Modern country music is incredibly difficult to define. From the classic tunes of Toby Keith to the rocking-out songs of Keith Urban and the almost-pop, personal love ballads of Taylor Swift, country music continues to show its versatility. Duo Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland only solidify that characteristic, and with The Incredible Machine, the pair's fourth album, the limits on what is defined as country music will only find themselves being pushed even further.
There is no question that Sugarland took a big risk in including elements of rock, pop, R&B and hip-hop music on this album. Country music purists may complain, but the great thing about music now is that genre is almost meaningless. Great music is just that; it does not need to be categorized. Although Machine may stray from the traditional confines of country, almost all of the album's 11 tracks are strong and showcase some of the pair's best performances to date. Needless to say, I have not stopped listening to them since the album's release.
The clear oddball of the album is also the first single and most popular song to date, "Stuck Like Glue". What makes the song so strange is that it is the most hip-hop-inspired tune - during the bridge, the beat is all alone while Nettles raps flawlessly. Nettles does this again on the light and simple song "Every Girl Like Me," further displaying her versatility as a vocalist.
The arena-rock anthem sound is a clear theme in this album, allowing Nettles' to show off a greater range than before. "Stand Up," the emotional ballad "Tonight," and the eponymous "Incredible Machine" not only have powerful messages but they all really push Nettles' limits, bringing chills to your bones while you listen. The storytelling takes a backseat in these songs, replaced instead by universal messages about love and life. The refrain, "Won't you stand up, you girls and boys ... / Won't you stand up and use your voice" on "Stand Up" is arguably the centerpiece of the album - and of Sugarland's concert tour as well. When Sugarland stopped here in Charlottesville in September, Nettles took out a big white flag and spray-painted "LOVE" before launching into "Stand Up," while a little girl carried the flag around the arena during the song, pointedly bringing the message home.
The opening song "All We Are" is perfectly placed, as it is the most rocking Sugarland does throughout the album, channeling a style reminiscent of Jon Bon Jovi, an artist Sugarland has collaborated with in the past. The album also ends perfectly with "Shine the Light." Much like the duo's older hit "Stay," "Shine the Light" features Nettles' voice with one accompanying instrument, this time a piano. The song is inspiring and uplifting and really wraps up the album well.
Along the way, "Little Miss" is a song that could easily be overlooked, surrounded by much bigger rhythms and melodies, but its simplicity and message of "It's all right / Sometimes you gotta lose 'til you win" is something everyone can learn from. Lesser moments include "Find the Beat Again" and "Wide Open."
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