Country Icon Tim McGraw Unveils 17th Studio Album “Standing Room Only”: A Life-Affirming Musical Journey
In the world of country music, few names resonate as strongly as Tim McGraw. With his signature attire of form-fitting jeans, a classic T-shirt, and his ever-present black cowboy hat, McGraw embodies the essence of country cool. But beyond his iconic style lies a legendary career marked by an impressive 92 entries on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, including a staggering 26 No. 1 hits. Additionally, he boasts three Grammy Awards and a slew of other country music accolades that have solidified his status as a true country music royalty.
On this particular day, however, as Tim McGraw sits comfortably in the home office of his wife, Faith Hill, a rare glimpse into the personal side of this country superstar emerges. The man behind the music, who has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, momentarily ponders something as seemingly quaint as etiquette. A curious observer might notice a copy of “Jane Austen’s Guide to Good Manners” resting on a nearby bookshelf. McGraw, with a touch of humor in his voice, speculates that Hill may have read the book to their three daughters – Gracie, 26; Maggie, 25; and Audrey, 21 – during their childhood years.
But laughter quickly follows, as McGraw playfully suggests, “She probably read it to teach me. That’s more likely,” all while engaged in a virtual conversation over Zoom.
The momentous occasion that draws our attention to Tim McGraw’s world is the release of his latest musical endeavor, “Standing Room Only.” Set to hit the airwaves on Friday, this marks his 17th studio album, eagerly awaited by fans who have been patiently anticipating his return since his last album in 2020.
A Life-Affirming Musical Odyssey
The album’s title track, “Standing Room Only,” has already made its mark with audiences, serving as a prelude to the heartfelt and introspective journey that awaits listeners. In a style reminiscent of his classics like “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” this title track offers a poignant reflection on a life well-lived. Its lyrics resonate with a profound message: “Start forgivin’ and start forgettin’/Be somebody that’s worth rememberin’/Live a life so when I die/There’s standing room only.”
At 56 years old, Tim McGraw acknowledges that aging is one factor that draws him to these reflective songs. Yet, there’s something deeper at play. Throughout his illustrious career, his records have consistently gravitated towards songs that tell stories about life itself. Life’s ups and downs, failures and triumphs, and the moments when we all make mistakes or say the wrong thing are all themes that have woven themselves into the tapestry of his music.
He reflects, “We all fail. We all have our terrible moments. And we’re going to have moments and we’re going to do the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, be politically incorrect from time to time. But all you can do is get up the next morning and try to do the next best thing. I’m always looking for songs that are life-affirming because they’re therapeutic to me and remind me of how much of a better person I need to be.”
A Personal Touch: “Nashville CA/L.A. Tennessee”
While Tim McGraw may not be the primary songwriter of his material, he brings his unique touch and perspective to every song he performs. For his latest album, he joined forces with Lori McKenna and Bob Minner, his longtime acoustic guitar player, to craft a touching offering titled “Nashville CA/L.A. Tennessee.” This song, set against the backdrop of bending pedal steel guitar and a rhythmic beat, weaves a narrative of chasing one’s dreams. It tells the story of leaving one’s hometown behind, boarding Greyhound buses in search of “three chords and the truth,” and reaching for the stars that hang low in the night sky.
While this midtempo ballad might appear to be a conventional country tale, it is rooted in a deeply personal experience for McGraw. In 2018, he embarked on a cross-country drive with his daughter, Gracie, in his trusty 20-year-old Cadillac Escalade affectionately known as the Griswold Family Cruiser. Their destination: Los Angeles.
Upon reaching Gracie’s new residence in the bustling city, McGraw dutifully unloaded the boxes from the car. Yet, as the task concluded, he found himself lingering, not quite ready to bid farewell. He recollects the emotional moment with a catch in his voice, “She puts both hands on my shoulders and says, ‘Dad, I’ve got this.'” A heartfelt hug and exchanged words of love followed. As he made the solo drive back, McGraw found himself inspired to create this song, a testament to the powerful bond between a father and his daughter.
Today, Gracie, a talented singer, resides in New York, harboring aspirations of gracing Broadway stages. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill recently had the privilege of witnessing her performance at the Chelsea Table + Stage. He shares, “We were in tears the entire time because she was so, so good.”
Staying True to the Music: Tim McGraw on Culture Wars
In recent months, the country music industry has witnessed several major stars making headlines for their polarizing songs or actions. Whether it’s Jason Aldean’s “Try That in A Small Town,” which sparked a conservative counter-backlash, or Garth Brooks’ commitment to serving all types of beer, including conservative-targeted Budweiser products, at his Nashville bar, the genre has found itself embroiled in cultural debates.
However, Tim McGraw prefers to remain focused on his own music and actions. He emphasizes, “I only pay attention to the kind of music I make. I let the songs I record speak for themselves. I stand for what I stand for, and that’s all out there.”
In the midst of the blaring culture wars that have dominated headlines, he remains uncertain about whether these conflicts indicate a significant shift within the country music industry. Nevertheless, he has no intention of wading into these debates. In his own words, he simply strives to stay consistent in what he does.
A Grand Production: The “Standing Room Only” Tour
In addition to the release of his new album, Tim McGraw is gearing up for his “Standing Room Only” tour, scheduled to traverse the country from March 14 in Jacksonville, Florida, to June 27 in Phoenix. Describing it as one of his most substantial productions, second only to some of the expansive Soul 2 Soul tours he embarked on with Faith Hill starting in 2000, McGraw is eager to hit the stage once again.
He anticipates a tour filled with grandeur, complete with intricate rigging and lighting setups, essential components for a major-scale live performance. However, he’s also acutely aware of a concerning trend that has emerged among concertgoers. Some members of the audience have taken to throwing objects at performers, a practice that has caused frustration and concern within the industry.
With his status as a heartthrob, Tim McGraw has experienced his fair share of objects, affectionately termed “soft things,” being tossed his way. While he maintains his gentlemanly demeanor by not specifying the nature of these objects, he voices his irritation with this current practice. His wife, Faith Hill, has offered him a pointed reminder: “If someone throws something at you, do not go offstage and go after them.” McGraw acknowledges the importance of restraint and adds, “You can hurt the artist or someone else, and it ruins the show for everyone. Don’t throw anything that could hurt anybody.”
The Challenge of Phones: Capturing the Concert Experience
In addition to navigating the world of thrown objects, Tim McGraw also faces the challenge of smartphones at concerts. While he acknowledges that it’s a fact of modern life, he openly admits his dislike for the practice. Concertgoers engrossed in capturing the entire show through the lens of their phones miss out on the full experience, the energy, and the vibe of a live performance. Moreover, this phenomenon disrupts the artist’s connection with the audience and dampens the overall atmosphere.
Despite these challenges, Tim McGraw remains excited about the prospect of performing in arenas. He looks forward to stages where daylight is not a concern, allowing for a more immersive and cinematic experience for fans.
As he embarks on this latest chapter of his illustrious career, he shares his sentiment about his most recent project, “I think every artist will tell you this, but I feel my newest project is the best project I’ve done. If I get to the point that the project I just finished isn’t as good as the last, then I probably shouldn’t do it anymore.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of country music, Tim McGraw’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his unique ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt, life-affirming songs continue to make him a beloved figure in the industry. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Standing Room Only,” they can rest assured that the country icon’s music will continue to touch their hearts and souls, just as it has for decades.
