Comments on: Martina McBride Starter Kit

By: Erik North

Erik North — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:10:16 +0000

Of Martina’s stuff, I guess I like “Love’s The Only House” (which does indeed say more about inequality in America than “American Ride”), and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues.” In general, however, I’m not that much into her because of her overt belting style (which she often does in the wrong places [IMHO]), and a general tendency for her hits to be a bit too inoffensive.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:07:20 +0000

I would have added Rose Garden on here. She really does Lynn Anderson just with the song, I am half tempted to say she does it better. A good cover none-the-less from Martina.

By: JayJay

JayJay — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:40:08 +0000

Very nice list..it definately put me in the mood to revisit some of Martina’s catalog.

Apparently, like most of the other commenters, I’m more of a fan of her 90′s output. For whatever reason I kinda lost interest in her stuff following her Greatest Hits album. Something about her changed after that and her music seemed to be more about melodrama and vocal melisma.

If I made a list like this- I could have probably included just about any track from “Wild Angels”. Easily her best album for me- and I think one of the strongest pop-country discs of the 90′s overall.

The one track I would have included on an essentials list that didn’t make Kevin’s would be the title track from The Time Has Come.

It was released as a single, but I’m not sure that it charted all that well. It’s kind of a shame it wasn’t a bigger hit- 17 years later, I’d put it alongside “Wild Angels”,”Safe In the Arms…” & “Where Would You Be” as my favorite Martina tracks. I would LOVE to see her do an album of contemporary country with a focus on more subtle, understated vocals…like we got from her before “Whatever You Say” and “A Broken Wing” got her so much exposure for powerhouse belting.

By: Russ Berman

Russ Berman — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:06:35 +0000

I second “Wearing White” as a hidden gem. Also gotta speak up for “Everybody Does” from the Waking Up Laughing album. Very pop, but one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard before or since, with a great vocal. I like the message too, that heartbreak happens to everyone.

By: J.R. Journey

J.R. Journey — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:46:39 +0000

@Kevin: I guess we just have different Martina songs we like the most – though we’re definitely on the same page for the most part.

By: Canadian Boy

Canadian Boy — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:43:13 +0000

I would have switched “Anyways” for “Concrete Angel”. I disagree, I dont think she’s gone down the abuse path too many times.

By: Jordan Stacey

Jordan Stacey — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:20:23 +0000

Martina’s hidden treasures could include quite a few songs.

I’d have a hard time coming up with just two…

“It’s My Time”
“From The Ashes”
“This Uncivil War”
“Learning To Fall”
“I’m Trying”
“House Of A Thousand Dreams”
“Love Land”
“Where I Used To Have A Heart”
“Strangers”
“Phones Are Rining All Over Town”
“Swinging Doors”
“All The Things We’ve Never Done”
“Cry On The Shoulder Of The Road”

all could’ve been included in my list of hidden tracks. there’s just too many to choose from, and many are supirior to her singles.

By: Razor X

Razor X — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:00:57 +0000

Under Hidden Treasures add “When You Are Old” from her debut album. Good list, though I personally wouldn’t have included “Love’s The Only House”. This list just reinforces how much the quality of her music has declined in recent years. I wish she’d get back to doing the kinds of songs you’ve listed.

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:40:31 +0000

Great choices, but I also love “That Wasn’t Me”, and “Anything’s better than feelin’ the blues”. I also think “Wrong Again” is beautiful.

By: James S.

James S. — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:38:03 +0000

Yep, 90′s Martina is superior to 00′s Martina for me, as well. “Wild Angels” is my overall favorite with “Safe In The Arms Of Love” as a very close second. Great picks for the hidden gems, too. I’d also like to include more of her ballads such as “Wrong Again,” “Cry On The Shoulder Of The Road,” “Valentine,” and “There You Are.” “Life #9″ is another favorite that hasn’t been mentioned, yet

Other hidden treasures:
“Strangers” from The Way That I Am
“A Great Disguise” and “Phones Are Ringin’ All Over Town” from Wild Angels

Like Leeann, I really like her first three albums, especially Wild Angels, but I also enjoy Evolution.