by Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman has always been one to write songs for his wife. On nearly every one of his discs, there is a song dedicated to his wife. In fact, in 2003 Chapman put out a disc entirely dedicated to songs about love, most of which were written or sung for or about his wife. However, one of his best love songs does not come from that disc. What I Really Want To Say is arguably one of the best pieces Chapman has ever put on a disc. It is a song that truly captures the essence of real love; the fact that, in a real love, you adore that person so much that words cannot ever even begin to explain your love.
Yellowcard is your typical group that appeals to teenagers. They sing songs about relationships that may or may not last, but they're being enjoyed at the time. And they even have an electric violin (which, when done well, automatically makes a group great...and Yellowcard is great). However, Only One is somewhat of a step beyond that teenage "love." What makes this song great is the dedication shown in the lyrics and in the singing. When you hear, "Here I go/Scream my lungs out/And try to get to you/You are my only one," you can actually feel the bit of pain that's evident in that statement. Screaming one's lungs out generally does not make for a good love song. With Only One, we have an exception to that thought.
Andy Griggs was able to capture the idea of being lost without your loved one quite well from a man's perspective in She Thinks She Needs Me. The song speaks of a woman who sees her man as the best man ever (certainly a nice quality to have in a loving relationship). "They just don't make men like you" is what this guy is told by his wife every day. Yet, at the same time, as amazing as his wife believes him to be, he admits that he would be nothing without her. It's the idea that behind every great man is an even better. And it works flawlessly in this song. She may never know how much he needs her in a great relationship, but if every man wrote songs like this, she might understand a little better every day.
Kenny Chesney's second appearance in the Top 25 is a truly quality one. I Lost It is a song that nearly any married couple will be able to relate to. The song moves through a variety of places in love. It begins with the most nervous moment of a man's life; asking a woman to marry him. It continues on to the hardships of marraige that make you want to quit and walk out. And it finishes with the joy and passion of turning around and not giving up. Throughout the song, Chesney contemplates what this woman means and how no one else could ever replace her. It is an amazing love song all the way around.
I Melt put Rascal Flatts on the map in the music industry. It was the song that really jump-started their career in country music. And rightfully so. With sexual lyrics (and a sexual video to suit), one may worry about this song. And yet, the way these words are written and the way they are sung; it is with such a passion that you can tell this isn't about sex, this is about love. This is about a passion that just won't die. "I melt every time you look at me that way." It is a statement of awe, wonder, passion, love, and so much more. That's what makes this such a great song.