Sara Evans - "Words"

[bboat11]

Track List:

1. Long Way Down (Tammy Rodgers / Liz Hengber / Jerry Salley)

2. Marquee Sign (Sara Evans / Jimmy Robbins / Heather Morgan)

3. Diving in Deep (Gordie Sampson / Hillary Lindsey / Steve McEwan)

4. All the Love You Left Me (Ben West / Hillary Lindsey / Gordie Sampson)

5. Like the Way You Love Me (Sara Evans / April Geesbreght / Jason Massey)

6. Rain and Fire (Claude Kelley / Charles Harmon)

7. Night Light (Daniel Tashian / Jaida Dreyer)

8. I Need a River (Marcus Hummon / Darrell Scott / Sonya Isaacs)

9. I Don't Trust Myself (Caitlyn Smith / Gordie Sampson / Steve McEwan)

10. Make Room at the Bottom (Ashley Monroe / Brett James)

11. Words (David Hodges / Jake Scott / Jimmy Robbins)

12. I Want You (Shane Stevens / Victoria Monet)

13. Letting You Go (Sara Evans / Emily Shackelton / Victoria Banks)

14. A Little Bit Stronger (Acoustic) (Hillary Scott / Hillary Lindsey / Luke Laird)

The whole album is available for streaming through The Tennessean and USA Today, before the album officially drops on Friday!

www.tennessean.com/videos/entertainment/2017/07/19/exclusive-sara-evans-full-album-words/103825130/

www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/07/19/exclusive-listen-sara-evans-new-album-words/493394001/

[babybuffalo]

Long Way Down needs to be a single!

[.indulgecountry]

This album is so good! I think I've decided that "I Need a River" is my favorite, but there's so many great songs on this record.

[sabre14]

Wow, I'm just now realizing there's a Sonya Isaacs co-write on this album, and it's with Darrell Scott?!

*Goes to find "I Need A River"*

[fearlessarrow]

This is the first Sara Evans studio album I've listened to since I didn't really get into country music until 2014/2015 and "Slow Me Down" really didn't catch my attention enough to go and listen to the album. I just recently got her Greatest Hits album and I'm starting to familiarize myself with her bigger hits (so far "Suds in the Bucket" is my favorite), so I thought I'd give this one a try.

Well, that turned about to be a great decision! I thought it was a solid album and I might consider actually buying this (I'm usually super careful about buying albums unless they're from my favorites or on sale then I go crazy). My favorites are "Long Way Down", "Diving in Deep", and "I Need a River" on first listen.

[zjames]

"Long Way Down" and "I Need A River" are my favorites so far.

[vann]

I loved "All the Love You Left Me" what a powerful lyric and song! but I liked how Sara made all this album sounds so smooth and easy.I have to listen more to pick up other favorites but it is such a solid work. ;)

[.indulgecountry]

Any estimates for how much this might sell in its opening week?

[bboat11]

^^Along a similar vein, if this hits #1 on the album charts, does that mean she will be the second female artist to EVER take an independently-released album to #1 on the albums chart since Martina was the first with Everlasting back in 2014? Or does this not technically count as an "independent" release since Sara started her own label?

[onebuffalo]

Jul 23, 2017 13:32:25 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

^^Along a similar vein, if this hits #1 on the album charts, does that mean she will be the second female artist to EVER take an independently-released album to #1 on the albums chart since Martina was the first with Everlasting back in 2014? Or does this not technically count as an "independent" release since Sara started her own label?

I would agree with you and say Words is an independently released album. Good catch with Martina McBride (as if I would expect nothing else from you in that department).

[bboat11]

Jul 23, 2017 14:36:39 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

Jul 23, 2017 13:32:25 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

^^Along a similar vein, if this hits #1 on the album charts, does that mean she will be the second female artist to EVER take an independently-released album to #1 on the albums chart since Martina was the first with Everlasting back in 2014? Or does this not technically count as an "independent" release since Sara started her own label?

I would agree with you and say Words is an independently released album. Good catch with Martina McBride (as if I would expect nothing else from you in that department).

I hope Sara can get the #1! Then that elusive record will be shared by my two faves!

[Kanenrá:ke]

I'm still listening to the album and getting a proper feel for each song but I already know this is my favorite album from her since 'Real Fine Place' we'll see if it can surpass that one or not with a few more listens!

[onebuffalo]

Jul 23, 2017 17:00:00 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

Jul 23, 2017 14:36:39 GMT -5 onebuffalo said:

I would agree with you and say Words is an independently released album. Good catch with Martina McBride (as if I would expect nothing else from you in that department).

I hope Sara can get the #1! Then that elusive record will be shared by my two faves!

It would be Sara Evans' third chart topping album followed by Real Fine Place (2005) and Stronger (2011).

[austin]

"Rain and Fire" is my favorite, its just a great song and a really great FEEL to it. I pass on "All The Love You Left Me Left Me Left Me Left Me" but this is her best work since 'Real Fine Place' by a long mile. It may end up being my favorite purely due to how strong the vocals are. I wish she was still relevant to radio, but either way I will take more albums like this any day.

[Deleted]

With all the praise this is getting here, I need to hear it. I just need to find the time. I have always liked Sara, so I hope this is successful for her.

[.indulgecountry]

Even though she doesn't have a radio presence this go around, it feels like she's definitely making up for it in the promo rounds with all these live videos of her answering fan questions and performing and interacting with people on social media and getting buzz online from reviews and articles, too. I hope that helps her out since airplay for "Marquee Sign" obviously won't be selling this record.

I wish she would've signed on with a radio promo team that could've actually got her some airplay though. She made a big show of having Star Farm on board but they didn't even do anything with this single, because I guarantee if they had this would have at least 30-40 or so stations on board by now. Nothing amazing or anything, but I definitely think there would've been enough buzz to get "Marquee Sign" to at least the 40s on the mainstream country charts if there was adequate effort put into promoting it.

[onebuffalo]

Jul 23, 2017 13:32:25 GMT -5 bboat11 said:

^^Along a similar vein, if this hits #1 on the album charts, does that mean she will be the second female artist to EVER take an independently-released album to #1 on the albums chart since Martina was the first with Everlasting back in 2014? Or does this not technically count as an "independent" release since Sara started her own label?

Just for you, here is the chart where Martina McBride was tops. Ready?

BILLBOARD TOP TEN FOR WEEK ENDING APRIL 26, 2014:
1. EVERLASTING-MARTINA MCBRIDE-KOBALT
2. Crash My Party-Luke Bryan-Capitol
3. Here's To The Good Times-Florida Georgia Line-Republic Nashville
4. Out Among The Stars-Johnny Cash-Columbia
5. The Outsiders-Eric Church-EMI
6. Where It All Began-Dan + Shay-Warner Bros.
7. Same Trailer Different Park-Kacey Musgraves-Mercury
8. Based On A True Story-Blake Shelton-Warner Bros.
9. Official 2014 A.C.M. Awards ZinePak-Various Artists-WalMart
10. Cole Swindell-Cole Swindell-Warner Bros.

[d3vin44]

Long Way Down
What a way to start the album! HER VOICE!!! Love this song so much. I have several friends who are not Sara fans and not country music listeners that I forced to listen to this album. They chose this as their favorite. I think this would be a great single. Since radio won’t play Sara, I could see LBT having a HUGE hit with this song.
Marquee Sign
Very creative writing here, great instrumentation, overall excellent song. It is very polished and I think most people can connect with this somehow. Great choice to release as a Single, too bad it won’t get touched. I think it would be a breakout hit by any of the up and coming young country ladies.
Diving in Deep
Hands down the worst song on this amazing album. Its just not my style, not a fan of the “World Music” type of sound. I do like the “tricks” she does with her voice, but that is all. This will end up being a skipper for me.
All the Love You Left Me
This is officially my all time favorite Sara song! So so so so so good. I love the way it builds, the words are so sad and touching, her voice just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Gosh this would have been ENORMOUS back in her heyday. I love it when she sings “Sheets”. That one little high pitched word just makes it for me.
Like the Way You Love Me
This is a great feel good song. She just belts it out full force in the chorus. The one knock I have is in the track listing. I’m constantly talking about a song that doesn’t exist titled “Like the Love You Left Me”. LOL These two should have not been listed together. 
Rain and Fire
Love love love this song. The sound is great, I love the “Ups and Downs” and how when she says that her voice goes up and down. I also hold this one near and dear to me as I can REALLY relate to it. It may not be a favorite for those who like solid country music and I can see why that is.
Night Light
I originally wasn’t a huge fan of this as I listened to her perform it on the Opry, but it sure has grown on me listening to the album. What a cool message and oh so sweet. Very clever writing and the harmonies are fantastic.
I Need a River
It seems this is an early fan favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fine enough song, but to me it sounds like a cut from Stronger or Slow Me Down, which are my least favorite Sara albums. Not the best, not the worst, just average to me.
I Don't Trust Myself
This song is the definition of a grower for me. Was not a big fan on first listen, but wow is it good. Her vibrato is so awesome on this song. It is very pretty and it also does a great job at painting a picture in my head. I’m seeing basically the Stronger video, but in a night time setting with her pacing around and looking at the phone and contemplating the rack of wine in her kitchen…
Make Room at the Bottom
On one hand, I like Ashley Monroe’s version better because she sounds more fragile/hurt. Then again, Sara sounds stronger and that resonates with me because she’s a strong person breaking down where Ashley already sound broken down. Not sure if that makes sense, but I think I like both versions equally for opposite reasons. Haha Such a pretty yet sad song. Love the harmonies!
Words
This one has been the opposite of a grower. I loved it at first and then as I started hearing the other songs on the album, it starting falling down the ranking pretty quickly for me. Still a very pretty, amazing song, but maybe just a bit boring. The high notes are the best part!
I Want You
This is so incredibly soft and pure, yet her voice cuts through glass at her higher register. I have never heard her do anything like this and I love that she continues to grow and push herself vocally. Just when you think she reached her vocal limit, she pushes higher on this. This is a standout!
Letting You Go
This song is absolutely sweet and touching. It is wonderful that she was able to include something so personal to her first born on this album. It is just a tad boring for me though. I’m also not a parent, so not the easiest to relate to.
A Little Bit Stronger (Acoustic)
Of course this is a great song, and I love the acoustic version. However, I’m not sure it is so outstanding that it needed to be included. Not complaining though!


Now I will attempt to rank them.... I'm sure my rankings will continue to change, but here they are as of today!

1. All the Love You Left Me
2. Long Way Down
3. Rain and Fire
4. Marquee Sign
5. I Don't Trust Myself
6. I Want You
7. Make Room at the Bottom
8. Night Light
9. Like the Way You Love Me
10. I Need a River
11. Words
12. Letting You Go
13. Diving in Deep

I refuse to rank Stronger, it is already solid in my head and its acoustic, so just too different to rank here.  

[Deleted]

It was so good! My favorites were "All the Love You Left Me", "Diving in Deep", "I Don't Trust Myself" and "Letting Me Go".

Plus, she sounds like she's in top vocal form. She sounded amazing. It actually surprised me a little bit, I don't know why, but I was surprised.

[kansasmeetsmo]

Jul 23, 2017 17:12:07 GMT -5 Kanenrá:ke said:

I'm still listening to the album and getting a proper feel for each song but I already know this is my favorite album from her since 'Real Fine Place' we'll see if it can surpass that one or not with a few more listens!

Totally agree, probably my favorite since a "Real Fine Place" too.  I haven't hated anything since then, but none of it has really stuck with me. That being said I always love hearing Sara Evans voice and am glad that this album has surpassed my expectations.  I cannot wait to dive into this album deeper.

[George Strait Junkie]

damn what a great album her best since her first i cant figure out a order of the songs so i will for now just give you my top 5 favorites

1. Long Way Down - might be my favorite of her career love it so much
2. I Can't Trust Myself - such a unique song love it
3. Words - what can i say about this one it slays
4. Night Light
5. All The Love You Left Me

i really love the acoustic version of "Stronger" maybe better than the original

the only track i dont care for and i know i'll get killed for it cause it seems to be alot of ya'lls favorite thats "Rain & FIre" that song annoys me sorry

[.indulgecountry]

No sales predictions yet for this?

[someguy]

Jul 27, 2017 23:46:40 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

No sales predictions yet for this?

Unfortunately, she hasn't sold enough to show up in HITS' predictions for next week. I'm hoping that she can at least clear 10,000 copies, but I don't know. I still haven't bought it yet because I haven't found it anywhere (and I won't pay the $18.73 that Amazon is charging).

[bboat11]

Jul 28, 2017 1:58:42 GMT -5 someguy said:

Jul 27, 2017 23:46:40 GMT -5 .indulgecountry said:

No sales predictions yet for this?

Unfortunately, she hasn't sold enough to show up in HITS' predictions for next week. I'm hoping that she can at least clear 10,000 copies, but I don't know. I still haven't bought it yet because I haven't found it anywhere (and I won't pay the $18.73 that Amazon is charging).

I definitely thought she has been selling better than that... She's been in the top 5 country albums on iTunes for most of the past week! Chris Stapleton got back ahead of her after a day or so, but ever since then she has pretty much had no problem staying ahead of other big sellers like Luke Combs, Zac Brown Band, and the ever-present Montevallo. And she seems to have absolutely TROUNCED Parmalee, whose album has only sold like 20 copies and already fallen to #12 on the albums chart.

[.indulgecountry]

Well at least she bested Parmalee then, lol. :)

I'm just hoping for something close to 10,000 copies and a Top 5 debut on the chart would be nice. <3

[Hunter]

Looks like this sold around 9,195 copies in its first week.

[Troublemaker]

Sadly because of streaming she isn't in the top 50 although she had the 16th best selling album

[someguy]

I was finally able to get this, and I like it. My initial favourites are "Rain And Fire" and "I Need A River", but I'm sure that will change over time. I think it's neat that Sara has now included acoustic versions of probably her two biggest hits ("Born To Fly" and "A Little Bit Stronger") on her later albums. I think it's a nice way to close out the record.

Hopefully this will do well enough that she will be able to continue to self-release new music.

[onebuffalo]

Aug 2, 2017 19:09:37 GMT -5 fearlessarrow said:

Debut for Words on Billboard
(SPS included)
Billboard 200: #46
Top Country Albums: #4 (behind Chris Stapleton's From A Room: Volume 1 and Traveller, and Luke Comb's This One's For You)

(pure album sales)
Top Album Sales: #17 (#2 for country albums behind From A Room: Volume 1)

It also debuts at #2 on the Independent Albums chart behind Nine Inch Nail's Add Violence EP.

[toomuchboy]

I love this album, and I'd say it's probably her best since Restless actually. I don't hate anything on the album. My favorites so far are "Words," "Rain and Fire," "I Want You," and "Marquee Sign."