Disco de Sugarland: “Incredible Machine”

Sugarland has done an amazing job evolving with each album. You never get the same thing, which I think, is a really good thing. If you're expecting a true country album, this may not be for you. BUT this album is so inspiring and so much fun! I pre-ordered it and it hasn't come out of my CD player or off my iPod since October 19th. I highly recommend it!

Why does everyone seem to be getting hung up on genre ?

This album is nothing less than spectacular. I liked back in the day when artists like Queen, Prince & David Bowie [to name but a few] would have a a diferent sound on each album, yet still sound like themeselves. Sugarland has done this w/ The Incredible Machine. I would rather an artist give the fans something new and intersting, thus helping them grow, rather than xeroxing what previously worked [i.e. taylor swift .. all of her tunes sound almost exactly the same].

Sure The Incredible Machine isn't a country album by any means but it is great. The title track is very atmospheric and moody and for being 5 min goes by way too quickly. Little Miss will work well on country radio. Shine The Light is this album's Stay, moving and heartfelt.

To those that expect a certain sound from an artist I say: OPEN YOUR MINDS and do not pidgeon hole YOUR music tastes.

My only complaint is that the cover art is kinda bland. Sugarland spent a lot of time and effort creating a fantastic set and costumes using the steam-punk style for the concert tour, but it didn't transfer on to the CD cover.

As a Country Music and Sugarland Fan, I had an expectation that 'Stuck like glue' was a fluke.... a fluke that grew on me and ended up being a track that picks me up and gets me singing along during my daily commute. You see what I expect from Sugarland is Nettles voice, some strong lyrics and some fine music... That has NOT changed with the release of 'The Incredible Machine'. The sound has changed and good for them! This is not the old Sugarland; but a talented group making great music! It feels more crossover for sure and that isn't a bad thing. One listen to 'Shine The Light' and I was moved.... Aha! There is Magic in this Machine. While Country it isn't; Great Music this is and I am certainly enjoying it for what it is!

I was holding off on commenting on this latest album until I saw the band live, and I finally did tonight (at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles).

At first listen, The Incredible Machine CD had several very powerful and thematic tracks but overall my initial reaction was mixed. As other reviewers have astutely noted, this 4th CD has a somewhat different sound from their prior three releases (as a side note, Sugarland's 2nd and 3rd albums are among my favorites).

Hearing the new album's songs live tonight, and then in the car again on the way home, I am simply awestruck. This release is not a "sell out" of Sugarland, but it is an evolution for them. I applaud Sugarland for standing up and taking some new artistic steps (including the retro, steampunk aura) in a different - yet still familiar (ah, those vocals) - direction.

It may be controversial to state this, but charisma and talent-wise Jennifer Nettles is the closest thing to a Freddie Mercury that I have ever seen. This woman has verve in abundance, and her positive passion for life resonates in their music.

Not to overlook Kristian Bush and the band, who are top-notch as well. Jennifer and Kristian play off of each other so very well, it's really hard to describe their synergy (which we have naturally sensed previously) that came alive in person tonight.

My iTunes is filled with Sugarland songs that are constantly being played, but I believe that tracks such as "Incredible Machine" and "Tonight" are two of the very best they have ever produced, while "All We Are", "Stuck Like Glue", "Stand Up", "Little Miss", and all of the other terrific songs on this CD will be getting a lot of play time as well.

I heartily recommend listening to this CD with an open mind and absorbing its power, its beauty, and its majesty to the fullest. These are not mere songs, they are anthems.

Not everyone will have the opportunity to see Sugarland live of course, but that only enhances the experience. I think it's remarkable that The Incredible Machine has transcended musical boundaries (for me at least), and that it is able to transport me to a place that I've never been before.

In a word, incredible.

I am a big Sugarland fan, and I love Jenn's rich voice, but i was a little dissapointed with all the mixed genres, sometimes it works, but it didn't do it for me personally. It's way too 'Poppy', but I guess that is what is making the $$$ these days. It kinda feels like the puberty album( a bit lanky and awkward); ...I do like the Little Miss song though!