STRONGERWINGS111299 wrote:
To add what a few others have said, on maintaining a positive perspective on Martina's career -
Touring / Concert Draws and Making the Music that she wants to -
these are two factors that have remained consistent in spite all of the changes in the Country and 'Digitial Age' format and in spite of Martina's chart success the past several years, compared to her run in the late 1990's
For as long as Martina wants to tour, I believe she will always be a great draw as she is now - in the five thousand per show range, with some venues as many as ten thousand.
And she will always continue to make great albums/cd's, full of inspirational songs of her choosing.
I look at the careers of Alison Krauss and Emmy Lou Harris - they both have critical acclaim, make great music and they continue to tour - yet one never hears either one of them on 'Mainstream' Pop-Country Radio.
IMO, having a highly-charted single, although nice, is not needed for Martina McBride to Shine.
And it has been that way for quite some time.
Mike, while I agree with much of what you've said...I still think there are other things to consider. As of right now, as far as the material she's putting out and how Martina is being promoted--she's still very much mainstream.
I would have to think that any artist who is putting music out there (whether it's recorded or being performed live) would like their music to be enjoyed and appreciated by as many people as possible.
One problem with the lack of "huge hits" is it puts a cap on how many singles are released to radio. We've only had three singles each released from the last two CDs. So that effectively slammed the door on subsequent songs being heard by a larger audience.
Another problem is the total audience hearing these songs. A Number 15 song has only about half the radio audience that a Number One does.
And...unfortunately, lack of big time hits is going to bring CD sales and concert attendance down.
The die-hard Martina fans will continue to buy the CDs and go to the concerts. I just think it's a shame that the average country music fan will never be familiar with a song like "Lies" or "I'm Tryin'."
Because Martina is choosing to continue her career as it has been, I'm hoping her fans will remain proactive by giving her the support she needs.
“Let freedom ring!"
