The Incredible Machine

Sugarland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 19, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mercury Nashville
• ASIN: B003OUXEMY
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (153 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #511 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #49 in Music > Country > Today's Country

Editorial Reviews

2010 release, the highly anticipated fourth album from the Grammy Award-winning Country duo consisting of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. The Incredible Machine was co-written and co-produced by Nettles and Bush. Features the single 'Stuck Like Glue'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The same incredible pipes, but a completely new attitude, October 19, 2010

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Thomas E. Davis (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Incredible Machine (Audio CD)

Country music fans have been waiting two years for Sugarland's newest, and they will not be disappointed - unless, that is, they expect more of the same. This CD is nothing like the three albums they released in 2004, 2006, and 2008. It's far less twangy and far more rocking, as much Melissa Etheridge as Dixie Chicks.

This may be good or bad news, depending on how you feel about the change. Incredible Machine has the biggest sound the band has ever produced: sweeping, stadium-filling anthems that show off Jennifer Nettles' commanding voice, especially the first two tracks, "All We Are" and the title song. The third track is the already-released single, "Stuck Like Glue," a radio-friendly hit that epitomizes country-pop, with a brief, strange detour into reggae-rap.

The fourth track, "Tonight," is a heartfelt ballad that bears an uncanny resemblance to the aforementioned Etheridge. The fifth, on the other hand, contains the harmonies and themes we've come to expect from Sugarland. Called "Stand Up," it gives Kristian Bush his first solo vocal part on this CD and has the potential to be a huge hit on country radio.

The album's second half kicks off with the very peppy "Every Girl Like Me," followed by another Nettles showcase, a fine country ballad called "Little Miss." The next track is unfortunately the least successful song on the CD, "Find the Beat Again," in which Nettles sounds for all the world like Deborah Harry of Blondie fame. Whatever this song is, it ain't country! The album concludes with a straight-ahead rocker produced for the Winter Olympics, "Wide Open," and a gospel ballad accompanied by solo piano called "Shine the Light." Both are powerful, but the former is irresistibly catchy while the latter is positively conventional.

What to make of this outing? I enjoy rock and power ballads, and since we've heard plenty of traditional country songs from Nettles and Bush, I'm inclined to give them the freedom to experiment. But the CD is definitely a crossover, so country purists will call it a mixed bag at best and an utter betrayal at worst. If that happens, it will be a shame, a negation of the many enjoyable musical moments on the album. And who cares what they think? I liked it.

32 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Incredible Machine, October 20, 2010

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H. Kloran "nolahak" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Incredible Machine (Audio CD)

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.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING!!, November 15, 2010

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eme620 - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Incredible Machine (Audio CD)

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!