Aside from the semi-twang in the vocals and the occasional iddle, Lady Antebellum is about as country as Shania Twain and the Eagles ever were. This is a pop band — a clever one with wide appeal. The title track, “Need You Now,” was released last summer and went to No. 1 on the country charts two months before this CD was even released. Who needs to wait for a new album to come out to stay in the spotlight?

Lady Antebellum is a force — the trio bumped Rascal Flatts from its six-year run as best vocal group at last year’s CMAs and is poised to cross over big-time. Theirs is a cool, if-you-are-good-you-can-actuallymake-it-in-Nashville story. The trio was only signed in July 2007 — for singer Charles Kelley, just a year removed from working construction.

How’s the music? This is very accomplished pop music — sometimes a little overblown, but consistent, upbeat and singalong-ready. Solid.

DOWNLOAD: “Perfect Day”