World Wide Open

Performer: Love and Theft
Engineer: Jeff Coplan
Producer: Jeff Coplan; Robert Ellis Orrall
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Stephen Barker Liles (vocals); Jeff Coplan (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dobro, mandolin, Hammond b-3 organ, percussion); Tom Bukovac (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore (steel guitar); Kevin Haynie (banjo); Joe Caverlee (mandolin, fiddle); Carole Rabinowitz-Neuen (cello); Robert Ellis Orrall (Hammond b-3 organ, percussion); Chris McHugh, Greg Morrow, Shannon Forrest (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); David Hoffner (programming). There have been numerous challengers over the years for the country-pop heavyweight title held by Rascal Flatts, but none of them really had a shot at dethroning the Flatts gang. Love and Theft, who are actually labelmates of Rascal Flatts' (via Lyric Street's sister imprint, Carolwood Records), have what it takes to bring down the champs. The trio--Brian Bandas, Eric Gunderson, and Stephen Barker Liles, all of whom play guitar and share lead vocal duties--create silky sweet harmonies that are as addictive as dime store taffy. Love and Theft's debut, the 11-track WORLD WIDE OPEN, is teeming with tasty pop melodies and delicious hooks. Bandas, Gunderson, and Liles had a hand in co-writing every song on the disc. The spirited first single, "Runaway"--a piece of pop finery that is pure ear candy--and "Can't Go Back"--a '70s tinted country rocker that recalls Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles--have serious crossover potential. Bandas, Gunderson, and Liles surround themselves with some of Nashville's best session players, including banjo ace Kevin Haynie (a solid singer/songwriter in his own right) who adds a bit of old-school seasoning to "Can't Go Back." "Slow Down" is one of those compositions that has "hit" written all over it. The harmonies, the lyrics, the music, and the production come together in such a way as to create a perfect song storm. "It's Up to You" contains a memorable chorus that seeps into your brain and rattles around for hours afterward. Love and Theft have managed to craft a debut that makes them contenders right out of the gate.

Billboard (p.44) - "The group's harmonies, which are always at the forefront, are reminiscent of the Eagles and Restless Heart..."

Pop-country trio Love and Theft fell into place in Nashville when singers and songwriters Eric Gunderson, Stephen Barker Liles, and Brian Banda threw in together, taking turns singing lead while the other two sang gorgeous backing harmonies. Versatile, bright-sounding, and with a clear sense of pop-country arrangement, Love and Theft's live shows brought them an enthusiastic fan base. With superclean production by some of the best in the modern country game, their recordings failed to disappoint, cementing the group's place on radio.

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