tryexp
Gold Member
Joined: December 2015
Posts: 871 
|
Post by tryexp on Apr 20, 2018 11:51:34 GMT -5
I thought it was interesting Carrie mentioned the album wasn't finished although it sounds like they are quite late in the process. I wonder if they were waiting on the public reaction to Cry Pretty to put the final touches on the album / decide on singles...
|
|
bboat11
Moderator
Pulse's Resident Martina McBride Expert
Joined: February 2013
Posts: 27,412 
My Reviews
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff
|
Post by bboat11 on Apr 20, 2018 18:11:50 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I thought the conversation was going to be about in this thread when I clicked on it, but I definitely did not think I was going to be reading that men don't listen to music with pink or purple colors on the cover, which is incredibly dumb, or a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. Do you have anything to add to the discussion, or are you just going to criticize the people who are actually having a discussion? Critical discussion is what the purpose of this site is. Nobody is slamming Carrie here, or being uncivil. We are literally just having a conversation about the aesthetic direction of this era so far... Lol trust me, conversations are usually WAY more interesting when you share your own opinions rather than shaming others for theirs. |
|
musicfan134
Platinum Member
Joined: July 2012
Posts: 1,399
|
Post by musicfan134 on Apr 20, 2018 18:40:39 GMT -5
^Yes, how dare people actually talk about the album cover that was just released.
I don't like the album cover personally, and I could see why people would be concerned it's a turn off for people. However, it has nothing to do with the color scheme. I wholeheartedly agree with the people saying that it's very Avril Lavigne-esque, which while I enjoy some of Avril's material it is definitely not something I would expect from Carrie. I also don't really think it's...flattering? I just think Carrie looks kind of uninterested in the picture they took of her, like she thinks this is lame. I also think that Carrie should have been the focal point of the cover, she should have been the first thing I notice, but instead it is the glittery tears. This album isn't about the glittery tears, this album should be about Carrie. Every single one of her previous covers did this really well, but alas this is kind of a let down.
"But physical sales barely even matter anymore so what's the issue?" Well here's the thing...when I listen to Spotify on my cell phone, the single/album cover shows up in the background. Same thing with Apple Music, iTunes, etc. The album cover is going to represent the album. So I definitely think album covers are important, and I would even argue they are more important now than they ever were. When I buy the physical CD, I can just take the CD out and put it in my CD pouch/car. When I'm listening on Spotify, every time I go to look at the app, the album cover shows up. It's a lot more "in your face" than it used to be, where the cover used to just be thrown away after taking the CD out. Will album covers turn anybody off? I don't know that they will turn anyone off, but I also don't think this album cover will turn anyone on to the album either. I listen to new albums/songs because of their covers all the time on Spotify, FWIW.
Tl;dr Carrie should've just made a nude selfie her album cover. That would sell a lot more copies!
|
|
Cody Wants Out...
9x Platinum Member
Extrovertly Introverted
Forever Young at Heart
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 9,147
|
Post by Cody Wants Out... on Apr 20, 2018 18:58:34 GMT -5
Late to the party (like always these days), but this is actually pretty underwhelming for me. I appreciate and applaud the new direction she seems to be going in, but I'm not sure if the public will be as receptive as they usually are.
The way I see it, Carrie is an automatic top 10 at this point on radio, but I'm concerned about the feedback/callout scores the song will get. Didn't callout score prevent songs from becoming hits in the past?
|
|
|
|
Post by songslikethis on Apr 20, 2018 20:54:26 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I thought the conversation was going to be about in this thread when I clicked on it, but I definitely did not think I was going to be reading that men don't listen to music with pink or purple colors on the cover, which is incredibly dumb, or a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. Do you have anything to add to the discussion, or are you just going to criticize the people who are actually having a discussion? Critical discussion is what the purpose of this site is. Nobody is slamming Carrie here, or being uncivil. We are literally just having a conversation about the aesthetic direction of this era so far... Lol trust me, conversations are usually WAY more interesting when you share your own opinions rather than shaming others for theirs. I'm not sure if you interpreted my post as being hostile, but I didn't think that anybody was slamming Carrie or being uncivil. As I said, I think it's very dumb in 2018 to think that a male buyer wouldn't buy an album because there is pink writing on it. I believe it's a very dated idea that colors can be attributed to someone's sex. I still stand by what I posted; I WASN'T expecting to see a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. I casually visit this site and don't post often, getting most of my Carrie news from CarrieFans. It is refreshing to see people actually talking about things that Carrie is doing without every person fawning over her and not accepting mild criticism of anything she does, which is what I think I was expecting coming into this thread. I shared my thoughts on the discussion in the thread. I'm sorry I didn't expand on my own opinions of the cover. |
|
matty005
3x Platinum Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,452
|
Post by matty005 on Apr 20, 2018 21:06:47 GMT -5
Do you have anything to add to the discussion, or are you just going to criticize the people who are actually having a discussion? Critical discussion is what the purpose of this site is. Nobody is slamming Carrie here, or being uncivil. We are literally just having a conversation about the aesthetic direction of this era so far... Lol trust me, conversations are usually WAY more interesting when you share your own opinions rather than shaming others for theirs. I'm not sure if you interpreted my post as being hostile, but I didn't think that anybody was slamming Carrie or being uncivil. As I said, I think it's very dumb in 2018 to think that a male buyer wouldn't buy an album because there is pink writing on it. I believe it's a very dated idea that colors can be attributed to someone's sex.
I still stand by what I posted; I WASN'T expecting to see a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. I casually visit this site and don't post often, getting most of my Carrie news from CarrieFans. It is refreshing to see people actually talking about things that Carrie is doing without every person fawning over her and not accepting mild criticism of anything she does, which is what I think I was expecting coming into this thread. I shared my thoughts on the discussion in the thread. I'm sorry I didn't expand on my own opinions of the cover. Except, you're missing the point again. It's not the "colors." It's the font, the "tears," the special effects circa 2003 that are turning people off. The color has very little, if anything to do with it. |
|
mus1cr0w
Charting
Joined: August 2012
Posts: 475
|
Post by mus1cr0w on Apr 20, 2018 21:14:05 GMT -5
It seems like there are a lot of impassioned responses here.
I will speak to the song.
It is a great song. An epic production. One can even forgive the Guns And Roses ending mixed with Aerosmith.
And, while I have always respected the powerhouse talent that is Carrie Underwood, I am not a fan per se. Her fall has given me a glimpse behind the armor and makes this song the first I can relate to of her entire career.
MR
|
|
|
|
Post by songslikethis on Apr 20, 2018 21:28:55 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you interpreted my post as being hostile, but I didn't think that anybody was slamming Carrie or being uncivil. As I said, I think it's very dumb in 2018 to think that a male buyer wouldn't buy an album because there is pink writing on it. I believe it's a very dated idea that colors can be attributed to someone's sex.
I still stand by what I posted; I WASN'T expecting to see a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. I casually visit this site and don't post often, getting most of my Carrie news from CarrieFans. It is refreshing to see people actually talking about things that Carrie is doing without every person fawning over her and not accepting mild criticism of anything she does, which is what I think I was expecting coming into this thread. I shared my thoughts on the discussion in the thread. I'm sorry I didn't expand on my own opinions of the cover. Except, you're missing the point again. It's not the "colors." It's the font, the "tears," the special effects circa 2003 that are turning people off. The color has very little, if anything to do with it. Here are the two posts I was referencing that the conversation seem to be started around: Geez, I hope 5 months is enough time to recognize that that album cover will exclude a TON of people. Makes no sense to me as an overly girly concept, and I think she looks very dead in the eyes. (And I'm a pretty big fan of hers.) I'm just saying it's like a pink/purple/glittery glam shot. That feels super girly, and yeah, I think that does turn off a lot of listeners. Hate to say it! The user elaborated to explain that the colors and glitter were what was making this feel "girly" to them. In my original post, I specifically referenced the discussion on colors. I acknowledge I should have just quoted them in my original post to avoid this miscommunication. |
|
tartanmayz
Charting
Joined: February 2018
Posts: 54
|
Post by tartanmayz on Apr 20, 2018 23:07:41 GMT -5
The user elaborated to explain that the colors and glitter were what was making this feel "girly" to them. In my original post, I specifically referenced the discussion on colors. I acknowledge I should have just quoted them in my original post to avoid this miscommunication. Sorry people! Honestly. I feel like I started this huge argument, and I didn't think what I was saying was that controversial. Even if it's not the way things should be, I think it's probably closer to reality that most men look at a cover like the one of "Cry Pretty" and think that that probably wasn't made for them to buy. And maybe it wasn't! And just to reemphasize, I'm not saying that this is good -- but there's a reason Barbie aisles are still bright pink. There's a reason that Victoria's Secret is still all pink. This is our culture's longstanding association of pink with femininity. I think it would just be a way more striking image against a black background or even like the neon pink you'll see on movie posters of stuff like "Baby Driver." It's very soft, and yeah (ducks and covers), I'd say feminine. But I do NOT think this is that big of a deal. I think the way bigger issue is the generally lifeless look of it. For reference, though, I took a snapshot of the Top 40 country albums right now. Save for a pink-rose color fan on Kacey Musgraves' record, pink-free. (Also LOL what has Pulse done to me that I'm going through all this effort??) Attachment Deleted |
|
tartanmayz
Charting
Joined: February 2018
Posts: 54
|
Post by tartanmayz on Apr 20, 2018 23:09:08 GMT -5
And now that I look at that screen shot -- hey maybe the point was to be quite different than the rest of country album covers. I dunno!
|
|
Ragin
6x Platinum Member
Everybody Wants a Piece of the Action!!!
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 6,487
|
Post by Ragin on Apr 21, 2018 6:05:38 GMT -5
That was a really nice way to back up the point. I didn't take it very seriously until now. Then I got to thinking what country music is, the fan base, etc. why did Carrie make it in the first place? Down home from Oklahoma, songs about God and relatable music. Despite my irritation with it, why is "bro country" a thing? Because all these rural kids that listen to both rock and country identify and they wear ball caps not cowboy hats etc.
This cover, the notion of glitzy, just run antithema to the fan base. Well done. I didn't see it until now.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2018 7:44:29 GMT -5
And now that I look at that screen shot -- hey maybe the point was to be quite different than the rest of country album covers. I dunno! I just thought that. At least she'll stand out, that's what she needs and usually always does. |
|
|
|
Post by travelrocks24 on Apr 21, 2018 9:16:47 GMT -5
^Yes, how dare people actually talk about the album cover that was just released. I don't like the album cover personally, and I could see why people would be concerned it's a turn off for people. However, it has nothing to do with the color scheme. I wholeheartedly agree with the people saying that it's very Avril Lavigne-esque, which while I enjoy some of Avril's material it is definitely not something I would expect from Carrie. I also don't really think it's...flattering? I just think Carrie looks kind of uninterested in the picture they took of her, like she thinks this is lame. I also think that Carrie should have been the focal point of the cover, she should have been the first thing I notice, but instead it is the glittery tears. This album isn't about the glittery tears, this album should be about Carrie. Every single one of her previous covers did this really well, but alas this is kind of a let down. "But physical sales barely even matter anymore so what's the issue?" Well here's the thing...when I listen to Spotify on my cell phone, the single/album cover shows up in the background. Same thing with Apple Music, iTunes, etc. The album cover is going to represent the album. So I definitely think album covers are important, and I would even argue they are more important now than they ever were. When I buy the physical CD, I can just take the CD out and put it in my CD pouch/car. When I'm listening on Spotify, every time I go to look at the app, the album cover shows up. It's a lot more "in your face" than it used to be, where the cover used to just be thrown away after taking the CD out. Will album covers turn anybody off? I don't know that they will turn anyone off, but I also don't think this album cover will turn anyone on to the album either. I listen to new albums/songs because of their covers all the time on Spotify, FWIW. Tl;dr Carrie should've just made a nude selfie her album cover. That would sell a lot more copies! I am going to debate this part of your post. I am old enough to have bought cassette tapes, and then CD's. Both had liner notes. Both (sometimes) had the lyrics of each song on the tape/CD. If someone was trying to memorize a song, they could listen 500 times or listen and read along to the liner notes. So, I don't think as many people threw away the covers as you think. I rarely use the Spotify app on my phone, mostly because of data limits. However, my car shows artwork of whatever song I am listening to that I PURCHASED. If I listen to music on Spotify or the Sirius XM app, it won't show artwork. It shows the bluetooth symbol. I know some cars show artwork from the radio or other sources of music play. In regards to Carrie's cover for this song, I suspect the glitter was to cover some things that could be shown because of her facial injury, but could also be shown as "tears" since the word, cry, is in the title. |
|
popwizard
Charting
Joined: November 2017
Posts: 263
|
Post by popwizard on Apr 21, 2018 11:23:53 GMT -5
I think the cover is fine. Carrie is super-girly, so in addition to the fact that she's co-producing or executive producing (I forget which) and the song shows her vulnerability, I feel like this album is really HER.
As a guy, I'm not expecting some sort of faux masculinity or bad b*tch persona when I'm listening to a woman's voice or music. It's nice that she's unapologetically so girly. I love the colors and they really accentuated the performance at the ACMs.
|
|
|
|
Post by travelrocks24 on Apr 23, 2018 8:17:28 GMT -5
32nd on MB this week.
|
|
maddkat
Gold Member
Joined: October 2006
Posts: 776
|
Post by maddkat on Apr 23, 2018 15:50:31 GMT -5
|
|
carrieidol1
Diamond Member
Joined: August 2007
Posts: 12,715
|
Post by carrieidol1 on Apr 23, 2018 16:23:33 GMT -5
That’s an awesome accomplishment. Although sales are measly compared to what they were even five years ago, it’s still impressive that she beat out many very popular acts long enough to get to #1!!
|
|
onebuffalo
Diamond Member
#LiteralLegender
I am One Buffalo.
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 27,029
|
Post by onebuffalo on Apr 23, 2018 16:34:59 GMT -5
That’s an awesome accomplishment. Although sales are measly compared to what they were even five years ago, it’s still impressive that she beat out many very popular acts long enough to get to #1!! Especially Drake. |
|
|
|
Post by Carriefan1190 on Apr 23, 2018 17:06:59 GMT -5
What was the Hot 100 peak for this this week? It was at #105 last week...I’d imagine it at least made top 50.
|
|
|
|
Post by lady𝓐fan on Apr 23, 2018 17:13:56 GMT -5
What was the Hot 100 peak for this this week? It was at #105 last week...I’d imagine it at least made top 50. Yes, #48. |
|
NeRD
Diamond Member
RIHANNA NAVY
Joined: March 2010
Posts: 15,272
|
Post by NeRD on Apr 25, 2018 15:00:08 GMT -5
This is holding up pretty well on iTunes. Could a performance at the BBMAs be a possibility?
|
|
|
|
Post by songslikethis on Apr 25, 2018 19:35:53 GMT -5
I was wondering about the BBMAs; since she's not nominated I thought that it wasn't in the cards, but I think they would be open to having her perform since she does draw ratings and the reaction to her ACMs performance were outstanding.
|
|
onebuffalo
Diamond Member
#LiteralLegender
I am One Buffalo.
Joined: June 2009
Posts: 27,029
|
Post by onebuffalo on Apr 27, 2018 15:20:14 GMT -5
Debuts at #35 in Canada.
|
|
|
|
Post by travelrocks24 on Apr 30, 2018 19:56:32 GMT -5
19th on Billboard, 3rd week on the chart.
|
|
rainie
8x Platinum Member
the future disappears into memory
Joined: February 2016
Posts: 8,768
Pronouns: they / them
|
Post by rainie on May 2, 2018 16:15:58 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I thought the conversation was going to be about in this thread when I clicked on it, but I definitely did not think I was going to be reading that men don't listen to music with pink or purple colors on the cover, which is incredibly dumb, or a critical discussion on the effect a cover has on impulse buyers. I was prepared to agree with you, but I think you’re missing the point. People aren’t saying that (straight) men *shouldnt* or *dont* listen to music with pink or purple on the cover, but let’s be real — they probably aren’t going to gravitate towards it either and in many cases, such as if they’re on the fence about a purchase, may be turned off. Hell, I’m sure many men would actively feel embarrassed to purchase an album with this cover. Now am I saying this is a good thing? Absolutely not, toxic masculinity is a big issue and this is a perfect example of it in action. But like it or not, it does affect whether many males may purchase this album or not, especially since (I’d assume) most of Carrie’s fans are fans of country music, who statistically tend to be a bit more conservative. Either way, it’s a perfectly valid point of discussion. |
|
|
|
Post by Naos on May 2, 2018 17:41:52 GMT -5
Hot 100: #96 (-48)
Country Airplay: #19 (+7)
Country Songs: #16 (-11)
Now about the toxic masculinity thing... I hate the term, but the concept has some validity (just as toxic concepts about femininity exist), and yeah... I can see some people being turned off. But some just don't care.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 21:05:15 GMT -5
I suppose this discussion about colors must be almost exclusive to country fans. I don't remember anyone thinking anything about the dominant pink in Björk's album cover for Post.  |
|
thewp
Gold Member
Joined: December 2016
Posts: 661
|
Post by thewp on May 2, 2018 21:25:06 GMT -5
Honestly it’s not about purple for me. The cover looks really cheap and amateurish.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Brazilian Guy 🇧🇷 on May 2, 2018 21:41:16 GMT -5
I love how Bjork made her way into this discussion...  |
|
Ragin
6x Platinum Member
Everybody Wants a Piece of the Action!!!
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 6,487
|
Post by Ragin on May 3, 2018 6:53:48 GMT -5
I suppose this discussion about colors must be almost exclusive to country fans. I don't remember anyone thinking anything about the dominant pink in Björk's album cover for Post. That seems random. I'd say pretty much just country fans. Once upon a time it might have applied to active rock as well, but the hard edge left that genre a while ago. |
|
