Sugarland Observes Creative Evolution

Sugarland photo by Kate Powers, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

July 23, 2008 — Five years ago today, an Atlanta trio that went by the name of Sugarland gave a showcase performance to at least two record companies at Nashville’s 12th & Porter, hopeful the gig might snare them a record deal.

Now Sugarland can look back and see a marked progression in their career. Original member Kristen Hall departed in early 2006, leaving Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush to fend for themselves as a duo. They had their first headlining tour last fall, Jennifer contributed to Bon Jovi’s rise to No.1 on the country chart with "Who Says You Can’t Go Home," and Sugarland also earned Single and Song of the Year from the Academy of Country Music this year for "Stay." Yesterday, they released their third album, Love On The Inside, which only adds to their evolution as a creative force.

"With our first record, we were just trying to figure out how to write for country radio," Jennifer told USA Today. "With our second record, we were trying to figure out how to survive and do another record that was successful. This record, we have had more time to go in and explore, both as writers and as recording artists."

Yesterday’s release is actually the Deluxe Fan Edition, featuring an extra five audio tracks, video material and an expanded CD booklet for early birds. The standard version, with the single "All I Want To Do" among its 12 titles, reaches stores on Tuesday.

Sugarland is GAC’s Artist of the Month for July.