^Oh yes, I agree with you that Carrie wouldn't really be switching genres or anything. I guess I'm just a little bit angsty because I feel frustrated that some critics just don't see the potential and capability Carrie has to be able to do both Country and Rock properly. I feel like there are just so many mainstream country artists nowadays incorporating rock elements into their music that everyone kind of gets glossed over with the same paintbrush as "trying" to be rock when they're not. Above just incorporating rock influences, I feel that Carrie is by far the mainstream Country artist who could successfully straddle Country and Rock, much like Linda Ronstadt. I just think she is very comfortable and authentic doing both. I showed a couple of Rock only listening friends videos of Carrie singing during the RRHOF, and they were really impressed by that, as well as Carrie's knowledge about rock music and its different subgenres and sounds.
I just hope if this is the direction she takes with this album, that critics won't say "oh, she's not country, she never was" or something like that.
And I really like that Emmylou Harris song. She's still got it!
I feel the same way you do. But as hard as it is to remember, we have got to realize at this point that reaction and analysis of Carrie and her music by critics reviewers and media have almost nothing to do with the product itself.
It has everything to do with Carries relationships and her business practices within the industry that determine a full embrace or a lukewarm reception.
The idea that we continue to believe that if Carrie will only deliver what they want they will embrace her, is proven totally false when you consider Red was a pop album not even made for the format and it was universally praised but Blown Away was analyzed as if it had something to prove still.
As long as Carrie continues to conduct herself and her business the way she is (whatever that is) her position among reviewers and critics and pondents will not change. It has nothing to do with output.
Therefore, and I think Carrie finally knows this, it just does not matter anymore attempting to gain any response from critics or voters. Creating music that follows her own growth pattern is by far her best bet. Country/Rock ala Ronstadt is a great direction for Carries voice, her experience, and her heart.
I think it is fans like us who even believe anymore that she will somehow become an industry darling again, with the way things are. No. Carrie is choosing her path. And it does not align itself with playing industry games. She knows it and they know it.
Just make great music Carrie! (that Is how you reap hot coals upon their heads!! ha ha ha...)
