I Like The Sound Of That

"I Like The Sound Of That" is a celebration of the comforting and intimate sounds associated with a loving relationship. The song's central message is about finding profound joy in the simple, everyday noises that signify togetherness and intimacy. It contrasts the undesirable sounds of separation—like a door locking for a departure—with the cherished sounds of connection, such as a partner's shower, shared laughter, and the specific ringtone of their call. The lyrics express a deep longing to be with a loved one, not for grand gestures, but for the familiar and reassuring auditory landscape of their shared life. The song suggests that the true essence of a relationship can be found in these small, sensory details that create a sense of home and belonging. It's a feel-good anthem about appreciating the soundtrack of a happy romantic partnership and the simple pleasure of being invited into that shared space.

The song's narrative unfolds from the perspective of a man who is away from his partner, likely driving home from work. He is keenly aware of the sounds he doesn't want to hear—the mundane noises of departure like a coffee pot pouring, a quick goodbye kiss, and a door locking. These sounds represent separation and the quiet loneliness of his own house. His mind is consumed with the contrasting sounds he associates with his lover and their shared life, the sounds he eagerly anticipates. He imagines her at home, picturing her getting ready. He can almost hear the shower running and envisions her singing along to a Justin Timberlake song, affectionately noting that even the pop star has nothing on her. This daydream fuels his longing to be with her.

The chorus acts as the emotional and thematic core of the song, expressing a strong desire to trade the loud, impersonal noise of the highway for the quiet intimacy of her driveway. The silence of his own empty house feels oppressive, and his primary focus is on receiving her call—that specific ringtone that signals her invitation. The phrase "I like the sound of that" becomes a joyful affirmation, a response to the thought of her telling him to "come on over." It encapsulates all his yearning and the simple happiness he finds in their connection.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts from the sounds of anticipation to the sounds of being together. The narrator delights in the cozy, romantic noises that define their time in each other's company. He mentions the sound of rolling thunder, which serves as a catalyst for her to move closer to him. He humorously speculates that their neighbors probably dislike them because they spend nights laughing so loudly they can't sleep. These auditory snapshots create a sense of a deep and playful connection. They can put the worries of the world aside for the night, content in their own private bubble, symbolized by the simple acts of lighting a candle and locking the door. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central theme: all these sounds of togetherness, from her phone call to their shared laughter, are the soundtrack to his happiness, and he wouldn't trade them for anything.

"I Like the Sound of That" was released in August 2015 as the fourth and final single from Rascal Flatts' 2014 album, Rewind. The song was written by an impressive trio: Shay Mooney of the country duo Dan + Shay, pop superstar Meghan Trainor, and songwriter/producer Jesse Frasure. The writing session took place at Major Bob Music on Nashville's 17th Avenue. Mooney and Frasure started with an upbeat guitar groove and a track on a laptop. When Meghan Trainor arrived with her ukulele, Mooney suggested the title from a list he kept on his phone, as it was a phrase he often used. The trio then built the lyrical concept around the everyday household sounds that one associates with a romantic partner, starting with the image of a shower running. Interestingly, both Mooney and Trainor were early in their artist careers when they co-wrote the track. Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts was so impressed with the song that he called Dan + Shay's manager to ask why they weren't recording the "smash" hit themselves. Rascal Flatts made some minor adjustments to the demo, including speeding it up and adding the distinct "bazooka hook" at the beginning. The song went on to become a significant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in April 2016, which was the band's first number-one since 2012.

The song features a straightforward and effective rhyme scheme, primarily using couplets (AABB) within its verses, such as "turn on / on you" and "bumpin' / on you." This simple structure contributes to the song's easy-to-follow, narrative feel. The chorus shifts slightly but maintains a clear, memorable pattern that complements its catchy melody. The rhythm is a driving force, characterized by a mid-to-up-tempo country-pop beat that creates a sense of movement and anticipation, mirroring the narrator's journey home. The lyrical rhythm is conversational and syncopated, fitting naturally over the instrumental groove. This interplay between the smooth vocal phrasing and the energetic, rhythmic track is a hallmark of the song's style, making it both emotionally resonant and danceable. The tempo was intentionally increased from the demo version by the band to enhance its infectious energy.

"I Like the Sound of That" employs a combination of musical and literary techniques to create its infectious and heartfelt appeal.

• Musical Arrangement: The song is built on a catchy, upbeat country-pop groove. Rascal Flatts notably sped up the tempo from the original demo and added what they called a "bazooka hook" at the beginning, an instrumental hook that makes the song instantly recognizable. The track features the band's signature layered harmonies, particularly in the chorus, which enhances its anthemic and feel-good quality.
• Vocal Delivery: Gary LeVox's lead vocals are smooth and expressive, effectively conveying the longing in the verses and the joy in the chorus. His ability to transition seamlessly between these emotions is a key part of the song's success.
• Sensory Imagery: The lyrics are rich with auditory imagery, focusing entirely on different sounds to tell the story. From the "shower turn on" to the "thunder rollin'" and a specific "ring tone," the song uses these sounds to evoke strong feelings of intimacy, loneliness, and anticipation.
• Personification & Contrast: The highway is described as "a little too loud" and his own place as "way too quiet," using the contrast in volume to personify his emotional state—agitated and lonely when away, and peaceful when with her.
• Repetitive Hook: The title phrase, "I like the sound of that," serves as a recurring lyrical hook. Its repetition reinforces the song's central, positive theme and makes the chorus extremely memorable.

"I Like the Sound of That" was a significant commercial success for Rascal Flatts, further cementing their status as a major act in country music. Released as the fourth single from their album Rewind, the song reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in April 2016. This marked the band's 13th number-one hit and their first since "Banjo" in 2012, representing a successful return to the top of the charts for the veteran group. The song was certified Platinum by the RIAA, making it the band's ninth song to achieve this milestone. Its success also highlighted the songwriting talents of Meghan Trainor and Shay Mooney (of Dan + Shay) in the country genre. While not a crossover pop hit in the vein of some of their earlier work, the song was praised for its fresh, infectious melody and modern country-pop sound, which recalled the style of the band's biggest hits while still sounding contemporary. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of their later-career output.

The song uses a variety of auditory symbols to represent the contrast between loneliness and companionship. The sounds are not just background noise; they are imbued with significant emotional meaning.

• Sounds of Separation: The "coffee pouring," the "goodbye kiss," and the "lockin' the door" are symbols of departure and the beginning of a period of being apart. These noises represent the routine that the narrator dislikes because it signifies leaving his loved one.
• Sounds of Intimacy: Conversely, the "shower turn on," the sound of "thunder rollin'," and shared laughter are symbols of closeness, comfort, and a shared life. The thunder, a traditionally disruptive sound, is reframed as a positive event because it "makes you move a little closer to me," symbolizing how external troubles can strengthen their bond.
• The Highway vs. The Driveway: The loudness of the "highway" symbolizes the chaotic, impersonal world outside their relationship. In contrast, her "driveway" represents a destination of peace, intimacy, and belonging. His desire to "pull back in your driveway" is a metaphor for his yearning to return to their private, shared world.
• The Ringtone: The specific sound of his phone's ringtone is a powerful symbol of connection and invitation. It's the catalyst that can end his solitude and bring him back to her. His desire to hear it "turned up" emphasizes its importance and the anticipation he feels.

The most prominent recurring phrase is the song's title, "I like the sound of that." This line functions as the central hook and the thematic anchor. It's repeated at the end of the chorus as the ultimate affirmation of the narrator's desires. Each time it's sung, it reinforces his positive feelings towards the idea of being with his partner. The phrase is the payoff to the setup line, "Wanna hear you say come on over / 'Cause when you tell me to come on over..." making it a direct and satisfying emotional response.

Another recurring motif is the contrast between "loud" and "quiet." The narrator complains that "It's a little too loud on the highway" and "It's way too quiet at my place." This auditory motif highlights his feelings of displacement and loneliness when he is away from his partner. The sounds he experiences alone are either jarring or empty, whereas the sounds they make together (laughter, conversation) fill the silence in a meaningful way.

Finally, the phrase "come on over" is a recurring invitation that the narrator longs to hear. Its repetition in the chorus emphasizes that this simple invitation is the key to his happiness, the signal that will end his solitude.