Well the rumor mill has pumped out a big one for country music today. According to a Country Aircheck story, via GAC, Garth Brooks might be ready to leave retirement, a mere six years after deciding to shelve his career.
"Music Row is buzzing with rumors that one of the biggest stars in format history has recorded an album and is planning a return to the airwaves. While nobody's commenting officially, we hear this soccer dad's choice for a label vehicle is likely to foster spousal harmony," said the Country Aircheck story.
For some reason, I find it highly ridiculous to think that Garth Brooks could sneak into a studio long enough to make an entire album without somebody leaking the information or snapping a pic. GAC also speculates that he might've been signed to Big Machine Records, his wife Trisha Yearwood's label. Big Machine did not confirm or deny.
In an era where stars of yesterday are quickly being pushed off the radio and charts by younger, more pop-oriented acts, I wonder how Garth would fare. He did, after all, kind of set the example for this pop-country stuff. As Waylon Jennings once said, "Garth Brooks did for country music what pantyhose did for finger-f---ing."
But, to further prove Garth's influence, and that not everyone agrees with Mr. Jennings, here's a quote from Rascal Flatts' Gary Levox:
We've had so many naysayers. From day one it's just been kind of a way of life, really for us. You know, we focus on music and writing the best stuff that we can and keep it on that level, 'cause that's how we make our living. What we love to do is make country music and just try to keep pushing the envelope and bettering ourselves. Garth definitely set milestones for us and goals to reach. If we just stay focused on that and not get wrapped up in the other stuff, then that's probably our best bet.
