"With every album you record, you hope that you've grown as an entertainer and musician," bassist/vocalist Jay DeMarcus. "We've waited to share this music for a while now. I think our fans will hear more of what they are used to from us, but I also feel we've stretched our wings just a bit as well."

"Me and the Gang" follows 2004's "Feels Like Today," which was the best-selling country album of 2005, and the year's seventh-best-selling album overall, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures. The new disc was recorded in the spring and summer of last year, but the group pushed the release back until this spring so that "Feels Like Today" could continue to stretch its legs with a fourth single, "Skin (Sarabeth)."

"Feels Like Today" debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart, and has since been certified triple platinum, signifying U.S. shipment of 3 million copies. The disc has spent 68 weeks riding Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, where it currently sits at No. 5.

The group launched its tour behind "Feels Like Today" a year ago, and wrapped up its 2005 roadwork in early December. Over the course of the year, the band logged shows in 70 cities, and played for a total of about 750,000 fans.

As previously reported, the group kicks off its 2006 roadwork later this month, and dates so far stretch into late March. Tickets for many shows are on sale now, with others due to hit the box office over the next few weeks. Details are included below.

Last month, Rascal Flatts picked up their first Grammy nomination. The group is vying for a trophy in the Best Country Vocal Performance for Duo or Group category for the hit single "Bless the Broken Road."

The Grammy Awards ceremony takes place Feb. 8 at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, and will air live on CBS-TV.

The three albums that Rascal Flatts have already released have collectively sold more than 8 million copies, and the concert DVD "Rascal Flatts Live" has moved about 1 million copies, according to the group's publicist.