Twice the Speed of Life

Sugarland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mercury Nashville
• ASIN: B000640XPW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (177 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,518 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #68 in Music > Music Deals > Box Sets at 30% Off

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A surprise hit in 2004 and 2005, this Atlanta-based threesome arrived on the scene at precisely the right time--when country trios (Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, and to a lesser extent, Trick Pony and SheDaisy) had proved themselves in the marketplace. Like those acts, Sugarland trade on solid and sometimes intricate harmonies and a killer lead vocalist. In this case, the full-tilt Jennifer Nettles plays Natalie Maines to Kristen Hall and Kristian Bush's Emily and Martie. And while it would be lovely to hear another member of the trio out front occasionally, Nettles, a deep-dish Southerner who knows no one-syllable words ("air" is "aye-er"), is a commanding presence. Stylistically, the group mixes it up, from the folk-rock of Hall and Bush's backgrounds to the driving pop that dominates much of contemporary country radio; thematically, the songs largely revolve around restlessness, the need to escape restrictions and find one's self, and the faith that things will work out. "Baby Girl," the hit about an itinerant musician writing home for money and emotional connectedness, is but one of several surefire winners here, which include "Something More," a mid-tempo quest for a more meaningful life, and "Tennessee," in which a radio request line rescues true love. The quieter songs ("Fly Away," "Hello") are no less well written and affecting, even as the barnburning "Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)," about housewife ennui and riverboat gambling, falls embarrassingly flat. Does this triad have staying power? Well, just as their name implies, they're a little too sweet to equal the Chicks' gravitas, but there's no denying they've got energy to burn. --Alanna Nash

Product Description

Sugarland is Jennifer Nettles, a powerhouse singer with some serious twang; Kristen Hall, a singer/songwriter specializing in searing heartache; and Kristian Bush, a local folk/rock hero, formerly one-half of Billy Pilgrim.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, so sweet, December 6, 2004

By 

Richard Benson "musically obsessed" (Plant City, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Twice the Speed of Life (Audio CD)

I happened to catch Sugarland's video for "Baby Girl" on TV and loved it so much, I immediately ordered the CD. I then went to the band's web site and was able to listen to the whole CD online. I love this CD so much that I wasn't able to wait the two days for my CD to arrive -- I had to go out the next day and buy it at a local record store. I gave the already-ordered copy as a gift. This is by far my favorite CD of 2004. Jennifer Nettles' voice is super, the songs are upbeat and uplifting. It's the kind of music you want to crank up and drive fast down a long, straight road with the windows down and the sun roof open. I was surprised to find out I know and respect all three members of the band from their previous musical endeavors, and it's true -- this combination is something completely different and really so much more than any of them ever did alone. The combination of Kristen, Kristian and Jennifer truly is almost magical. I hope Sugarland is around for a very, very long time, and that they get the recognition they deserve.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational Sound!, September 25, 2005

By 

Woody White "woody white" (Wilmington, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Twice the Speed of Life (Audio CD)

After the 1st few seconds of this CD, I was utterly amazed at Jennifer Nettles voice and lyrical originality. I bought this CD just to hear something different and am truly surprised that Sugarland is not more popular than they are. I expect that her voice and the talent of the songwriting and background sounds will set higher standards in Nashville. YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECORD!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great CD, March 26, 2005

By 

W. Dunn "country music fan" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Twice the Speed of Life (Audio CD)

This is a great CD. For those reviewers who can't stand the twang, let me remind you that this is a COUNTRY cd and that Jennifer is from Georgia. Southern accents just make the music more real and less processed. Her voice is very strong and makes everything sound upbeat. There are way too many female artists singing "sad" songs, so Sugarland is a great new alternative to this. Something More, Tennessee, Down In MS, and Baby Girl are my favorites. I rarely have 4 favorites on one CD. Go out and get it if you are a true country fan. This is one of my top 5 albums along with Mud on the Tires, Long Black Train, Julie Roberts, and When the Sun Goes Down.