This is a great write up, and I would definitely cite Dolly Parton as one of the first country -> pop crossovers that truly took, but Shania is in a league all by herself when it comes to album sales and influence over where country is today.
My unpopular opinion is that Shania's music with Lange is so much better than what she's putting out today. I wish he hadn't been such a jerk.
Thanks for the question Thea :) In terms of her level of chart and commercial success, no one before comes all that close. You could make a case for Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. But, if you're talking about setting the stage for the country boom we've been living in since the turn of the century, it's Shania for me.
I really enjoyed this post. I was vaguely familiar with bits and pieces of the story/history behind the record and Shania’s career but not in this depth. I also loved the angle you took and how well-written it is.
Wholeheartedly agree with what you say that Shania was the real precursor to the “country revolution”. What she and Lange did was truly remarkable.
And those hooks, for crying out loud! So catchy. What’s not to love?
This is a great write up, and I would definitely cite Dolly Parton as one of the first country -> pop crossovers that truly took, but Shania is in a league all by herself when it comes to album sales and influence over where country is today.
My unpopular opinion is that Shania's music with Lange is so much better than what she's putting out today. I wish he hadn't been such a jerk.
Hey Dan :) Agreed that Dolly is a country-pop crossover pioneer, but Shania took it to another level. Ditto RE: Lange, too. Cheers!
Great read. Curious: Would you consider Twain to be the first major country > pop crossover female act? If not, who else?
Thanks for the question Thea :) In terms of her level of chart and commercial success, no one before comes all that close. You could make a case for Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. But, if you're talking about setting the stage for the country boom we've been living in since the turn of the century, it's Shania for me.
I really enjoyed this post. I was vaguely familiar with bits and pieces of the story/history behind the record and Shania’s career but not in this depth. I also loved the angle you took and how well-written it is.
Wholeheartedly agree with what you say that Shania was the real precursor to the “country revolution”. What she and Lange did was truly remarkable.
And those hooks, for crying out loud! So catchy. What’s not to love?
Thanks so much for the kind words and support Andres :) Much appreciated!