Reviews

The fireworks came a couple of weeks early to Superpages.com Center on Saturday night, with human sparkler Taylor Swift opening for Rascal Flatts, who made a pyrotechnic-laden entrance that ended with a fireball that seemed to come straight at the audience.

Nashville-based trio Rascal Flatts descended from high above the stage, a lofty position that the adoring sold-out audience seemed to feel they richly deserved. The 1 ½-hour set included selections from all five of the group's studio albums, from "I'm Movin' On" from their debut, 2000's Rascal Flatts, to "Take Me There," "Still Feels Good," "Every Day" and others from their latest, 2007's Still Feels Good.

Lead singer Gary LeVox, apparently taking his lead from Ms. Swift's sparkly silver-and-white minidress, appeared in his traditional Western shirt and jeans, but the jeans had been fancied up with someone's crystal-bead embroiderer.

That seemed right in line with the group's Las Vegas-meets-down- home style. The trio's country sentiments, oddly enough, though, seemed right at home on a set that included huge video screens, enough lighting effects to satisfy Celine Dion and even a gigantic cage full of backlighted go-go dancers. For once, the videos going on behind the music actually added something to the concert experience, rather than simply distracting.

As always, Rascal Flatts sounded best on songs that showed off its pristine harmonies, such as the showstopping "Bless the Broken Road," which won the 2006 Grammy for best country song.

Ms. Swift, the ostensible "opening act," proved her soon-to-be-a- headliner chops with a seven-song set including her hits "Our Song" and "Picture to Burn." She also sang a cut called "Change" from her upcoming sophomore effort, due this fall. That one has a propulsive, infectious beat that should take it to No. 1.

ARCHIVES: Search for more stories on this and other topics | Search Tips

SUBSCRIBE: Get The Dallas Morning News delivered to your home