Birthday Beat: Martina McBride
Today is the birthday of one of country music’s most beautiful and talented ladies, Martina McBride. While her piercing eyes will stop you dead in your tracks, it’s her voice that will reel you in time after time. She has been named Female Vocalist of The Year four times by the Country Music Association, a feat matched only by the legendary Reba McEntire. In honor of the Sharon, KS native’s special day, we thought we would go back and take a look at five of her greatest singles and one that should have been.
“Love’s The Only House” #3 (2000)
For some reason, this record has always kind of stood apart from McBride’s usual fare. It’s a piece of social commentary that you actually have to think on just a little bit, and the harmonica-heavy arrangement is a little bit different, as well.
“A Broken Wing” #1 (1998)
I was standing backstage at Opryland (yes, there really was such a place) when McBride debuted this song in front of a Nashville crowd. Using her trademark range to send the high notes into the stratosphere, she made this song become a female anthem for the ages, much the same way that songs like “Whoever’s In New England” and “I Fall To Pieces” were before it.
“Independence Day” #12 (1994)
Chart stats don’t always measure up to the rest of the story. If you were to poll most McBride fans, they would tell you this was a number-one hit, but it was far from it. Possibly, with the O.J. Simpson trial going on, the story of an abused woman’s struggle was just a little heavy for it’s time. However, this took McBride from one of the pack to the leader of the class.
“How I Feel” #15 (2007)
It wasn’t her biggest hit, but this one has always appealed to me. The production was incredible, giving her voice exposure front and center. Plus, sometimes a good love song just fits the bill—especially if you’re falling in love with your wife for the first time, as I was. One of McBride’s best love songs.
“This One’s For The Girls” #3 (2003)
I have always thought this was her best choice of a single as she ever made. By this time, as her generation admitted to being influenced by Reba, Martina had become the gold standard. The lyrics of this song really seemed to fit where Martina McBride was at the time. I don’t think the Martina of 1993, 1995, or 1999 could have pulled this one off as well, but it was the perfect record for her at the time—henceforth it’s country and pop success.
And, of course, I had to include one Martina song that you need to be familiar with….if you’re not already…..The “Deep Catalog” cut this time is….
“Reluctant Daughter” from Martina (2003)
This quasi-gospel song was one of the highlights of her career. The acoustic-flavored track benefitted from the appearance of Grand Ole Opry stalwarts Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White. It also proved that whether it be crossover or traditional, there was no type of music that Martina McBride couldn’t do….and do well.
Fuente: LimeWire Music Blog
