It might be a strange name for a band, but 'Lady Antebellum' wasn't chosen at random. The group felt their name embodied their southern United States roots - 'antebellum' means before the civil war, so Lady Antebellum means a woman from that period. In three years, Lady Antebellum has won enough awards to fill an entire mantelpiece. This year they won a Grammy for best country performance by a duo or group with vocals, for I Run to You.
The country-pop trio's second studio album, Need You Now, is produced by Paul Worley, a former Grammy winner for his work on the Dixie Chicks' albums. From beginning to end, the album has an unmistakable southern twang, with simple acoustic riffs and light piano ballads. It has a contemporary country feel to it, but lacks the band's usual individuality.
From the opening track, Need You Now, you feel as if you've heard the songs before, even if you haven't. Paradoxically, it's that familiarity that draws you in. You feel as if the clock has been turned back and you're listening to one of your folks' favourites.
The simple, catchy choruses add warmth to the album, and in an age where bigger and louder is better, it's a relief to cosy up to some nice, southern hospitality.