Album Review – Garth Brooks’ “Man Against Machine”
There was a time when we believed that the Garth Brooks comeback album would be the biggest event in country music all year, if not in the last half decade or longer. Now sales projections have the album struggling to reach 150K units sold in its debut week (though who knows how GhostTunes will account), while Garth’s comeback single “People Loving People” is a dud that has already been declared “done” at radio. Meanwhile he’s setting record attendance numbers all across the country as part of his comeback tour, but maybe the music became an afterthought, at least to consumers.
The truth is, Garth was never going to live up to the lofty expectations many were foisting upon his re-entry into the country fold. Forget the naysayers who still can’t get over his high wire act at Texas Stadium or the Chris Gaines gimmick, there was some thought that Garth may be the only one left with the star power to reignite the spark of true country music in the mainstream once again, however ironic this may be given Garth’s history. But in hindsight, this was sort of like thinking Mike Tyson could still be heavyweight champion in the early 00’s, or that Brett Favre could still win a Super Bowl. At some point our greatest talents leave us all, if they don’t become out-of-style even if they’re still present in full force.
Choosing to go with “People Loving People” as a lead single may have been the greatest single mistake of Garth’s career. Chris Gaines, eat your heart out. As Saving Country Music asserted amidst the song’s release, it would probably turn out to be the least country song of the entire project, and hearing the full Man Against Machine album now, this is most certainly true. The song left the country fans hoping for a triumphant Garth return crestfallen, and the rest of listeners just a little perplexed, despite not being a particularly bad song on its own autonomous merit. This was Garth being Garth—wanting to change the world with a song instead of simply putting something out there radio would play and help ease him back into the mainstream picture. Truth be known, Garth’s entire rollout has been wonky, with decisions easy to second guess.
But Man Against Machine is not all doom and gloom here. To begin with, forget whatever first impressions “People Loving People” may have given you; Man Against Machine is country. It’s Garth country no doubt, with a little bit of the arena rock attitude that he first brought to country, and a little soulful blue-eyed R&B with a country flavor mixed in. Getting even more specific, there’s a straight up Western Swing song on the album, and quite a few more songs that solidly fit in the true country style. There’s some overly sappy moments, like the sentimental song “Mom” which once again is very Garth. There’s also many well-written songs. Will Man Against Machine help save country music? You certainly don’t get that sense. But there’s still some good music here, and not much bad.
The opening title track of Man Against Machine is a maze of messages that can be read a number of ways, while the music itself is very much a hard-rocking and punctuated expression. Many are surmising that this song is a shot at Music Row and the country music machine. Others feel it challenges the drum machines and Auto-Tune that pervade popular country music, or that it is specific to his well-publicized battle with iTunes. Still others think it’s target and message is more global, that it’s showing concern for how technology is impinging on our lives.
But the genius of the song “Man Against Machine” is that it’s message can mean all of these things, or something entirely different depending on the perspective of the listener. Though the music might seem a little off-putting, or even arrogant to some listeners, the simple fact is “Man Against Machine” might be the best-written song on the album—on an album of well-written songs. The duplicitous meanings, the allusions to the classic John Henry story in country, lines like “Careful calculations details drawn down to design. Is it really for the better or a better bottom line,” and even the self-awareness of “‘Cause I’m a machine myself, but I’m one with a working heart,” make for a delicious riddle to unwind, and an inspiring message if one chooses to take it as such.
You can go back and forth about the objective or production of some of these songs, but the songwriting is somewhat hard to deny. Garth had his pick of the litter of material, and despite the lack of large singles on this album, the patience Garth exhibited vetting offerings, and the breath of the song selections, is impressive. The duet with wife Trisha Yearwood on a song Garth co-wrote called “She’s Tired of Boys” is quite striking, despite the schlock rock harmonized guitar lines and general adult contempo production. Again the production leaves something to be desired, but “Cold Like That” carries an advanced, almost esoteric message that challenges the listener—something refreshing and unusual from a mainstream country star.
“All American Kid,” “Wrong About You” and “Cowboys Forever” are just straight ahead solid contemporary country numbers that are hard to complain about, though they may not offer anything particularly new or exciting. The Western Swing “Rodeo and Juliet” is certainly the most surprising track on the album, and when I say “Western Swing,” I’m talking about Bob Wills at Cain’s Ballroom, and a smart, fun, and once again well-written song, and the 3rd of the album with a Garth co-write credit. Though there are multiple variances from the country theme on this album, there is also ample steel guitar, some fiddle, mandolin, dobro, and piano, and a list of respected musicians who appear in the liners such as Jerry Douglas and Bryan Sutton.
“Send ‘Em On Down The Road” is where Garth gets the recipe of sentimentality correct; something he measures out too syrupy on “Mom.” The song “Fish” once again features a fine songwriting performance, and a message that seems to ring deep for Garth and is lovingly delivered. Man Against Machine ends with a distinct R&B flavor, with “You Wreck Me” feeling like a stretch out of Garth’s style pocket, and potentially one of the album’s bids for radio play, but one that feels a little dated. Meanwhile the final track “Tacoma” is arguably the best vocal performance for Garth on the entire album. A challenging structure imagined by songwriters Caitlyn Smith and Bob DiPiero, Garth does a superb job re-imaging the song in his own image while capturing the compelling original sentiment.
The change in Garth’s voice may be the greatest takeaway of Man Against Machine. Where classic Garth was able to dip down into the lower registers and then drawl back up with such a meaty tone on all those early 90’s standards, today’s Garth is an animal of the middle register with a much more rigid range, making his voice more ordinary, despite his control and ability to emote passion certainly still being present.
Man Against Machine is a strong performance from a mainstream artist coming off a 12 year hiatus, but you don’t hear the song that could be the commercial blockbuster or game changer that this album would need to put itself in front of the wider consciousness. They will find some singles on this album that country radio in 2014-2015 is more receptive to, while country’s impending format split might also aid Garth’s return. But radio may be salivating more for a new single if the first one had been better received. Now they may be more suspicious.
The purists will pan it because it’s Garth, and the mainstream may mostly ignore it because Garth is such an unknown quantity to their youthful demo. And everyone will question the wisdom of releasing “People Loving People” as a single or the somewhat silly cover art. But Man Against Machine is a solid Garth record, with some sappy moments, some rock and R&B moments, but mostly just good contemporary Garth country worthy of at least an open-minded listen.
1 1/2 of 2 Guns Up.
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November 12, 2014 @ 12:11 pm
Great album!
November 12, 2014 @ 12:16 pm
Wow…..was blown away by this album!! It’s probably too country for FGL to get ripped and listen to while they’re getting their Sun Daze on and sticking their pink umbrellas wherever they can but I like it a lot!!
November 12, 2014 @ 12:28 pm
I think it’s best compared to Ronnie Dunn’s solo album this year. It was such a mixed bag of good country and pop country garbage. This album is more like a mixed bag of good country and badly written Garth country. Like the writers he employed tried to write songs like he did but failed miserably. Our best hope is that Rodeo + Juliet becomes a single, that way we can get Garth soundbites talking about how “nobody ever does Western Swing anymore, I’m bringing it back” and such. Like Ronnie Dunn’s next one, I hope Garth’s album next year is more him and less co-writes, maybe that will be better.
November 12, 2014 @ 12:49 pm
“Rodeo & Juliet” will not be released as a single I’m afraid to say. One of the issues with this album is there are no real singles. “All-American Kid” and “Cowboys Forever” would probably work just fine, and would have been good picks for a first single. But my fear is Garth will get his yes men to agree to “Mom” and it might be an even bigger flop than “People Loving People.” “She’s Tired of Boys” would be a good single on NASH Icon, but they should wait until that format gets a little more fleshed out. “Tacoma” is a good song, but not right for country radio, in 1992 or 2014.
November 12, 2014 @ 1:03 pm
He already did Mom on some morning show, so I fear you’re right on that one. We’ll get the sappy Garth singles for this album and it will fall flat.
November 12, 2014 @ 12:36 pm
the cover art makes him look like a montgomery gentry reject
November 12, 2014 @ 12:48 pm
I agree with this review. While not traditional country I think “Tacoma” is the best song on this album. One thing is for sure, this album is better than most mainstream releases.
November 12, 2014 @ 12:56 pm
On the album preview Garth states that he always puts his favorite song on an album last and that is why “Tacoma” is the last one on this album, because it’s his favorite.
November 12, 2014 @ 1:29 pm
Great review, Trigger. Now if he’d only used that pic at the top for the album cover rather than that airbrushed ridiculousness…..
November 12, 2014 @ 1:34 pm
That image is also airbrushed, but I agree 100% Garth made a comment about the image, said it was a message about how he felt music industry was, unsure the exact wording he used. Still silly.
November 13, 2014 @ 1:37 pm
Still Silly? You mean sillier.
November 12, 2014 @ 9:48 pm
I agree. And extra points for using the word ridiculousness. Made me laugh.
November 12, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
Great review, hope I pick it up today.
November 12, 2014 @ 1:45 pm
Love the album, pure Garth and country!!
November 12, 2014 @ 1:45 pm
I am not and never was a Garth fan and I’ve made that clear in several threads here at SCM . In the past, I found his vocals unremarkable at best , his material just OK , his ‘production lacking seriously and was first confused , then perplexed , then just bemused by his stage theatrics ( guitar smashing , chest -pounding , high-wiring etc..) and his obvious EGO ! So I came to this album with MUCH trepidation and , indeed ,much Garth baggage . And now I’ll cut to the chase .
This is one of the BEST mainstream country records I’ve heard in a very many years – perhaps since Trisha Yearwood’s last album in 2008 , coincidentally , with the possible exception of Brandy Clark’s and Kacey Musgraves’ latest efforts . I came to this record , admittedly , half-heartedly expecting more of the same Garth-atrics . Within several tunes I was in it ..hanging off every lyric , every mood swing and yes , even the man’s vocals seemed less forced , less dramatic and seemed to serve a song better than they ever had . And those songs .As Trigger says , the songwriting is absolutely SUPERB with varying themes , grooves , even genres , (all under the country umbrella , of course.) .This whole album is such a departure in the best way possible from everything mainstream country radio has become . The songs are REAL , the music is real ( c’mon ….steel guitar ?…must be Xmas ) with narratives that go somewhere and say something , the arrangements are quite CORRECTLY NOT over produced , over compressed or IN-YOUR-FACE whatsoever. The hooks are strong and obvious and the man actually has time to breathe between phrases . I often think some of the bro boys must wear oxygen tubes to fit in all those nonsensical rhyme-for-rhyme’s-sake- syncopated phrases . In fact I’ve often wished I could pull those oxygen tubes but that’s for another day .With regards to People Loving People , again I ‘m with Trigger . NOT a great first single . BUT in the context of the record and its varying themes , I totally OK with it
and its somewhat polyanna-ish message. Perhaps the weakest song on the record , in my opinion , but again , I’m OK with it as part of the whole package.
I’m not saying this record makes me a Garth fan …but it helps to make me a COUNTRY music fan again and hopefully , more acts will take note of how its done when you want to deliver something of substance . You start by going to REAL songwriters….not folks who are willing to help you with your nursery rhymes ‘cuz they can make a buck rhyming moon with June at 100 miles an hour .
November 12, 2014 @ 1:57 pm
Well written, Garth said he had to cut some of his favorite songs off the album and they will be on the 2015 album. Here’s to hoping garth starts a trend of well written and meaningful songs.
Even if the delivery of those lyrics will vary with artist, as long as there is a push towards meaningful songs in country music I feel everything will turn out in the end.
November 18, 2014 @ 7:11 pm
First time reading the column. I will be back. I agree with almost all of the comments. I am not a digital download guy. I buy full albums and I bought this on day 1. The one common comment that I seem to be the only one that disagrees with is on People. It’s my second fav on the cd to Send em on down the road. This is truly the most country album to come out since the last Straight album. It actually has steel guitar, slide and fiddle! Total Garth CD…
November 12, 2014 @ 2:10 pm
I agree with above posters that “Mom” will be released as the next single, although I think it will be successful. I despise the song (lyrics are way too sappy for me), but the soccer mom/middle-aged parent demographic will eat this up and send it to the top of the charts in no time.
Also, I look for the third single to be Tacoma. Leaked or not, why he would not go ahead and make it the first one released is beyond me. In my eyes, it’s the best and strongest song on the entire album and regardless of how the previous singles may fare, this one will be a hit.
I think his 2015 album will be a little closer to what we are used to from Garth. In my eyes, with a new producer and all, I think with this one they were still trying to master his sound yet keep it fresh for a newer audience. So after this one, they may have a better feel for things.
All in all, it’s a solid album and definitely country. As bad as 2014 has been at times for country music, we have gotten the likes of Metamodern, Daylight and Dark, and a new Garth Brooks album. Hard for me to complain much after that.
November 12, 2014 @ 3:35 pm
I disagree a bit on “Mom.” A bit sappy, yes, but a pretty well-written song. And “All American Kid” deserves a shot as a single. It’s my favorite on the CD.
I don’t know how much airplay the ‘music consultants’ of the world will give it (probably depends how well Sony greases the wheel). But no doubt it will be one of the top-selling albums of the year.
November 12, 2014 @ 3:59 pm
In contrast to his overall album sales, which are highest in the US, Brooks’ singles have almost always charted highest in countries like Canada & Ireland. This means that the corny patriot flag waver All Merican Boy would be almost as dumb of a choice for single as his actual lead single.
November 12, 2014 @ 6:26 pm
I thought “All American Kid” was a tastefully done flag-waver. There is a difference between the tasteful and the Toby. But as far as it being a single, you’re probably right. I can’t see Garth ever having a hit with a song that represents the mud flap, six pack, beer crack, over-taxed, flag-waving, fun-loving crowd.
November 12, 2014 @ 7:24 pm
😉
November 12, 2014 @ 10:43 pm
When you mention Toby… ya, I see how it’s much more tasteful than that. Still doesn’t appeal to me as a non-American, but it’s not outright offensive in a overtly macho bravado way.
November 13, 2014 @ 10:29 am
That was my point, Dusty. At least we can both agree this record is far better than the rest of the toilet paper on the country shelf right now.
November 17, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
One of your categories does not belong with the other five.
November 12, 2014 @ 7:22 pm
I agree about Mom being well written. It is over the top sappy of course, but I loved it! I may be a bit biased having just had a baby boy less than a year ago. When I heard it I bawled, well, like a baby. That being said it was previously mentioned it would appeal to the “soccer mom” or whatever, I feel as though I do not fall into that category what so ever except for the mom part, but even so what’s wrong with that. Here is a song I could relate to. I haven’t been able to relate to a single lyric in a bro country song for years now. Country is a genre meant to have music relatable to real everyday people, so Mom meant a lot to me.
November 12, 2014 @ 3:35 pm
I’ve honestly never heard Garth Brooks’ music so I really didn’t care for the album release and all the hype around it. But I guess I’ll give it a listen. Too bad it’s not an spotify/rdio.
November 12, 2014 @ 4:19 pm
That’s the difference between us: I’d go straight to iTunes and purchase the album based on this review without having to hear it streamed to me first. Trigger has earned enough credibility with his reviews that I trust his opinion.
Oh. Wait. I CAN’T purchase the album from iTunes because Garth is afraid I’ll just buy People Loving People!
Never mind.
November 12, 2014 @ 5:08 pm
Can purchase it on his website or ghosttunes, album only yes.
November 12, 2014 @ 3:40 pm
Aside from ‘People Loving People’, I thought Garth did a great job with this new album, especially after 13 years of not releasing a new one! In fact, I enjoy almost every song on the record. Garth is a very well respected artist in the Country genre and it is great to see and hear him sing again! Even though I’m sure that the mainstream radio stations will tune him out, who cares and who needs them! Besides, most ‘mainstream country’ acts of today aren’t even remotely close as to what real ‘Country Music’ should sound like. Most, if not all of them, should just cross over to Pop like Taylor Swift did so that the authentic artists can take back their radio airtime. So sad with the current state of what the Big Wigs in Nashville like to call ‘Country Music.’ No thanks, Nashville, I’m not buying it. You can have Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift (even though she’s a Pop artist), Florida Georgia Line (their latest record received a first-ever “0/10 rating” on Country Perspective’s website; must show the real ‘quality’ of their music), Jason Aldean, Sam Smith or whatever the frick his name is, and Brantley Gilbert. I’ll only pick up music from real Country acts like George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams, Jr., and Josh Turner.
November 12, 2014 @ 3:52 pm
from the cover it looks like he entered the matrix..shoulda took the red pill..typical post ropin the wind garth album. some good stuff some bad stuff. atleast its real instruments, no rapping, and songs with a story or message.
November 12, 2014 @ 4:04 pm
I was pleasantly surprised with this release. Some straight up country for the fans of his first 2 releases, some pop country for those who came on board with 7s & Scarecrow and some really interesting new sounds for Garth. I loved his soul covers disc from last year and I’m happy to hear those sounds here. People Loving People has even grown on me a bit with time. I skip All American every time, but the rest of the album is great. Jerry Douglas adds fantastic dobro like only he can do. I wish he didn’t feel compelled to shove Yearwood down our throats, bu I guess he’s just being a kind husband.
November 12, 2014 @ 4:59 pm
I find “Man Against the Machine” so stale and unfocused; very disappointed. This is coming from a kid who had a Garth Brooks poster up in his bedroom when he was 15 – I was huge fan. I admit my taste have changed since then, but there’s no maturity in his material or sound or any real direction in terms of defining this album.
I have a much broader opinion about Garth and his career – since 1994, he’s been too busy trying to accomplish so much, everything he’s done has been half-assed: Chris Gaines, Padre’s career, exclusive walmart box-set releases, this comeback. Who announces a comeback and a tour before and album is actually recorded? It all seems so unplanned and rushed.
Not for me.
November 12, 2014 @ 6:13 pm
I’ll say this to your point. I thought that Garth chose what he believed were the best songs, not the songs that work best together. So the album is a little bit busy. This is where a producer could have helped him not just in the studio, but when selecting songs. There’s no cohesive theme here really, but that’s a lot of albums.
November 12, 2014 @ 8:29 pm
Good point about the possible lack of cohesiveness here , Trigger . I felt the same about it but as my comments above illustrate , cohesiveness with this record was the least of my concerns when everything else about it exceeded my expectations . In fact , there is a sameness production-wise, tempo-wise and material-wise to many current records ( Shelton’s’ Based On A True Story’ , for example ) which I find lazy and boring so I’ll opt for Garth’s approach on this one . It keeps me interested and invested .
November 12, 2014 @ 6:04 pm
Midnight Train is actually my favourite song the album, love the mood and doesn’t go over board with electric guitars. I didn’t see it mentioned in the review, thoughts Trig?
November 12, 2014 @ 6:11 pm
Yeah, it’s very tastefully produced I think, though there’s some early moments, like in “Man Against Machine” and “She’s Tired of Boys” where the guitars get a little bit out of control. But overall it’s a lot more sedated then what I think a lot of people expect from Garth. But Garth was never Jason Aldean. He’s doing what he knows best here.
November 12, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
I love ‘Rodeo & Juliete’ but I love Bob Wills too. I think this is a solid cd; I like PLP in the sequencing better than a stand alone. I think Garth has lost a bit of his range from disuse, but I do hear improvements on recent appearances, so the next cd should be better. Over all I think this one fits in with the ‘In Pieces’ era.
November 12, 2014 @ 7:39 pm
I would describe the album as “consistent” with what I would expect from Garth. If I weren’t well aware of the history of Garth’s retirement and comeback, I could easily have believed this as a 2002 or 2003 follow up to “Scarecrow.” It was a solid album, probably what we should have expected, even if we may have been hoping for something more.
I think one song we disagree on is the title track. As a fan of Brooks, I like the song, but it’s not very country and musically, it doesn’t really fit with the rest of the album.
November 12, 2014 @ 10:20 pm
To finally add my two cents on this album I figure go ahead and give a track-by-track opinion on this album:
Man Against Machine: I do like the messaging behind this song and how the lyrics give it that Bruce Springsteen aurora that I sometimes hear from either Darkness on the Edge of Town, Wrecking Ball or Ghost of Tom Joad
She’s Tired of the Boys: “That Summer” in reverse basically and lately (and I’m not gonna lie to you guys) with my hobby of reading some adult erotica, the song itself gives me a visual of one of those stories. Garth is also right about it being John Mellencamp meets Bob Seger and it works.
All-American Kid: Everytime I’ve been listening to this one it’s been taking me back to my days of high school and how I may miss the good parts of it and how I sometimes regret not making the most of those years because I’m an introvert.
Cold Like That: call me crazy but everytime I hear this song I feel like I’m hearing “Here Without You” (can’t remember who sang it though) but I’ll tell you this, there are times where I wish I can actually quit being a nice guy and just get colder everytime someone pissed me off and this song gives me that feeling.
Mom: For personal reasons I wish not to make a comment on this song out of respect for people who might not agree with my views on things.
Wrong About You: forget not liking “People Loving People” this one to me was actually the weakest of the bunch, primarily because it was too damn short and more lyrics should’ve been built into this song.
Rodeo and Juliet: the only way he could make this song better is if he’d have recruited Vince Gill and The Time Jumpers and perform the song with him
Midnight Train: I cannot tell you how many times I run into “The One” and it never goes anywhere because they most of the time have boyfriends of their own (though I am trying to talk to someone right now) so I think this one is my all time favorite pick for this album
Cowboys Forever: very reminiscent of Strait’s “Cowboys Like Us” but deeper, especially in the end, where he lists police officers, truck drivers and military people as descendants of cowboys. As a guy whose currently brainstorming a detective novel this song speaks volumes to me.
People Loving People: “We Shall Be Free” meets “Standing Outside the Fire” what else can I say
Send ‘Em on Down the Road: I don’t think Garth knows this but if he did he’d probably cried like a baby for a good while, he basically recorded the perfect sequel to George Strait’s “The Breath You Take”. How Strait’s song might describe the relationship between father and son, Garth’s song continues that story and talks about how if he wants his children to really grow up he’s gotta set them free. I cannot tell you how many times I play both those songs together just to hear the beautiful comparison.
Fish: okay Garth, it’s bad enough that Brad Paisley has practically abandoned his serious songwriting in return to be silly with his songs, I really don’t wanna see you carry that trend. I’d much rather listen to “Two Pina Coladas” than this song because it actually has substance and a point. That and why would I wanna abandon the good life that I’m trying to work on just to catch fish (studying to be an accountant right now.)
You Wreck Me: Dare I say it, this song was basically Chris Gaines meets “The Thunder Rolls”. Only this time, instead of actually dying, it’s coming back for more abuse and I cannot tell you how many times this song reminds me of domestic abuse and how some people never leave until it’s too late. (I know the song doesn’t talk about physical abuse but emotional abuse can be just as deadly)
Tacoma: Holy crap times 100, I agree with SCM’s point on this song, Garth basically took what was already a good demo and did what he did best and that was make it a Garth song that could be in line with the classics like “The Thunder Rolls”, “Shameless”, “More than a Memory” and even “Friends in Low Places”
So there you have it, my take on the songs and I apologize if I seem a little dark in my opinions.
November 12, 2014 @ 10:55 pm
I loved that Wrong About You was so short. But I have ADHD, so maybe that factors in? I couldn’t believe he had some songs over 5 minutes… does he think he’s Led Zeppelin or something. 🙂 This is a quick, fun song with some great dobro from Jerry Douglas. I thought it was a nice bright spot in a heavy album.
I thought of Kenny Chesney’s The Life when I heard Fish, but Brad Paisley is another one who has explored similar themes already as well. It wasn’t one of my favourites on the album for sure.
Thanks for the track by track.
November 12, 2014 @ 10:56 pm
Thanks Trigger for the great (and fair) review. I have been on the fence about buying this because I already am spending too much money on music this month between the Bob Dylan and the Band complete Basement Tapes and the new Pink Floyd. I will fit this in now!
November 13, 2014 @ 6:17 am
As I have stated time and time again being 24 and only seriously delving into music as deep as possible the past couple of years I was never really around for garth-mania. All I can say is if “pop-country” was Garth and being huge again I would not have the undying irrational hatred I have now. I would almost go as far as calling myself a Garth fan. This album much like most of his other his by no means traditional country or anything amazing or ground breaking. Its for the most part half decent poppy usually pretty catchy country mixed with rock and pop and I have no problem with that. Not my cup of tea but does not make my blood boil. Another good review Trigger thanks.
November 13, 2014 @ 9:52 am
Garth has pissed down the drain more cash than I will ever make. He’s selling out stadiums but it’s on his past. He’s the new Jimmy Buffett or former Grateful Dead. …
Good for him……
But from a huge impact sonically……No
Its a good and refreshing change…it’s worth buying…it’s just not gonna blow your boots off…but maybe it wasn’t supposed to.l…Garth always goes all in….but this album will define his future
November 13, 2014 @ 10:58 am
If it were up to me “She’s Tired of Boys” would be the next single. I think it has the right mix of contemporary and traditional sounds in it while being much more grown up than most of what’s on the radio. And it would serve to get Trisha heard more again with her new album coming out soon.
But I must say after listening a few times, “Cold Like That” is the song that has stuck with me. It’s certainly not the best here, but it’s the most different. I can’t think of anything else that Garth has done that sounds quite like it.
And that’s one of the other important aspects of Garth’s comeback: he’s not afraid to take chances. It reminds me of Brad Paisley’s “Wheelhouse” in that regard. Not everything Brad did on that album worked, but the simple fact he was taking chances made it more interesting that most recent mainstream output.
November 13, 2014 @ 11:37 am
I was never a fan of Garth, but I really enjoyed “People Loving People”. I laughed when I saw he was returning from his “retirement”, everyone was going nuts saying country music is going to go back to the 90’s now that Garth is coming back and that he was gonna have some more smash hits on the radio. I knew that wasn’t going to happen. Garth is old news, just like Alan Jackson and other artists from the 90’s that just seemed to disappear into the abyss. He may sell albums based on his fans from long ago, but he will never be anything that he was again with this new generation of country music and he will never be able to fit his style of music into the modern “pop” country world. People Loving People is a good song, but it sticks out like a sore thumb on the radio. I knew it would flop and it did. Debuted and peaked at #19 and then stayed at #23 for a few weeks, then just disappeared off the charts entirely.
November 14, 2014 @ 9:48 am
I haven’t listened to the album, this review and comments make me want to go buy it this weekend. Trigger, we’ve had our battles on here, but every now and then you put something out that is very well written and thought out. Not that you need my approval, but I can acknowledge something I appreciate…like you giving this album a fair shot and fair review.
I’m curious peoples thoughts on something….knowing Garth is a risk taker, but also calculated with many things….do you think the release of “People Loving People”, they knew it wasn’t a strong song, but it sort could be excused for fitting the times of what is going on in the world…but that said, if it flopped, no big deal…it’s a weak, cliché song.
By all accounts above, every song on the album is better, so the only place Garth can go is up from People Loving People release.
Example: Had he released Tacoma, which sounds like most agree is a rock solid classic, then all of a sudden this album is a let down with one good song.
Right now, we all just brush aside People Loving People as the one bad in a good album.
*** If I’m not mistaken, as someone mentioned above, the last song on his albums are his favorite picks of the album. But I don’t think any of the last songs on any albums have ever been released. Anyone confirm this?? I don’t have the time.
November 14, 2014 @ 1:52 pm
These are the last songs on each album:
Garth Brooks – The Dance
No Fences – Wolves
Ropin’ The Wind – The River
The Chase – Face To Face
In Pieces – The Cowboy Song
Sevens – Belleau Wood
Fresh Horses – Ireland
Scarecrow – When You Come Back To Me Again
So three out of eight were singles.
November 14, 2014 @ 12:01 pm
So did we ever find out what’s up with the cover? lol. The title track and cover make it seem like this was going to have some sorta concept / running theme, but everything seems pretty normal after that. Which, I guess the title track is moreso like a declaration and everything following is meant to be the heart of it. Still seems out of place to me, though.
November 14, 2014 @ 7:05 pm
Garth said at a presser that he picked the photo as he only had one chin in it.
November 17, 2014 @ 8:14 am
I just got the album and listened to it yesterday. I really liked this album. I think it is a really good mainstream album. I would like to see “She’s tired of Boys” as the next single after listening to the album. The thing that confuses me the most is I truly think that “People Loving People” is the worst song on the album, have no idea why that is what they led with.
December 9, 2014 @ 4:20 pm
After getting into some heavy listening on “She’s Tired of Boys” it got me into this belief that the song has a hidden anti-Bro Country message in a real world setting:
This past year and a half we’ve been dealing with songs that have been heavy on the Anti-Bro Country message that have been too blatantly obvious in the message biggest example being “Songs About Trucks” by Wade Bowen and “Girl in a Country Song” by Maddie and Tae (which I think sucks) but with “She’s Tired of the Boys” I think this song is talking about the lady whose been through every Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and FGL song known to man and she’s basically reached the burn-out point with the young boys and their persistent partying that she’s looking at this man as a more mature lover and someone who can satisfy her and hopefully keep her from dealing with the same environments. I apologize that I may sound very confusing in my interpretation of the song but I seriously do believe in the story the song is really telling us.