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Post by 43dudleyvillas on Feb 23, 2015 13:17:15 GMT -5
I can agree that Platinum has more "sheen" and more of a commercial bent than Miranda's first three albums...I see it as a much-more thematically focused effort to harness pop, soul, and contemporary country into an artistic palette whose previous strongest marks have come somewhere in the pure country and country/alt-country space. It's not that pop is completely new to Miranda's albums -- she has had songs like "Me & Your Cigarettes, "Desperation," and "Safe," for example. But where I always felt Four the Record was an uneven and at times awkward attempt to incorporate pop and contemporary country into Miranda's core sound (via songs like "Baggage Claim" & "Better in the Long Run"), Platinum does so in a way that much better reflects Miranda's point of view at this time in her life, and also her comfort level as one of country's core artists. Regarding "sheen," there is quite a lot of work on Miranda's voice on a number of the Platinum songs ("Girls" and "Smokin' & Drinkin'" are perhaps the most obvious examples), and the production on songs like "Automatic," "Two Rings Shy" and "Somethin' Bad" is quite dense. "Automatic"'s programmed sounds certainly sound contemporary to me, and while the lyrical references largely speak to a rural country upbringing, the sound of the song has always struck me as kind of blandly pop (the chorus in particular, which doesn't play to Miranda's phrasing strengths). All that said, I can't agree that Platinum is comprised of "increasingly radio-friendly material" compared to her previous albums. "Automatic" (sonically) and (to agree with dm2081) "Somethin' Bad" strike me as the only songs aimed to fit into the radio climate during which they were birthed. Sure, a song like "Girls" is aimed at the radio climate, too, but as a strong lyrical counterpoint that by its nature wouldn't fit in. I still wish that had been the lead single from the album, because it's a strong mission statement for the album and a strong statement about who Miranda is. In any event, I agree with .indulgecountry about Platinum being the Miranda album with the least obvious singles to date. It also strikes me as lacking a "Mama's Broken Heart" -- that obvious smash & awards juggernaut of a song. I suppose "Smokin' & Drinkin'" could still be it based on its popularity here, but I personally have never connected with it.
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Feb 23, 2015 13:38:52 GMT -5
So, if Miranda wins the ACM female vocalist award, how many consecutive wins will that be? Thanks in advance. If she wins this year, it'll be her sixth consecutive. She's won the Female Vocalist award at the ACMs every year since 2010.
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jptexas
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Post by jptexas on Feb 23, 2015 13:56:01 GMT -5
So, if Miranda wins the ACM female vocalist award, how many consecutive wins will that be? Thanks in advance. If she wins this year, it'll be her sixth consecutive. She's won the Female Vocalist award at the ACMs every year since 2010. Since 2010, wow. Ok, thanks.
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Post by countrygirl918 on Feb 24, 2015 8:35:29 GMT -5
I agree with you to a certain extent. Revolution is most probably one of my favorite country albums and I think that's one of the problems. The music, lyrics and Miranda's vocal delivery on that album is fantastic. It really set the bar high and I feel that the music that's followed hasn't been able to reach the same heights. Not to say she hasn't had some good material - I enjoy some of the material she's released since. However, the music seems to have a more prominent rock edge/influence that comes across, to me at least, as a bit factitious and not a natural sort of progression. As a big Miranda fan, it pains me to say that I think the success of "Revolution" was both a blessing and a curse for her. I love all her albums for different reasons, but I do feel like she's trying to find an equilibrium of being a quality & commercially friendly artist. In doing so, she seems more focused on appealing to the masses, as opposed to sticking to recording music & not nesscarily focusing on trying to please everyone. As much as I love Miranda, I'll be the first to admit she doesn't have the voice or appeal to crossover the way Underwood or Swift do, and no album or image can change that. I love "Platinum," but the sheen of this album & the increasingly radio-friendly material suggests Miranda wants to be a crossover artist who will fit in with the "cool kids," even if that's not where she shines.I will say that I think "Platinum" is a risker album than "Revolution" overall, but it's also clear she's been moving in the direction of being a more commercial artist since that era, so I'm not surprised she chose to continue in that vein. Also, I was shocked (but happy) to hear LRW on my local Country station today. I completely disagree that Platinum is trying to "fit in with the cool kids" and reflects a desire to have "increasingly radio-friendly material" that has the potential to crossover. I think Miranda knows she is way too country, both in image and voice, to ever crossover. I'm not quite sure I understand your argument that Platinum is both "more commercial" but also "riskier" than Revolution - aren't those contradicting sentiments? I adore Platinum, but there's honestly not much on there that I can see being a huge hit on the radio. "Automatic" was pretty radio-friendly and "Somethin' Bad" tried way too hard to be, but "Little Red Wagon" is anything but. It's a huge risk as a radio single. The only other songs I'd consider to be really radio-friendly are "Priscilla," "Hard Staying Sober," and maybe "Girls". I certainly can't see the rest of the album as sure-fire radio hits. "Old Sh!t" or "All That's Left"? Hell no. Even "Smokin' and Drinkin'" was a big risk, but that's a great song so I was disappointed they gave up on it as a single. While I agree that Miranda does occasionally bend to what she (or the label) seems to think radio wants (aka "Somethin' Bad"), I don't think she's losing her own artistic integrity in the process. I still see an artist who refuses to conform, and continues to take bigger risks than most of her peers, both in the material she chooses and the writers she works with.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Feb 25, 2015 23:27:36 GMT -5
Finally gave this a full listen and this can be described in one word - disappointing. It's not even close to Somethin' Bad . I'll take Automatic over these two songs.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Feb 26, 2015 0:01:56 GMT -5
I said it before, but "Automatic" is now my least favorite Miranda song by a long shot. I initially felt that it was okay but not amazing; it never struck me as Single of the Year material. I just thought it was somewhat awkwardly written in parts — what the hell does "quarter in a payphone" have to do thematically with the rest of the first verse? But I've recently taken up interest in life-enhancing technologies and transhumanism, which have positioned me about as far away as possible from getting anything out of "Automatic". (I still like the line "Staying married was the only way to work your problems out" — but what does this have to do with technological advances?)
"Somethin' Bad" at least has an interesting production, a different groove for a Miranda song (I can't think of any other upbeat Miranda song that sounds like it), and I felt it was just fun. However, I can see where someone might find it underwhelming given that it paired country's top two ladies. That, and I like seeing Carrie have fun again because I think she's starting to get way too serious.
And again, I can see where some might not like this song, as it's another fun uptempo. But I feel that this song is set apart with its own stylistic elements that, again, sound like nothing else Miranda has put out before (okay, maybe a little dash of "Only Prettier", but this is faster, sloppier, and more aggressive).
So while I doubt anyone will ever fully share my opinion on "Automatic" — I think a few other people here have called it overrated, but I would bet I'm the only one who outright disagrees with its entire message — I can also see where others are coming from on its two successors, even if I happen to like those songs.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Feb 26, 2015 0:03:25 GMT -5
To each their own then :)
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Feb 26, 2015 0:13:20 GMT -5
I said it before, but "Automatic" is now my least favorite Miranda song by a long shot. I initially felt that it was okay but not amazing; it never struck me as Single of the Year material. I just thought it was somewhat awkwardly written in parts — what the hell does "quarter in a payphone" have to do thematically with the rest of the first verse? But I've recently taken up interest in life-enhancing technologies and transhumanism, which have positioned me about as far away as possible from getting anything out of "Automatic". (I still like the line "Staying married was the only way to work your problems out" — but what does this have to do with technological advances?) "Somethin' Bad" at least has an interesting production, a different groove for a Miranda song (I can't think of any other upbeat Miranda song that sounds like it), and I felt it was just fun. However, I can see where someone might find it underwhelming given that it paired country's top two ladies. That, and I like seeing Carrie have fun again because I think she's starting to get way too serious. And again, I can see where some might not like this song, as it's another fun uptempo. But I feel that this song is set apart with its own stylistic elements that, again, sound like nothing else Miranda has put out before (okay, maybe a little dash of "Only Prettier", but this is faster, sloppier, and more aggressive). So while I doubt anyone will ever fully share my opinion on "Automatic" — I think a few other people here have called it overrated, but I would bet I'm the only one who outright disagrees with its entire message — I can also see where others are coming from on its two successors, even if I happen to like those songs. You're not alone. My Dad despises "Automatic" - for much of the same reasons you listed. Of course he hates "Little Red Wagon" as well. Lol I got pretty burned out on the song myself (much like "Over You') but I do find it likable personally.
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rbundy1987
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Post by rbundy1987 on Mar 10, 2015 21:20:44 GMT -5
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sapphire
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Post by sapphire on Mar 11, 2015 4:15:47 GMT -5
Here's the Music Video:
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rjz
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Post by rjz on Mar 11, 2015 6:30:11 GMT -5
Thanks for the video-it made me like the song more as videos can do. Love the dog!
This song is nothing lyrically and pretty minimalistic as far as any redeeming vocal qualities.
But I like it anyway-its fun with a great beat and I can see how it would be great live. Not the best radio song though-I agree it may miss the top region for her.
Overall, it far surpasses the vocal mess that was Something Bad, IMO.
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Mar 11, 2015 12:34:49 GMT -5
Love the video! Miranda looks absolutely stunning throughout and I love the setting.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Mar 11, 2015 13:13:51 GMT -5
I said it before, but "Automatic" is now my least favorite Miranda song by a long shot. I initially felt that it was okay but not amazing; it never struck me as Single of the Year material. I just thought it was somewhat awkwardly written in parts — what the hell does "quarter in a payphone" have to do thematically with the rest of the first verse? But I've recently taken up interest in life-enhancing technologies and transhumanism, which have positioned me about as far away as possible from getting anything out of "Automatic". (I still like the line "Staying married was the only way to work your problems out" — but what does this have to do with technological advances?) "Somethin' Bad" at least has an interesting production, a different groove for a Miranda song (I can't think of any other upbeat Miranda song that sounds like it), and I felt it was just fun. However, I can see where someone might find it underwhelming given that it paired country's top two ladies. That, and I like seeing Carrie have fun again because I think she's starting to get way too serious. And again, I can see where some might not like this song, as it's another fun uptempo. But I feel that this song is set apart with its own stylistic elements that, again, sound like nothing else Miranda has put out before (okay, maybe a little dash of "Only Prettier", but this is faster, sloppier, and more aggressive). So while I doubt anyone will ever fully share my opinion on "Automatic" — I think a few other people here have called it overrated, but I would bet I'm the only one who outright disagrees with its entire message — I can also see where others are coming from on its two successors, even if I happen to like those songs. Because on Automatic, the "quarter in a payphone" line is setting you up for nostalgia for things before everything was so quick and fast. That's the same thing with the divorce line, which isn't literally about technological advances but more about "Automatic" nature of divorcing instead of working through problems.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 11, 2015 14:52:07 GMT -5
Ironic. The week the music video is released, "Little Red Wagon" has its first hiccup on the charts. Its actually lost 330k in audience and 46 spins since Sunday. "Little Red Wagon" is still selling very well as its #19 on the country chart (as of this moment) and #97 on the all-genre chart.
I'm sure RCA will want to focus on getting "Lonely Eyes" at the top of at least one of the singles charts, so that might slow things down for Miranda, but I'll be interested to see how her chart run plays out from here on in.
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Mar 11, 2015 15:23:49 GMT -5
Ironic. The week the music video is released, "Little Red Wagon" has its first hiccup on the charts. Its actually lost 330k in audience and 46 spins since Sunday. "Little Red Wagon" is still selling very well as its #19 on the country chart (as of this moment) and #97 on the all-genre chart. Looks like the video actually came at an opportune time then. Hopefully it'll drive sales back up further and radio will take note.
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Mar 11, 2015 15:49:55 GMT -5
While Miranda does look absolutely stunning in most of the video (especially the scene at the pool ), but the video still doesn't help me understand this song at all lol
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Mar 11, 2015 16:10:42 GMT -5
but the video still doesn't help me understand this song at all lol I was curious after reading this statement to see if I could find anything, and apparently the hook for this song comes directly from an army cadence: I'm actually really surprised after seeing this now that it hasn't come up before in the discussion on this song. I guess it's not common enough knowledge to the general public. But that should clear some of the misconceptions about this song.
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Post by countrygirl918 on Mar 11, 2015 17:52:54 GMT -5
Love the video - it's so fun to watch. And I didn't realize how much I missed Miranda's long hair!
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Mar 11, 2015 19:14:50 GMT -5
but the video still doesn't help me understand this song at all lol I was curious after reading this statement to see if I could find anything, and apparently the hook for this song comes directly from an army cadence: I'm actually really surprised after seeing this now that it hasn't come up before in the discussion on this song. I guess it's not common enough knowledge to the general public. But that should clear some of the misconceptions about this song. The more I listen to this to attempt to like it, the more I hate it. P.S. I recently learned that the lyrics "You can't ride in my little red wagon. The front seat's broken and the axel's dragging" are actually from a popular camp song. This only further confused me as to what this song is actually about... I briefly mentioned it on the 2nd page how it was also a popular summer camp song, but I don't know how the hook being from a camp song/army cadence help clear up anything about this song's message lol
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14887fan
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Post by 14887fan on Mar 11, 2015 19:44:57 GMT -5
She looks absolutely stunning, but the video itself is average. She's 1 for 3 in terms of music videos this era. Say what you will about the song itself, but "Somethin' Bad"'s video is one of the best of her catalog, and easily the best of this era thus far.
Still love the song. Hope it can get moving again!
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Mar 12, 2015 0:10:19 GMT -5
I briefly mentioned it on the 2nd page how it was also a popular summer camp song, but I don't know how the hook being from a camp song/army cadence help clear up anything about this song's message lol Ah, I see. I didn't remember that, and because you didn't say 'army' but rather 'camp song,' it wasn't on my mind, I guess. Sorry about that. And I really think the song is just a "ride or die" song with really goofy lyrics. She's basically telling a man "you only love me for these material things, so guess what? you can't ride with me." I don't think the song's concept itself is too hard to understand; it just has some off-the-wall-sounding lyrics. She looks absolutely stunning, but the video itself is average. She's 1 for 3 in terms of music videos this era. Say what you will about the song itself, but "Somethin' Bad"'s video is one of the best of her catalog, and easily the best of this era thus far. I thought the "Automatic" video was lovely. I realize Carrie Underwood always goes for spectacular video treatments (and I love the video for "Somethin' Bad"), but Miranda's still always fall on the good side of the country spectrum, where a good music video can just be a series of nice visuals in a rural setting (for instance). She has one of the best videographies in the genre, imo.
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rbundy1987
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Post by rbundy1987 on Mar 13, 2015 9:16:33 GMT -5
jhomes87, what is happening to this song? I see it had a very BAD UPDATE today on spins (-75), and is still losing audience. Is this song done or is it facing a hiccup in the top 20 as it's only barely 60 days old. I see her bullet is now a -99, OUCH!!!
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Post by myeverything on Mar 13, 2015 11:07:52 GMT -5
Kind of a weird time too, seeing the video release was just days ago and it seems to have decent hype.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Mar 13, 2015 11:39:41 GMT -5
The video has 2.2 million plays in two days. I'm thinking that it may just be the chart hiccup. They'll right this ship...
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Uncle Lumpy
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Post by Uncle Lumpy on Mar 13, 2015 11:47:52 GMT -5
How are the recent call out scores for this?
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Mar 13, 2015 11:57:51 GMT -5
I think this is just a first hiccup, because prior to this it was having a pretty steady chart run. Most if us figured this wasn't going to be a song that could march straight to #1, so in hoping this can ride this blip on the radar out and at least crack the top 10. I'm bit concerned about this one yet, especially with the video out now, which led to another uptick in sales. My thoughts on this haven't change though. I love this song and think it has a great edge to it. Seems like this is a safe bet to go gold.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2015 12:41:21 GMT -5
Love the song, but the video is a hot mess. Yikes.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 13, 2015 12:52:39 GMT -5
The call-out scores haven't been very good for this song (on mobile, so don't hsve exact numbers) so that is the only reason this one is starting to have trouble. The sales have been very good though - this song having troubles were already pointed out in this thread rbundy1987. Having mediocre call-out scores haven't stopped songs become top 5 hits before, with great sales - Jake Owen's "Beachin'" comes to mind. I can't help but look back to 43dudleyvillas' post about the average listener not being accustomed to female singers on the radio today compared to 10-20 years ago, so a polarizing song might not go over well with some of the demographic. I'm on mobile so forgive me if I'm off a bit there but I do think I'm in the ballpark, lol.
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onebuffalo
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Post by onebuffalo on Mar 13, 2015 14:29:13 GMT -5
The video has 2.2 million plays in two days. I'm thinking that it may just be the chart hiccup. They'll right this ship... Which means it'll march up the mongrel chart better than the airplay chart. Miranda Lambert maybe looking at a #1 on the former chart.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2015 15:48:53 GMT -5
^If this can't climb any higher on the airplay chart and misses the top 15, even a several-week burst of listener interest isn't going to be enough carry it from #17 to #1 when Miranda is competing with songs getting way heavier radio rotation plus sales that are anywhere from middle-of-the-road to exceptional. I'd be surprised to see this come near #1 on either chart.
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