Love and Theft, ‘Angel Eyes’ – Song Review

Love and Theft lost Brian Bandas, making this one-time trio a harmonizing duo. Musically, the formula that made them a promising act hasn't changed. 'Angel Eyes' picks up where the songs on 'World Wide Open' left off.

Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson don't pretend to be anything but power pop-country. It's not difficult to imagine 'Angel Eyes' as a crossover hit, if it become a hit. That's a big "if," as the song tells a story that's been told thousands of times before. The naughty preacher's daughter is becoming as cliche as a lost dog in country music.

"She likes whiskey with her water / She starts dancing when the stars come out / She ain't your typical preacher's daughter / She'll leave you dreamin', yeah there ain't no doubt," Liles and Gunderson sing during the first verse. Their harmonies are still tighter than Tim McGraw's blue jeans, and the chorus is one that will turn up in your sleep.

"There's a little bit of devil in her angel eyes / She's a little bit of heaven with a wild side / Got a rebel heart a country mile wide / There's a little bit of devil in her angel eyes."

'Angel Eyes' is a bit like that last piece of cake in the fridge. Despite being somewhat void of nutrition, it's still really difficult to resist. This is fine. Not every song needs to be a protein shake, and there's certainly room for more power pop-country on the radio.

The bridge does offer a small sampling of substance: "I can't stop wondering / What it would feel like to hold her all night / She's got that something / That sexy innocence / She must be heaven sent." It should be enough to gather the duo a few fans and some airplay.

Listen to Love and Theft, 'Angel Eyes'