Musically speaking, Rascal Flatts follows a satisfying recipe. Ingredients include tunes listeners can sing and dance along with, easy to memorize, sentimental lyrics and soaring vocals. It's a shame, then, that the award-winning, high-selling trio added some unsatisfying elements to its live show and didn't just belt out its singles.

Instead, too much time was wasted on between song banter that went on far too long. It's almost as though bassist Jay DeMarcus was practicing a stand-up routine. Tip: Stick to music. An odd drum off (and later a violin solo) added nothing of value to the show. Even the energetic, sold-out crowd stared on, unsure of how to react.

There's also no need for covers, given the success of Rascal Flatts' own track record, but that didn't stop guitarist Joe Don Rooney from playing "Hotel California" and DeMarcus offering a medley of other people's songs, including "Jessie's Girl" and "Sweet Home Alabama." The band would do well to stop pretending its roots are in classic rock. They are a pop country band and there's nothing wrong with that.

When the band hits its marks, however, they certainly know how to get a room moving. The final four songs of the set were easily the most exciting - the newest single "Stand" is a great sing-songy tune, as well as "Here's To You" and the pretty ballad "My Wish," for which lead vocalist Gary LeVox (an appropriate pseudonym) brought a little girl on stage. "Mayberry," an ode to rural living, was also a highlight.

Ballads were ubiquitous throughout the two-hour concert, including "Feels Like Today," show opener "Where You Are" and "Bless the Broken Road." Though at times LeVox sings and moves in such a way it is evident he wants to elicit tears, the most touching moment of the show came when a young man dressed in a bright green jacket went to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. Based on the frequent, tight embraces that ensued, I think it's safe to say she accepted.

And that's what's great about a band like Rascal Flatts. Their songs become ours; we use them as background music and reference points to important, fun and memorable moments in our lives.

Jason Aldean opened for Rascal Flatts, playing his hit single "Hicktown" as well as a digression into rock tunes from the likes of Van Halen and Guns n' Roses. In case you didn't believe he was really a fan, Aldean wore a Guns n' Roses shirt to prove it.

* WHERE: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City

* BOTTOM LINE: Saggy for the bulk of it, but the trio showcased some foot-stomping success by the show's end.