.indulgecountry
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"You left a mark on my face // And brought a dozen red flags in a vase"
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Post by .indulgecountry on Aug 2, 2013 14:58:21 GMT -5
George wasn't even prepared to include this on Love Is Everything until his wife requested that he go back and record it. He's probably releasing this for his wife, because I feel if he himself felt so strongly about it, he would've intended to put "I Believe" on the record from the get-go. I'm sure he knows that this has no realistic shot as success on country radio though, and it's frustrating to see him release this when he could've at least put out another 1-2 radio friendly singls first and then thrown this out at the end of the era if he just had to release it. Personally I just don't care for this song and while I felt something like the fantastic "Drinkin' Man" was a risk worth taking, I just view this song as a mistake.
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McCreerian
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Post by McCreerian on Aug 2, 2013 15:07:55 GMT -5
George wasn't even prepared to include this on Love Is Everything until his wife requested that he go back and record it. He's probably releasing this for his wife, because I feel if he himself felt so strongly about it, he would've intended to put "I Believe" on the record from the get-go. I'm sure he knows that this has no realistic shot as success on country radio though, and it's frustrating to see him release this when he could've at least put out another 1-2 radio friendly singls first and then thrown this out at the end of the era if he just had to release it. Personally I just don't care for this song and while I felt something like the fantastic "Drinkin' Man" was a risk worth taking, I just view this song as a mistake. Exactly. If artistic difference was his goal that would be fine if he was 40. Hes the oldest artist on radio and if he cared about keeping momentum he had several better choices. But if stopping at 60 #1s makes him happy despite friendlier material, the more power to him.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2013 15:28:39 GMT -5
George wasn't even prepared to include this on Love Is Everything until his wife requested that he go back and record it. He's probably releasing this for his wife, because I feel if he himself felt so strongly about it, he would've intended to put "I Believe" on the record from the get-go. I'm sure he knows that this has no realistic shot as success on country radio though, and it's frustrating to see him release this when he could've at least put out another 1-2 radio friendly singls first and then thrown this out at the end of the era if he just had to release it. Personally I just don't care for this song and while I felt something like the fantastic "Drinkin' Man" was a risk worth taking, I just view this song as a mistake. I don't think it was that George didn't like this song...he was just worried that it may be too soon to sing about such a sensitive subject. Also, just a general reminder: it's perfectly fine to post about a song and explain why you like or dislike it, but I've seen a couple of cases lately where other artists are getting trashed in a thread that has nothing to do with them, so let's just make sure that if criticisms are being made, that they are a little more constructive and on-topic.
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renee75
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Post by renee75 on Aug 2, 2013 15:54:39 GMT -5
Sorry, jhomes87.
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carriekins
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Post by carriekins on Aug 2, 2013 16:11:10 GMT -5
I'm slightly fascinated by this discussion in that so many of us are constantly screaming for artists to release music that stands out from the current typical country fare. George has done that here and he's being crucified for it? I understand many don't agree with the single choice but I feel like personal preference is what's really driving this debate. I can appreciate how Zazie said it best - quite pragmatic, that Zazie - but some of the cases being made are almost defensive, as though you're personally offended George opted for this single instead of the one you preferred. On another note, while I feel that Love is Everything is a solid album, as all George albums are, I think calling it an album full of smashes might be a bit of a stretch as I feel very few of the songs would perform well in today's radio climate. Of course, it's all subjective.
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dajross6
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Post by dajross6 on Aug 9, 2013 11:55:30 GMT -5
I'm slightly fascinated by this discussion in that so many of us are constantly screaming for artists to release music that stands out from the current typical country fare. George has done that here and he's being crucified for it? Well, an artist could release a single that is basically priest chants that would be far different from the normal fare as well. Seeing as how George doesn't really release fratboy type of music anyhow, this statement doesn't really apply in this case. Yes, nearly everyone is sick of the latest country trends, but I'd argue that Mr. Strait has never been part of this group and all of his singles stand out anyhow. I might be speaking for others in this thread, but I wished George would have released a single that is "George radio friendly". There are several to choose from on the album, just pick one :) It might not matter though. This song is not picking up any steam that I can see and stations seem hesitant to even give it a try. The song is doing better on the Indicator chart (it's mid-30s there) which samples smaller stations and is usually a sign of things to come, but the bigger stations are staying away so far. I have a friend in the industry that is a PD at a station in a decent sized market (not on either panel in this case) and they've tried playing it to poor reception. They aren't giving up on the song yet, but it isn't the reaction they normally get from George Strait fans.
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straitbabe
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Post by straitbabe on Aug 9, 2013 12:41:24 GMT -5
My 2-cents: The sooner MCA pulls this song off the air, the better. It was a mistake to release it as a single in the first place. "I Got a Car" was the perfect summer song and they passed on it and now look at the pickle they're in. Radio obviously doesn't want to play this and those stations that are playing it, are probably doing so out of respect for George. I did notice on today's All Access charts that both the San Antonio stations have significantly pulled back on their airplay of "I Believe", which should tell us something. If his own hometown stations are decreasing airplay, the rest should follow soon. Maybe there's still time to rebound with "I Got a Car" before radio gives up on King George, and I dare say none of us wants that!!!!
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Post by drummerman2009 on Aug 9, 2013 17:44:00 GMT -5
It is a somewhat boring song. However, if it was generic and didn't mention 26 angels...would radio have played it? What kind of radio reception do you think that this song would have received BEFORE December 2012? Would radio play this song today if it was sung by Blake Shelton or Tim McGraw? It wouldn't have mattered if Blake, Tim or Alan Jackson had sung it, it's just that it's a sad song being played in the summer about Sandy Hook (26 angels) that probably should have been relegated to just an album cut and that should have been it. Unfortunately it hasn't worked in George's favor at all as we have seen in this song and Drinkin' Man.
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Zazie
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Post by Zazie on Aug 9, 2013 17:58:09 GMT -5
Would this song do better on a Christian format? I have no idea if there's a tradition of artists from other genres suddenly showing up on Christian radio with one song, then disappearing -- that doesn't sound like it would work too well. But on the other hand this song is about an event that created worldwide news, and George is also well-known.
It doesn't seem to be succeeding on country for reasons that have been documented in this thread. But if George and his family want it to have more impact....
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matty005
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Post by matty005 on Aug 9, 2013 17:59:14 GMT -5
It is a somewhat boring song. However, if it was generic and didn't mention 26 angels...would radio have played it? What kind of radio reception do you think that this song would have received BEFORE December 2012? Would radio play this song today if it was sung by Blake Shelton or Tim McGraw? One of the reasons I despise this song is because I hate the fact that people are saying these 26 murdered people are angels. One of the mom's spoke out a couple months ago and while I know she's not addressing this song, it applies to this song: "His jaw was blown away. I just want people to know the ugliness of it so we don’t talk about it abstractly, like these little angels just went to heaven. No. They were butchered. They were brutalized. And that is what haunts me at night.” While I know it makes people feel better who believe these poor children and teachers became angels, for those who don't believe it's such a pandering line and it ruins the entire song for me.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 9, 2013 18:49:26 GMT -5
So how much is left in the tank for George? If they call a mulligan on this, will anything get him back? "Give It All We Got Tonight" seemed to be a super-slow climber for his standards. Radio just doesn't play 61-year-olds in any genre.
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matty005
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Post by matty005 on Aug 9, 2013 18:52:11 GMT -5
So how much is left in the tank for George? If they call a mulligan on this, will anything get him back? "Give It All We Got Tonight" seemed to be a super-slow climber for his standards. Radio just doesn't play 61-year-olds in any genre. I really thought "I Got a Car" was a surefire #1 hit if it was the 2nd single. Even with the current state of country radio. Now I am not so sure but it's their best bet at getting a top 10 by far.
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dajross6
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Post by dajross6 on Aug 9, 2013 21:37:06 GMT -5
Well to be fair if this single is pulled most will still think the next single is the 2nd off the album and the follow-up to GIAWGT. There are a bunch of potential top ten singles here, so I wouldn't worry too much about that yet. I'm about 75% sure the next single is That's What Breaking Hearts Do. It was the only song besides GIAWGT and I Believe to be played in his concert. I know that doesn't mean it's the next single, but it definitely tends to sway that way. At least it's a good song, and is better the more I hear it.
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joey2002
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Post by joey2002 on Aug 10, 2013 1:29:25 GMT -5
Would this song do better on a Christian format? I have no idea if there's a tradition of artists from other genres suddenly showing up on Christian radio with one song, then disappearing -- that doesn't sound like it would work too well. A few country songs have crossed over to Christian radio, with the most recent being "Changed" by Rascal Flatts, which peaked at #15 on the CCM chart. "I Believe" is too traditional country sounding though to have any chance at getting CCM airplay. So how much is left in the tank for George? If they call a mulligan on this, will anything get him back? "Give It All We Got Tonight" seemed to be a super-slow climber for his standards. Radio just doesn't play 61-year-olds in any genre. It's not about his age though – it's all about single selection. George isn't an A-list artist anymore, so he needs to release radio-friendly material if he wants to get played. A song like "I Got A Car" is very catchy and would have gotten him plenty of airplay.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 10, 2013 3:18:20 GMT -5
Would this song do better on a Christian format? I have no idea if there's a tradition of artists from other genres suddenly showing up on Christian radio with one song, then disappearing -- that doesn't sound like it would work too well. A few country songs have crossed over to Christian radio, with the most recent being "Changed" by Rascal Flatts, which peaked at #15 on the CCM chart. "I Believe" is too traditional country sounding though to have any chance at getting CCM airplay. Makes sense. Most CCM anymore is so overproduced and bombastic that it makes Dann Huff-style overproduction sound like "Stay".
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sergio9603
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Post by sergio9603 on Aug 10, 2013 21:50:19 GMT -5
"That's What Breaking Hearts Do" is the best song on the album, hands down.
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joey2002
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Post by joey2002 on Aug 10, 2013 22:14:40 GMT -5
A few country songs have crossed over to Christian radio, with the most recent being "Changed" by Rascal Flatts, which peaked at #15 on the CCM chart. "I Believe" is too traditional country sounding though to have any chance at getting CCM airplay. Makes sense. Most CCM anymore is so overproduced and bombastic that it makes Dann Huff-style overproduction sound like "Stay". There are still some nice acoustic CCM songs, like the #1 song of the year in 2011, "Blessings" by Laura Story. So many popular country singles these days are overproduced, it just seems like radio in general is bombastic.
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Post by straitfan87 on Aug 14, 2013 18:37:19 GMT -5
"That's What Breaking Hearts Do" is the best song on the album, hands down. And it was written by George and Bubba! I also really love "When Love Comes Around Again"
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Post by tim on Aug 16, 2013 23:59:27 GMT -5
I see this has yet to make it on the Top 50 on Mediabase. I am really torn with this choice as a single. I know that George loves the song and maybe felt more inclined to release it after his fathers passing. Yet, this was just the wrong song to release as the second single from such a terrific album, probably his best since "It Just Comes Natutal." I've heard this a handful of times on KVET here in Austin (which is known to play more traditional country artists), but not once on Austin's much bigger station KASE 101.
It really has been unfortunate to see the months of June, July, and now August go by without hearing something fresher from George on radio. This song just isn't going to get played and it's time to move on with another single come September. I just hope George and MCA didn't lose any of their momentum because there are so many great songs on here destined for radio.
I thought "I Got A Car" would have been a nobrainer to release as the second single, but since that wasn't the case I think we have another unfortunate "As Far As It Goes" on our hands. I even had some of my casual country music listening friends (the ones who dig the current stuff) hooked on "I Got A Car." MCA and George have really missed so many single opportunities these past ten years...including the great "Stars on the Water." I'm predicting "That's What Breaking Hearts Do" as the third single, though, and I am ok with that...it's one of my favorites on the album.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 17, 2013 3:26:14 GMT -5
^ I think "Stars on the Water" would've been a stretch unless they remixed it without the Auto-Tune. Sugarland could barely get away with Auto-Tune in 2010, so I doubt George Strait would have in 2003. Still a great song, though.
My biggest pick for missed George Strait song? "Designated Drinker". I know it's technically an Alan Jackson song, but IMO it would've been hue.
Why is this song failing so badly? You'd think George's recognition alone would get anything to go somewhere, regardless of quality. The man got the stupid, weightless "River of Love" to #1, for crying out loud. Backlash from the GIAWGT push? Audiences finally realizing he's 61 and is now "too old" to have hits?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2013 6:50:07 GMT -5
Audiences finally realizing he's 61 and is now "too old" to have hits? Are audiences really the ones that dictate whether an artist is "too old" to have hits, though? I always felt that excuse came from programmers.
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jdbowman
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Post by jdbowman on Aug 17, 2013 13:43:56 GMT -5
Have yet to hear this once on the radio and I've been in four different cities over the two months, including Nashville.
Hope they move on very soon.
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Post by drummerman2009 on Aug 17, 2013 15:22:59 GMT -5
Interesting article about the song in the new issue of Country Weekly (August 26, 2013) basically repeating what has been said about the song and its connections to Sandy Hook, etc. Question is: Is the article too late to save the song?
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onebuffalo
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Post by onebuffalo on Aug 17, 2013 15:36:08 GMT -5
Interesting article about the song in the new issue of Country Weekly (August 26, 2013) basically repeating what has been said about the song and its connections to Sandy Hook, etc. Question is: Is the article too late to save the song? Sad to say, I do not think anything will save I Believe. I do not think that if all the program directors got their hands on the current Country Weekly, they will say to themselves, "It's time to play the new George Strait" after reading the article. I read mine last night. Great story, but not great reception at country radio.
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Post by countrymusic20 on Aug 17, 2013 16:40:30 GMT -5
Interesting article about the song in the new issue of Country Weekly (August 26, 2013) basically repeating what has been said about the song and its connections to Sandy Hook, etc. Question is: Is the article too late to save the song? Sad to say, I do not think anything will save I Believe. I do not think that if all the program directors got their hands on the current Country Weekly, they will say to themselves, "It's time to play the new George Strait" after reading the article. I read mine last night. Great story, but not great reception at country radio. Universal/Capitol radio promo staff had to pull too many strings and ask for too many favors from radio to get Give It All We Got Tonight up to #1. There's a price to pay for everything. It might be a while before George has another hit - if ever.
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dajross6
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Post by dajross6 on Aug 17, 2013 18:32:35 GMT -5
Sad to say, I do not think anything will save I Believe. I do not think that if all the program directors got their hands on the current Country Weekly, they will say to themselves, "It's time to play the new George Strait" after reading the article. I read mine last night. Great story, but not great reception at country radio. Universal/Capitol radio promo staff had to pull too many strings and ask for too many favors from radio to get Give It All We Got Tonight up to #1. There's a price to pay for everything. It might be a while before George has another hit - if ever. Wow never having a hit again is a pretty big statement. Once we releases a good song it will climb the charts. The deals to #1 happen regularly, although the George push was pretty crazy.
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Post by drummerman2009 on Aug 17, 2013 20:30:54 GMT -5
Would it have done better if he had written the song about his dad rather than the 26 victims of Sandy Hook? There's not a climate for this type of song right now either like there was with "Where Were You" and "Have You Forgotten?" and if George thought that he could try to capture Alan Jackson and Darryl Worley into this song, it didn't work. I don't think in this environment of Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan would this have taken off anyways.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2013 20:52:46 GMT -5
Universal/Capitol radio promo staff had to pull too many strings and ask for too many favors from radio to get Give It All We Got Tonight up to #1. There's a price to pay for everything. It might be a while before George has another hit - if ever. Wow never having a hit again is a pretty big statement. Once we releases a good song it will climb the charts. The deals to #1 happen regularly, although the George push was pretty crazy. George is 61, though. I really have my doubts that he'll manage another top 10. I think maybe he could get an album with one or two "Toby-like" hits and get up towards the top 20 but I think it'd take 20ish weeks to do so. He said in a Billboard interview that he plans to keep putting out albums, and that he might get back to doing them every 12 months or so. He'll be lucky to sneak out 2 singles per album then. I really think MCA/radio turned GIAWGT into George's big swan song at radio. Look how quickly AJ faded. They went one single too deep on the Good Time album (they should've stopped after the #9 peak of "Sissy's Song" and never released "I Still Like Bologna") and then it was all downhill from there. None of the Freight Train singles made a lasting impact and then by the time he came back with "Long Way To Go" and "So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore", suddenly it'd been 2-3 years since he had a big hit. I think MCA might release another single yet but I don't think it'll do much. Yes, I'm even thinking about "I Got A Car" and "That's What Breaking Hearts Do" and all the other songs. I just think that country music has shifted so far away from George's style now, and I don't think it's very likely that he'll get any more big hits.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 17, 2013 21:14:12 GMT -5
If they do two more after I Believe, then he'll be at 100. Good spot to stop, regardless of how they do.
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Post by Spacey_Kacey on Aug 17, 2013 22:19:58 GMT -5
I'd be very very surprised if "When the Credits Roll" was not a big hit. That is much more of a swan song than GIAWGT. I do expect 1-2 singles before that though I'm not sure how they fare. The right choices should certainly make the top 20 if not the top 10. Remember Alan's quality song (SYDHTLMA) was very very slow. George has very upbeat radio-friendly material. His scenario is really different, but the key words are right choice.
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