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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Aug 5, 2015 19:52:47 GMT -5
Oh my god.
NOOO!!!!!!!!
This was the worst song on the album (not a bad song since I'm fine with all the songs) and the fact that this is going for country adds pisses me more. Send this to pop instead and let's get "Dress Blues" instead on country.
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zjames
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Post by zjames on Aug 5, 2015 21:39:23 GMT -5
I just re-listened to "Bittersweet" and "Dress Blues" and they're such great songs. Please don't let this be true.
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kw9461
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Post by kw9461 on Aug 5, 2015 22:46:21 GMT -5
Obviously this would need to have a country mix to clean up some of the instrumentation, but otherwise I think this works as a country single. The melody seems fairly country - it just needs better instrumentation. Still a disappointing release - and one with Borcetta's dirty fingerprints all over it. Really thought the timing was perfect to release Dress Blues. Shame, it's such a great song.
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layne
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Post by layne on Aug 5, 2015 22:56:03 GMT -5
With what's working at radio right now, I think this will do just fine. I don't agree with the masses here that Dress Blues should be a single though. I think it's a great song that belongs on the Album and should stay an Album track.
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bboat11
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Post by bboat11 on Aug 6, 2015 4:08:15 GMT -5
I love this song, so I am thrilled to see it being released as a single! I definitely hope it is not going to country radio without a remix, of course, but at the same time I am going to keep listening to this song and supporting ZBB either way. I am predicting this will be a pop single only, and something else like "Bittersweet" will be released to country. It will be really interesting if ZBB has this on pop radio, "Junkyard" on rock, and something else on country all at the same time! Wow, what an era...
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Aug 6, 2015 11:16:19 GMT -5
Some of the folks here thought I was crazy when I said they'd release "Beautiful Drug" to country radio. Also, "Dress Blues" is way too serious to get played on country radio a gazillion times, even if it's a brilliant, brilliant song.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2015 11:41:21 GMT -5
Some of the folks here thought I was crazy when I said they'd release "Beautiful Drug" to country radio. Also, "Dress Blues" is way too serious to get played on country radio a gazillion times, even if it's a brilliant, brilliant song. To be fair, you only stated that it SHOULD get released, not that it WOULD. And as stated above we don't 100% know if this is even being sent to Country. So you could still be crazy ;)
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Aug 6, 2015 11:48:05 GMT -5
I'm still pretty sure this is going to Country. From the news press: The wording could just be ambiguous here and instead mean they're planning to crossover from Country with this song, meaning it'll just be their first pop release since I don't believe any of their past singles were released to other formats (except some recently to the Rock formats).
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maine
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Post by maine on Aug 6, 2015 11:53:45 GMT -5
I'm still pretty sure this is going to Country. From the news press: The wording could just be ambiguous here and instead mean they're planning to crossover from Country with this song, meaning it'll just be their first pop release since I don't believe any of their past singles were released to other formats (except some recently to the Rock formats). That was the other way I read it as well. I think with Sam Hunt doing well here with poppier material, I don't see the total issue with this. I can see a more countrier remix getting released.
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Aug 6, 2015 13:17:51 GMT -5
I'm still pretty sure this is going to Country. From the news press: The wording could just be ambiguous here and instead mean they're planning to crossover from Country with this song, meaning it'll just be their first pop release since I don't believe any of their past singles were released to other formats (except some recently to the Rock formats). This. That's exactly what I was thinking. They could mean crossing over as in using this song to try their hand at Pop radio. They're already sending their rock songs to the respective format, and not trying to force them to country radio. Also, "Dress Blues" may be a really serious song, but the only people with as much momentum as ZBB right now are Sam Hunt and Luke Bryan. They've scored before with songs that really stand out in tone, like "Colder Weather", "Goodbye In Her Eyes" and "Highway 20 Ride". They're following up a monster hit and another solid/popular #1. And while the song is serious, it's still the type of song that will touch many, and will go over well better than say a serious heartbreak song IMO. For what it's worth, "Dress Blues" consistently sold well the weeks before the album and the week if album release.
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Post by 43dudleyvillas on Aug 6, 2015 13:24:56 GMT -5
For what it's worth, my understanding from an excellent source is that "Beautiful Drug" is indeed Zac Brown Band's next single to country radio. I totally understand, though, if people here don't think that settles the debate.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2015 14:02:12 GMT -5
If this is indeed the case, then I still have a few problems with it (aside from the blatantly obvious). Zac Brown and his band are artists and are undoubtedly entitled to create whatever music they would like. I was under the impression they were a country band since they have always released music to country radio and country digital classifications. How come, then, if they planned for this song to be a pop crossover did they make it as a pop song on their CD? Why couldn't they have made it a country song and then made a pop remix? It seems like a slap in the face that we are getting a *country* remix of a pop/techno song, when there are plenty of brilliant country options on the CD.
My next issue is that this song does nothing for the band. Another lukewarm song about some metaphoric love interest and how she makes you drunk and/or high.
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sixofone
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Post by sixofone on Aug 6, 2015 14:22:58 GMT -5
How come, then, if they planned for this song to be a pop crossover did they make it as a pop song on their CD? Why couldn't they have made it a country song and then made a pop remix? It seems like a slap in the face that we are getting a *country* remix of a pop/techno song, when there are plenty of brilliant country options on the CD. This is what confuses me about this release. Any country fans of Zac Brown Band who bought Jekyll + Hyde that want to own a country remix of "Beautiful Drug" (if there is one) will have to spend an additional $1.29 on iTunes (assuming the country remix is made available on iTunes) -- that's a real slap in the face to country album buyers.
On a related note to those of you in the know with how country radio works, would country radio stations play the album version of "Beautiful Drug" simply because it is Zac Brown Band? While everyone probably has a different definition of what makes a song country/non-country (where to draw the line), the album version of "Beautiful Drug" is so far over the line into "non-country" that I'd think no country station would normally add it (that recent Lady Antebellum dance collaboration they released digitally springs to mind as another example of something no country radio station would add).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2015 15:18:07 GMT -5
How come, then, if they planned for this song to be a pop crossover did they make it as a pop song on their CD? Why couldn't they have made it a country song and then made a pop remix? It seems like a slap in the face that we are getting a *country* remix of a pop/techno song, when there are plenty of brilliant country options on the CD. This is what confuses me about this release. Any country fans of Zac Brown Band who bought Jekyll + Hyde that want to own a country remix of "Beautiful Drug" (if there is one) will have to spend an additional $1.29 on iTunes (assuming the country remix is made available on iTunes) -- that's a real slap in the face to country album buyers.
On a related note to those of you in the know with how country radio works, would country radio stations play the album version of "Beautiful Drug" simply because it is Zac Brown Band? While everyone probably has a different definition of what makes a song country/non-country (where to draw the line), the album version of "Beautiful Drug" is so far over the line into "non-country" that I'd think no country station would normally add it (that recent Lady Antebellum dance collaboration they released digitally springs to mind as another example of something no country radio station would add).
It's my understanding that the station can play whatever version they want. If there is a "radio edit" or "remix", some stations will opt to play that depending on what it is. For example, Brad Paisley's "Perfect Storm" got a radio edit where the beginning was shortened a bit and replaced with a thunder roll. Most stations played that version, versus the CD version. On the other hand, Paisley's "Crushin' It" got a radio edit where the beginning and end instrumentals were both simply shortened. Most stations still played the CD version. Another example would be Kelsea Ballerini's "Love Me Like You Mean It" which apparently got a 'more country' remix (what an asinine thought) that I only ever heard on one medium-market station. Everywhere else played the CD poppier version. In terms of this song, I have to agree that it is so far over the line, especially by the second chorus. This isn't just a case of a song being produced with some heavy pop or R&B influenced elements, as many have recently. When the song gets going, this legitimately just sounds like a DJ Silver club remix.
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Aug 6, 2015 18:41:16 GMT -5
^ Speaking of remixes, whenever WATZ plays "Waitin' on a Woman", they always play the Andy Griffith remix. They also have an acoustic version of Tim McGraw's "Don't Take the Girl" that they break out now and then, plus some of the "dance mix"es that MCA did in the late 90s. Another station under the same ownership always plays a weird, more subdued remix of Buddy Jewell's "Help Pour Out the Rain" that takes out more of the "la da dee"s and has a weaker sounding vocal. Where could that remix have come from?
I am extremely intrigued to see how this will do now, remix or no remix.
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.indulgecountry
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Post by .indulgecountry on Aug 6, 2015 19:25:30 GMT -5
Another example would be Kelsea Ballerini's "Love Me Like You Mean It" which apparently got a 'more country' remix (what an asinine thought) that I only ever heard on one medium-market station. Everywhere else played the CD poppier version. One of my stations played it exclusively and it sounded just as great as the original that I already loved but all the synthy pop stuff was swapped out for fiddles and stuff. It sounded really organic like "I Got the Boy." I kinda wish I could buy that remix or at least find somewhere to listen online somewhere so I could have both versions.
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zjames
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Post by zjames on Aug 8, 2015 17:23:00 GMT -5
Zac Brown Band - Behind the Song: "Beautiful Drug"
"I believe that it could be a giant club song...I think we've got a person, who I'll not name now, that's doing a remix of it ("Beautiful Drug") that's hopefully going to help kick it through the field goal."
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sixofone
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Post by sixofone on Aug 8, 2015 18:39:42 GMT -5
"I believe that it could be a giant club song...I think we've got a person, who I'll not name now, that's doing a remix of it ("Beautiful Drug") that's hopefully going to help kick it through the field goal." And that's exactly what "Beautiful Drug" is -- a club song, not a country song. And based on his comment in that clip, I'm sure someone like Calvin Harris is doing a remix for promotion to clubs. After watching that clip, I think the "crossing over from country" comment means that "Beautiful Drug" will be the first Zac Brown Band song actively promoted to top 40/dance radio stations, not their next country single. Having said that, if country radio ends up actively playing Sam Hunt's "Break Up In A Small Town," then why not play "Beautiful Drug" as well (I don't think either song belongs on country radio, but I wouldn't be shocked if that's what happens).
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Aug 8, 2015 19:05:56 GMT -5
Zac Brown is doing guest vocals on Avicii's new album, so he most likely will be the one remixing "Beautiful Drug". Makes sense considering the similarities between this song and Avicii's hit "Wake Me Up".
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robenglund
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Post by robenglund on Aug 9, 2015 12:27:03 GMT -5
I hope they come out with a country remix too for country radio and send the album version to pop/top40 radio. The song sounds fairly country for what's considered country nowadays until you get to the second chorus when the drum loops start. Then it sounds like and EDM/dance song. We all have to remember that Zac Brown isn't strictly a country band. They are very talented musicians that can play anything but country is certainly their main influence because of their harmonies and what not. As for the song itself and putting all the country stuff aside and looking at it as just music it's a really cool and catchy song. When I first heard it I thought to myself if you combine Avicii and country that's what you get and I think it's pretty cool he's remixing it.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Aug 9, 2015 21:47:21 GMT -5
The Zac Brown Band recently gave an interview with the Boston Globe on their new music and the way the band operates: I first stumbled upon this article by reading this quote on Nashville Gab's website:
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Aug 9, 2015 22:36:15 GMT -5
^I don't think many will find that last quote to be surprising though. Truthfully, other than "Chicken Fried", nothing they've released has sounded like it was specifically crafted to be a country radio hit song (at least in my opinion). However, this possible single aside, I feel that Country music SHOULD absolutely embrace ZBB because let's face it: they make very organic sounding songs that don't sound like any other artist. They actually experiment with different sounding instruments and are always trying to improve/expand their sound. As much as I like some of the other A-listers in Country music, most seem content to keep releasing the same true and tried songs. It doesn't mean that's a bad thing, I mean it worked perfectly for George Strait. Their willingness to shift sounds and experiment could end up biting them in the ass one day, but until then (and an unedited version of this song could be the end lol) country radio should embrace these guys. If only others artists were more willing to expand their sound in ways that weren't just Pop-centric.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Aug 9, 2015 23:16:39 GMT -5
^I don't think many will find that last quote to be surprising though. Truthfully, other than "Chicken Fried", nothing they've released has sounded like it was specifically crafted to be a country radio hit song (at least in my opinion). However, this possible single aside, I feel that Country music SHOULD absolutely embrace ZBB because let's face it: they make very organic sounding songs that don't sound like any other artist. They actually experiment with different sounding instruments and are always trying to improve/expand their sound. As much as I like some of the other A-listers in Country music, most seem content to keep releasing the same true and tried songs. It doesn't mean that's a bad thing, I mean it worked perfectly for George Strait. Their willingness to shift sounds and experiment could end up biting them in the ass one day, but until then (and an unedited version of this song could be the end lol) country radio should embrace these guys. If only others artists were more willing to expand their sound in ways that weren't just Pop-centric. I'm absolutely happy country radio has embraced ZBB and my posting that quote was more at a more broad outlook at the fact that they willingly admit that this album isn't necessarily "country" but that country radio plays it. For the record, I think both of the first two singles off this album is acceptable (IMO) for 2015 country radio. Like you said though, if we get an unedited version of "Beautiful Drug", then we may have something more interesting to discuss. I still say there's zero shot that we do not see a "country radio" version of this song if and when it gets released, which I have confidence in since I rarely doubt 43dudleyvillas' sources. I actually think none of ZBB's music before "All Alright" was pushing the envelope at all. Expanding, sure; but I always saw Zac and his band being consistent in delivering quality country music. "Sweet Annie" from late 2013 was easily one of the most country sounding records on the radio that year, as was nearly all of their output before that single. I totally respect that they decided to test out some new sounds on this album and create some new music from different genres to challenge themselves and I think they succeeded with flying colors. I guess what I'm getting at is that I really don't think sending "Beautiful Drug" is something that should be happening. I've always wanted country radio to be someplace that caters to what the country genre supposed to be about -- country music. Granted, that hope has taken a serious blow with much of the music country radio themselves have deemed acceptable to be played 8,000 times a week. At some point, there's zero need for radio formats anymore if they all just blend into one another, and it doesn't help the more traditional artists vying for airplay. I like "Beautiful Drug", a great deal in fact, but there's other options to send to country radio and there's a radio format that would be far more at home for a song like that. Again though, nothing has been confirmed and we haven't heard a radio edit.
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Aug 10, 2015 0:06:27 GMT -5
I actually think none of ZBB's music before "All Alright" was pushing the envelope at all. Expanding, sure; but I always saw Zac and his band being consistent in delivering quality country music. "Sweet Annie" from late 2013 was easily one of the most country sounding records on the radio that year, as was nearly all of their output before that single. I totally respect that they decided to test out some new sounds on this album and create some new music from different genres to challenge themselves and I think they succeeded with flying colors. I guess what I'm getting at is that I really don't think sending "Beautiful Drug" is something that should be happening. I've always wanted country radio to be someplace that caters to what the country genre supposed to be about -- country music. Granted, that hope has taken a serious blow with much of the music country radio themselves have deemed acceptable to be played 8,000 times a week. At some point, there's zero need for radio formats anymore if they all just blend into one another, and it doesn't help the more traditional artists vying for airplay. I like "Beautiful Drug", a great deal in fact, but there's other options to send to country radio and there's a radio format that would be far more at home for a song like that. Again though, nothing has been confirmed and we haven't heard a radio edit. Yeah sorry I didn't clarify as I wasn't really arguing against anything you said personally, I was just using your quote as branching off point for my own thoughts. But as for their sound, I guess it just depends how you look at it. I personally felt their second album incorporated more of the classic rock feel that I've always felt they've had. I hear it mostly on the jam-esque "Who Knows", "I Play The Road" and "Colder Weather". But to me, they've mostly been an even mixture of country, southern rock, and classic rock (with dabs of influence from multiple other spectrums). Then the 3rd album saw them experiment with a trombone, and even try a straight up Reggae song that still somehow felt country ("Island Song"). I guess what I'm trying to say is I felt their "progressive evolution" has always somehow fit the mold of country music, and I've enjoyed some of the new sounds they've brought to the genre. It's really why I want to see "Remedy" get released as a single because I love the Celtic sound/influence on it, as I think it's something more organic to incorporate with country music, instead of the usual Pop/Rap/R&B. I wish other artists would try these other genre influences like ZBB did. Country can certainly expand and incorporate other genres into it's music, but that doesn't mean Pop and R&B are the only two options.
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joey2002
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Post by joey2002 on Aug 12, 2015 13:46:07 GMT -5
I just wish they could somehow still release "Day That I Die" as a single...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2015 13:54:37 GMT -5
I don't mind Country artists pushing the envelope, and I can completely respect ZBB for doing that, because Country music is so homogenized right now.
However, when a Country remix is needed for Country radio, why not just go with something else entirely?
I've liked a few ZBB singles here and there (Sweet Annie, Colder Weather), but I don't care for their new direction.
I think their Country Soul vibe works much bettter than this Country/Hard Rock blend.
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someguy
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Post by someguy on Aug 13, 2015 1:02:51 GMT -5
I like their album a lot for what it is - a hybrid of styles. That being said, it doesn't really make much sense to release a pop song to country radio, when there are a number of good country songs ("Young and Wild", "Dress Blues", "Castaway", etc.) that could have gone to the country format. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to waste a country single on a pop song, regardless of quality. I do like "Beautiful Drug" a lot - as I do "Heavy Is The Head", but I don't really want either released as a country radio single.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2015 12:55:13 GMT -5
Beautiful Drug is top notch! I don't mind it being sent to radio as is, but I think a really country remix would sound even more amazing. So I will be happy either way. I have been grooving to Beautiful Drug for a while already <3
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Aug 24, 2015 13:26:45 GMT -5
WBEE just put this up as their "Music Meeting Song of the Day", which 95% of the time indicates that it's an official single sent to them by a label. It looks like "Beautiful Drug" is going to country radio.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2015 13:43:18 GMT -5
I'm still holding out hope that this isn't true. Just doesn't seem like something Zac Brown Band would do.
While most would call this "pandering", this will serve to be more polarizing than "safe", in my opinion. Nearly every fan of Zac Brown Band that I know loves them for their soulful, organic, and multi-layered instrumentation style. This will not go over well and once the "fad" passes, I wouldn't be surprised to find some of those bitter fans to be moved on from them for good.
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