Rascal Flatts are speaking out about their “I’m Movin’ On” collaboration with Kelly Clarkson. The trio included the song on their forthcoming LIfe Is A Highway: Refueled Duets project, out on June 6.
“‘I’m Movin’ On’ that Kelly did was such a magical, moving moment,” lead singer Gary LeVox says. “She had already done the vocal by the time I got in there. We just kind of listened to it really, and it was so good. And I think at that point in her life, that song, she was living it. And so, it was just right for her to do it, and us just put a little salt and pepper on it.”
Jay DeMarcus praises both LeVox and Clarkson for their stunning vocals on the song, a sharp difference to the way Rascal Flatts first released the song in 2001.
“I think it’s kind of a nice surprise when you come out of nowhere at the end of that last verse,” DeMarcus says to LeVox. “And that song, the kind of singers you guys are, it’d be easy to do every lick and every run and sing in the stratosphere, but that song is about the emotion of that message. And that’s what was front and center for me. When she sang it, you felt it with conviction. And so, I think the restraint that’s shown on that arrangement is perfect for the message of that song.”
Rascal Flatts kicked off their Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets project with “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers.
“We’re so excited to kick off this next chapter of Rascal Flatts with this single, working with Kevin, Joe and Nick is such a blast, they’re class acts,” DeMarcus said when the song was released. “I think this song fits perfectly into our catalog while also showing off something new and exciting, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans on the road!”
Their first single might be with the Jonas Brothers, but it was their “What Hurts the Most” collaboration with the Backstreet Boys that became the catalyst for Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets.
“The Backstreet Boys is the first thing we did, and it turned out great,” Joe Don Rooney reveals. “And that kind of kicked things off. And then we had a little pause there for a little bit. We got back on the horse and finally rounded it out. So proud of this project. Grateful to be able to do it.”
See a track list for Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets below. Rascal Flatts are currently on their mostly sold-out Life Is A Highway Tour. Pre-order the record, and find all of Rascal Flatts’ music and upcoming shows, at RascalFlatts.com.
Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets Album Tracklist:
1. “I Dare You” (with Jonas Brothers)
2. “Fast Cars And Freedom” (with Jason Aldean)
3. “My Wish” (with Carly Pearce)
4. “Mayberry” (with Blake Shelton)
5. “Stand” (with Brandon Lake)
6. “Summer Nights” (with Ashley Cooke)
7. “What Hurts The Most” (with Backstreet Boys)
8. “Yours If You Want It” (with Jordan Davis)
9. “Life Is A Highway” (with Lzzy Hale)
10. “I’m Movin’ On” (with Kelly Clarkson)