratched, the country-pop giants have regrouped and return with a strong and personal new record

Having taken some time off to pursue solo projects the country superstars and seven-time Grammy winners are back with their sixth studio record. The trio of Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott rented a house in Florida so that they could be alone with their creativity and, having enjoyed the process, repeated the trick in southern California. The result is one of their most personal albums to date, with 11 of Heartbreak’s song have been written/co-written by the band themselves.

That’s not to see this is a wild diversion, fans of their previous work will be pleased to know that Lady Antebellum have quickly found their groove again. The opening title track, with Scott on lead vocals, immediately drops you into the band’s country-pop sweet spot and her voice is the ideal accompaniment to Kelley’s on the pining Somebody Else’s Heart. Whether on upbeat numbers like This City or ballads like the affecting Big Love In A Small Town, this is the sound of masters at work.

Those who follow our own Ward Thomas and The Shires will find a kindred spirit here and with a career spanning over a decade they’ve helped create the template for the genre. The trio have a genuine chemistry and, enjoyably as their solo efforts were, it’s clear that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s wonderful to have them back.

Verdict: Not just a return, but a return to form

Duncan Haskell

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