Like the rest of the world, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood spent last year hunkered down, but chose to use the time for rediscovery, recommitting themselves to their original intention. And with What A Song Can Do: Chapter One, Lady A emerged with a new, refined vision. The first half of their eighth studio album is a love letter to fans – steeped in music’s power to get us through.
“You rarely learn through the good times. Hardship is where that happens,” Kelley says, thinking back on what led to a watershed recording project.
Now 15 years into their journey, that clarity of purpose comes with a fresh sense of hope and renewed energy, all of which shows in the tunes.
Built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotions and a smooth fusion of country, rock and pop, the band have long been a model of mainstream success. Their 11 No. 1s, 18 million albums sold, 34 million tracks, five billion digital streams and a global touring footprint prove the point. In early 2020, Lady A were even in the midst of a hit-scoring resurgence, adding two more chart toppers from their Ocean album to the list. … But then came COVID-19. And a proactive decision to drop “Antebellum” from their brand, made in solidarity with those seeking a more equitable society. Alongside the change, the trio’s commitment to leading by example through humility, love, empathy and action has already taken the form of a scholarship available nationally to students attending HBCU’s, alongside other financial support through their philanthropic initiative LadyAID.
The year has been a source of creative fuel, Lady A now returns with new insight. Nearly 60 songs were written as the band turned toward their craft, rising to the occasion with a renewed appreciation for their fans, their music, and the friendship that makes it all possible. Along with co-writers like Thomas Rhett, Amy Wadge and more, at least one member of the trio had a hand in penning each of seven new tracks, seizing an opportunity to embrace country’s core mantra: “Three chords and the truth.”
“The way I’ve been describing this record is that it was a way for us to stay creative in a year we never saw coming,” Scott explains. “It was an outlet for us to dream about touring again – and connecting with our fans.”
“There’s a story to be told here,” Haywood adds. “This is what we’ve all been going through, and there’s gonna be some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Working again with producer Dann Huff, What A Song Can Do: Chapter Onealso reinvigorates the band’s signature sound – a captivating fusion of rootsy pop and electrifying harmony that has dominated charts for more than a decade. Over the years, it’s evolved naturally from tracks like “Love Don’t Live Here” and the 9X PLATINUM “Need You Now,” these days feeling more mature – but with the same adventurous spark.
Songs like “Talk of This Town” and “Fire” use third degree romantic burns as a metaphor for adversity – and the newly-forged character born from the flames. “Worship What I Hate” takes a brutally-honest look at who we become if we’re not paying attention. And “Chance of Rain” reminds us not to play it safe in matters of life and love.
But refinement comes in many forms. Fun loving lead single “Like a Lady” stresses self acceptance and female empowerment – delivered by one of country’s most empowered female stars, arm-in-arm with her partners and backed by an ‘80s-rock stomp. The gentle “Things He Handed Down” dusts off some heirloom wisdom, questioning how it’s put to use. And with the “quintessential” Lady A title track, “What A Song Can Do,” the trio open their hearts.
"We think of it as a love letter to fans and being on the road, like ‘This is what brought me here to you – these songs,’” Kelley explains. “And then to title the tour and album that, it’s like the power of music is what got so many of us through. I know it helped me a lot.”
“There’s an interdependence that we have with each other, and music is at the center of that to me,” Hillary Scott adds. “We are all living in the now together…we’re all a work in progress, and that is what we wanted to share with these songs on the first chapter."
That appreciation will surely grow as the band work toward completing their first ever split release, with more of What A Song Can Do to follow. The What A Song Can Do Tour will go a step further, kicking off July 29 as the band finally reclaim the connection their musical love letter is all about. That day is almost here, but for now, Lady A know they’re in a good spot.
“We’ve rediscovered our purpose, and it’s to entertain and spread a positive message – I really truly believe that,” Kelley adds. “I want our legacy to be songs that make people feel good. …But I also think there’s more to our story that hasn’t been written yet.”