On Tim McGraw Leaving Sony Nashville
The grass is always greener, isn’t it? Until you get over there and start munching on it, and find out it 7-year-old Astroturf that the feral cats in the area have been using as a toilet. I’ve got no inside scoop on why Tim McGraw and Sony Nashville have decided to part ways, or who specifically made the decision to cut ties, but I remain stupefied as to why McGraw left Big Machine Records in the first place back in 2017. After Mike Curb of Curb Records did his level best to destroy Tim McGraw’s career by not allowing him to release new music, and instead put out nearly a dozen different Greatest Hits collections to keep him on the label indefinitely, McGraw moved on to Scott Borchetta’s outfit, and enjoyed an incredible career resurgence.
There was a lot of symbolism in McGraw moving to Big Machine after his lengthy battle with Curb where he’d been for the entirety of his career up to that point. McGraw and Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta signed their deal in 2012 at Nashville’s Greyhound bus station to represent a new beginning. Tim had arrived as a young man from Louisiana with a suitcase and guitar 20 years before at that same station. One of the first people in the music business McGraw met in Nashville was Scott Borchetta’s father, Mike. Mike Borchetta was the man responsible for signing Tim McGraw to Curb Records in 1993.
Tim McGraw’s first Big Machine album Two Lanes of Freedom was Certified Gold. His next two albums on Big Machine have sold over 250,000 copies each. Tim McGraw saw four #1’s hits, and nine Top 5 singles on Big Machine, including “Humble and Kind,” which resulted in a win for the CMA Song of the Year, and a Grammy for Best Country Song. Not all 52-year-olds who started their careers nearly 30 years ago are enjoying the longevity that Tim McGraw is. He also used his time at Big Machine to double down on his country roots with 2014’s Sundown Heaven Town, and especially Damn Country Music in 2015.
But ever since Tim’s move to Sony, it’s seemed like a series of missteps. Perhaps the reason for the move is McGraw wanted to release a duets record with wife Faith Hill and go on a big tour, and Big Machine knew better. The Rest of Our Life album with Faith sold well and had a couple of decently-performing singles, but felt like McGraw was giving of his own career to try and restart Faith’s after her prolonged absence, and the whole thing had a very adult contemporary, couples night vibe to it.
Then there’s been the two singles released by McGraw on Sony Nashville as part of his solo career, where he officially moved from Arista Nashville to Columbia Nashville (both part of Sony). “Neon Church” was fine, if not a little overwrought, and rounded out its run on the charts at #20. The next single “Thought About You” sounded outright New Age, and stalled at #17. Nothing about these songs were offensive, but they weren’t exceptional either, and saw McGraw going away from the more rootsy sound of his previous few records.
Then Tim dropped the monstrosity on us that’s called “Way Down” with Shy Carter. A country rap disaster with lyrics that allude to oral sex, it might be the worst song released in the country music in 2020, and it’s still just February (read review). When Tim performed it before the College Football National Championship game, it was nearly universally panned by music and football fans alike.
Now Tim McGraw is a man without a label. Not that it will be hard for him to find one, but making the situation that much more awkward, he’s scheduled to embark on an arena tour on July 10th called “Here On Earth.” That also happens to be the name of the new Tim McGraw album, which some purchasers of online tickets have been promised they’ll receive a copy of come release time, but now McGraw doesn’t have a label lined up to release it.
Don’t worry, the album will be released, and we’ll likely hear about McGraw signing to a new label in a matter of days. Maybe it will even be Big Machine. Don’t count on it being Curb. But again the question is, why all the label musical chairs in the first place? Tim McGraw had it made. Now, it’s like he’s on a losing streak.
One of the reasons McGraw was able to weather the Mike Curb blackballing is because he decided to grow old with his music, focus on keeping his base of fans, and not go trend chasing. “Truck Yeah” was the one exception, yet it appeared he learned his lesson … until the godawful “Way Down.” Tim McGraw isn’t just looking for a label, he’s looking for a direction.
Dance with the ones that got you here, Tim. Country music’s trending more country these days anyway, partly due to the success of your output recently. Don’t go looking for greener pastures, because you might end up without a home.
February 13, 2020 @ 11:55 am
From what I understand, I think Tim went with Sony because they were willing to give Faith a contract too. I don’t think Big Machine was willing to sign her.
February 13, 2020 @ 1:35 pm
As a Faith fan, that was my assumption too. However she hasn’t made any new (public) moves for new music. Outside of judging The Worlds Best last year she seems to have gone back into semi-retirement. It will be interesting to see what her next move is.
February 13, 2020 @ 12:15 pm
I know this would come with its own set of problems and concerns. But every time I read about major labels, part of me thinks: It’s 2020…can’t they just hurry up and die already?
February 13, 2020 @ 12:27 pm
Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban dominated the 2000s and a good chunk of the 2010s… It’s odd to see these mega -stars dealing with label drama and lagging radio support. It happens to all aging artists (see King George and Alan).
Out of all the artists listed above, Keith Urban and Kenny seem to be the guys still capable of having a top 10 hit at radio. But I wonder how much longer will that be??
I still believe in the power of a song, & Tim McGraw could easily get another #1 someday.. But the days of “every single gets to the top” are long gone.
February 13, 2020 @ 1:25 pm
Hopefully in the case the suburban Urban his capability will diminish quickly.
February 13, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
His touring sales likely won’t diminish any time soon & his albums still sell really well. But his radio singles have been hit or miss lately… 2 of his most recent singles didn’t reach the top 10 ( Female peaked at #12, Never Coming Down peaked at #18)
February 13, 2020 @ 6:04 pm
The guy who just organized a fundraiser that raised $800,000 for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum? And gave $500k to help combat the fires in Australia? Yeah he’s just an awful person…
February 13, 2020 @ 6:51 pm
Speaking of his artistry, and not his philanthropy, I stand by my comment.
February 13, 2020 @ 8:32 pm
By all accounts (I believe), Luke Bryan is a really nice individual, a guy who does a lot of good and someone you’d enjoy sitting down and cracking a cold one with.
Do I think as a country music artist he’s total unmitigated garbage, one of those who have done what could be irreparable harm to country music? Yes I do. Would I ever own any of his so- called “music?” No I would not. But again (unless I’m mistaken), a hell of a good person. So, yes, sucking as an artist doesn’t mean you suck as a person.
(Unlike Jason Aldean, who not only sucks musically, appears to be a real piece of shit as well… and given how everything went down with his first marriage, looks to be an accurate assessment.)
February 14, 2020 @ 11:24 pm
Luke’s newest song has a ton of steel on it. It’s actually pretty good and it’s definitely country.
it’s called “Born Here. Live Here. Die Here.”
Just came out yesterday
February 16, 2020 @ 6:33 pm
I totally disagree with the adversary approach of “real” country vs. “pop” country it’s entirely possible to enjoy a wide spectrum of music without demonizing any of it.
February 13, 2020 @ 12:38 pm
He should just release the album himself and use something like Kickstarter to fund it.
February 13, 2020 @ 1:30 pm
…I don’t think he requires Kickstarter.
February 13, 2020 @ 8:22 pm
Hahahahaha. You got that right, Bob. Your comment made me laugh out loud. Timmy could finance the whole thing himself (likely with the cash on his money clip). Of course that would depend on Sony selling him the master. Maybe he should just go back to the drawing board and record a new, more roots-leaning disc.
February 15, 2020 @ 8:15 am
I was thinking the same thing. I’m sure he’s probably got money and connections to release it himself. Or maybe partnering with Garth’s Pearl records???…
February 13, 2020 @ 2:17 pm
I like Tim McGraw. I like his voice. I like some of his music. I also feel like he is a constant in a genre than is all ebb and flow at this point. But I don’t know who Tim McGraw is. Unlike George Strait or Keith Urban, Tim is all over the place. Sometimes he is excellent. ” Humble and Kind”, ” One of These Days”, ” Please Remember Me”, and his duets with Faith- all solid, well built songs. But then there is ” Truck Yeah” and that bullshit he released with Florida Georgia Line. What’s his lane? Real country? Pop country? Adult Contemporary? Usually I just mark him down as Faith’s husband. He is a swing or a miss in my book. And he doesn’t have a solid list of songs that will make him stand out in the future- much like George Morgan or Little Jimmie Dickens. That’s sad. At this point in his life he should have the control to make what ever he wants. But he seems to always be turning a corner. And so his music will continue to either hit me, or walk on by. The one record I would like to hear is a gospel album by Faith Hill. Where can I start a kickstart for that ?
February 13, 2020 @ 6:53 pm
Tim is a performer, not an artist.
February 14, 2020 @ 4:41 pm
exactly , bruce . there are far , far more ‘performers’ in music than artists …especially in mainstream country. tim is just that . an artist would be true to his vision regardless of its potential commercial appeal . most of what TM sings could be sung by any mediocre auto-tuned voice out there from dierks to urban to ( your name here ) and be as successful ( or not ) . how great would it be to have at least a few more ‘artists’ out there getting mainstream exposure on a regular basis ?
February 25, 2020 @ 12:33 pm
Great comment, albert. I really hate the word “artist” used in describing mainstream music people (I don’t want to call them musicians). We’ve all been brainwashed into calling these mainstream music people “artists” over the decades by the music media. AT BEST, they are “performers.” “Puppets” is another good word.
February 14, 2020 @ 6:03 pm
This…is SPOT ON. I know I’m going to love a George Strait album. And I will never bother with a Jason Aldean album. But Tim McGraw is a different case. Loved Damn Country Music…liked Sundown Heaven Town. But a lot of his stuff just leaves me cold. I don’t hate it–but I don’t like it either. A little variety in a 25-year career is to be expected…but he’s been all over the map. I really hope he keeps doing traditional country stuff like his last couple albums, but I won’t be holding my breath.
February 13, 2020 @ 5:27 pm
I vote drag city; Tim’s too mellow for bloodshot or fat wreck chords.
February 13, 2020 @ 6:23 pm
He has likely learned his lesson and will return to his roots, given the trend of country music now. If you look at his body of work as a whole, he’s one of the best at choosing material that connects well with fans and radio; he’s been a quality album artist as much as a singles artist. Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors, Set This Circus Down & Everywhere are stellar examples. He doesn’t need to chase trends. Without knowing everything on the new record, perhaps it will be tweaked or completely redone before release on a new label. I have no doubt that he’ll continue to have hit records and maybe a few more awards in his future. He’ll be relevant as long as he chooses to be. As for Faith, it’s up to her to decide how active she wants to be. I’ve always thought the two of them should record a Christmas album together. That would be one way to reintroduce her.
February 14, 2020 @ 7:12 am
Maybe I’m completely wrong, but I really feel like the performance of Tim’s last two singles foreshadows the beginning of the end for Tim at country radio. He is an older artist, much like Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Josh Turner, Gary Allan, and the like, in a genre where the focus seems to be on new “hot” bland-as-a-glass-of-lukewarm-water cookie cutter male artists with a paint by numbers pop sound. No doubt that Tim will most likely sign with another major label and continue to make music, I just believe that his days at radio are definitely about to see the beginning of the end. I really like Tim and I wish him the best of luck.
February 14, 2020 @ 4:43 pm
”….new “hot” bland-as-a-glass-of-lukewarm-water cookie cutter male artists with a paint by numbers pop sound. ..
THAT is dead on , taylor ……….unfortunately
February 14, 2020 @ 8:52 am
It’s a matter of integrity.
When you have all the money in the world and have accomplished what he did, why would you release songs that will negatively impact your reputation and your contribution to the genre? I get that sub par country music might be pushed to release shitty songs to stay or try to be “relevant”. They might have financial difficulties or some sort. But why him? I don’t get it. He still want to be on the radio and he is willing to sing horrible songs? Really? Is that all worth it ? Kudos to real artists who don’t lower themselves.
February 14, 2020 @ 2:49 pm
Absolutely agree. I feel like that about a lot of artists/ singers that have been in the country genre for a long time now that have been putting out shit to maintain the mainstream success and already have loads of money in they bank. At that point why not make the music that you really wanna make – real country.
February 14, 2020 @ 1:09 pm
Faith had some really good songs like, “I Can’t Do That Anymore.” I even secretly loved “When The Lights Go Down.” I feel like when she got too cool for country, Tim’s music went downhill, too. I wish him luck. I wish she would come back to ” us,” too!
February 14, 2020 @ 4:53 pm
As far as albums go, (and crazy enough they came out in this order) I still say live like you were dying, Let it go, and southern voice are his best albums. Some great non single songs off all of these albums.
February 16, 2020 @ 7:19 pm
Presuming on my part…”if Sony will sell him the master…” Can’t believe someone in the business so long doesn’t own his own work…especially with a the previous drama…Performers can be artists and vice a versa so I’ll dismiss that. As far as all over the place; reinvention is fine but very tricky, but also very seductive in this crappy market to stay “relevant” ( what ever that means…relevant in the sense of Hank tradition???? or Lol Nus X/Jaysin Aldreck sense☹️). Maybe it is time to not worry about the latest thing and stick with keeping your base like previously stated. “Tim, you have accomplished so much, brought pleasure to so many…you have nothing to prove as both an artist and performer.”..(my sentiment) . I believe you could self release (or perhaps with a boutique label, Pearl or formerly something like Almo) with success and control over material to make us long time fans happy and maybe win a few new fans too…not a moment to soon…
February 21, 2020 @ 4:14 am
He owns his music through McGraw Music, LLC and its licensed to the label. That was part of his deals after he left Curb.
February 21, 2020 @ 1:13 pm
He signed with Big Machine again. I bet Borchetta likes Way Down. Pity.