As we begin our steadfast march in to 2015 Tim McGraw and Big Machine Records prove once more why in fact they are the biggest, well…machine. Tim’s latest single off of the Sundown Heaven Town album, “Shotgun Rider”, has nestled snugly into the #1 spot for the fourth consecutive week.
Penned by hit makers Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green and Troy Verges, the song has achieved the revered status of #1 song in the nation on both Billboard Country and Mediabase charts, respectively. McGraw is no stranger to this spot, though. No, this marks his 36th chart topping single and continues to be the best selling song on iTunes country singles chart.
“Shotgun Rider” is Tim’s longest running #1 in ten years. Not since “Live Like You Were Dying”, way back in the antediluvian times of 2004, has he sat comfortably perched in the #1 spot for so many weeks. Though not his longest run at the top, that prestige goes once again to “Live Like You Were Dying” and believe it or not “Over and Over”. Which if my memory serves me, and by memory I of course mean Google, that was the Nelly rap song he appeared on.
Sundown Heaven Town is the second album on BMR after McGraw’s litigious split from prior label Curb. This album’s previous hit “Meanwhile Back At Momma’s” has garnered the Louisiana native two Grammy nominations. One being best country song, and the other best country duo. He is considered for the latter due to the fact that his wife Faith Hill dueted with Tim on the song. Hey, I am glad to see country stars representing at the Grammy’s but that seems kind of a stretch. “Duet”, I can fathom, but not “duo”. The awards air on Feb. 8 and CBS.
In any case, Tim is not short on accolades in 2015. New singles, Grammy noms, and a new movie. What? Yep, our own Indian outlaw will be making his third feature film appearance this May in Disney’s Tomorrowland.
If you have kept up with my previous reviews you know that I do not pull any punches on weak or hackneyed albums. I can honestly say that Sundown Heaven Town was one of my favorites of last year. Encompassing pop, rock and country, Tim never strays from his sound. Even on a few tracks seemingly pulled right from the 80’s synth movement. Check out TimMcgraw.com for tour dates and all that is Tim.
