Crossing Over

Sugarland's Incredible Machine has gotten a lot of grief from critics decrying its lack of Country material. But let's face it, most of today's Country is just Pop music with a slight tinge of twang. That's what I hear on Country Hits Radio. If you want deep Country then you have to go elsewhere. You'll have better luck on Americana stations, or Satellite channels.

What Sugarland is doing is no different than what many other so-called Country artists have been doing since Shania Twain crossed over: pumping up the volume to get played on Top 40, Pop or AC stations.

But why blame them? A lot of their last album was Pop music. Jennifer Nettles' voice is indeed Country, but here she keeps it mostly in check.

So is it any good? Make a Pop album, as the review in the NY Times said, is okay as long as its a good one. This is an okay album, some good songs will be hits and show up on future compilations, but overall it isn't as good a crossover attempt as the Shania albums. But then what has been since then? Taylor Swift?