Sugarland's Risk Paid Off at ACM Awards
Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles were extremely grateful at Sunday's (May 18) Academy of Country Music Awards as they accepted the single record of the year honor for "Stay." The Sugarland song was a bit of a risk when Mercury released it, as the duo noted in its acceptance speech. It's nearly five minutes long, and it features just two instruments: Kristian's acoustic guitar and brother Brandon Bush's organ.
What they didn't say during the speech is that it also goes against the grain at radio lyrically. Programmers have for decades preached positive, uptempo songs. "Stay" is a ballad about a gut-wrenching love triangle -- and it's not even the traditional message from a wife's point of view. It's actually a sensitive examination of the torment the other woman faces.
The commercial risk involved in getting an abnormal song on the radio is immense. But when the risk pays off, it pays off big -- at least on the awards circuit. The rival Country Music Association's song of the year category is illuminating: In 41 years, the winner has invoked death 14 times -- 16 if you add the near-death setting of "Where've You Been" and the musical-death storyline of "Murder on Music Row."
And it's particularly true in recent times: For five straight years, from 2002-2006, the victorious title had a life-ending lyric.
The song of the year in '96 has proved particularly utilitarian. "Go Rest High on That Mountain," a lengthy eulogy, was likewise a risky single. It not only won the award, but Vince Gill continues to sing it at funerals for the likes of Eddy Arnold, Johnny Russell, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves and -- two years ago this week (May 26) -- Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker.
"Stay" won't likely be heard at many funerals. But it's unique and powerful enough that it will likely be a source of emotional strength for a lot of other women -- and men -- who find themselves having to end a destructive romance long after its non-uptempo sounds fade from the radio.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Judith Mallernee says:
I just wanted to let you know that, from the point of view of a 66 year old woman, “Stay” is a fantastic song. It’s actually a very positive message about taking care of yourself and moving on with your life. When I hear it on the radio, I can visualize what it would look like on video. The delivery by Sugarland evokes a little of the emotional delivery of Janis Joplin.
mojo says:
Best summary I’ve have read so far regarding the song Stay. This was a big risk to take and yes sometimes risks are a big gamble and the payoff could be a bust or huge and thats what you saw at the AMA’s…The payoff. Forget what everyone’s opinion is for a moment and see the reaction from jennifer’s own colleagues when Stay was announced the winner; other songwriters realize the gamble and for that she should be respected.
Also the delivery of the message was powerful. Not many could’ve delivered the emotions of this song any better then her. If there is one thing I notice from country artists they all respect each other and to see standing ovations for this song at the last CMA’s and the other night tells me how difficult of a piece this is and how well it was written and produced.
This might not be a song loved by all but the guts to record it she be respected.
mojo says:
Judith - I couldn’t agree with you more. This song is about redemption and gaining strength by moving on. The song was creatively done from a different perspective and that was the gamble and the part that some had difficulty with.
Her delivery of it was what impressed me. Songs can be written well but fail on production and this was beautifully produced. The emotion she delivered was joplin like and something that Jennifer seemed to be going through in her life back then. Takes guts for any artists to put your emotions out there for all to see.
Lisa says:
I think that Sugarland has exceptional talent, and has been able to allow listeners how one must feel when she is the other person in love, being lied to, like so many single women out there. I love the ending because of the strength shown to get out of the relationship, and no one but Jennifer Nettles has the voice and talent to sing about it. I think the song will inspire other women to “Stay” out of a love triangle.
mark says:
sugarland made a brilliant piece of a creative masterpiece with STAY, by keeping the song simple. stay really goes beyond what the song suggests. stay goes even deeper into the painful harsh reality of ending a relationship. the courage it took jennifer to put herself out there for all to see in her heart wrenching performence in the video, was stuning, breathtaking, and heart touching. i applaud sugarland for having the creativity to go against the grain musically and reach out for unlimeted heights in music. jennifer is not only an incredible musician. she is an amazing singer/song writer. i look forward to sugarland to keep coming out with more fun, sassy, and emotional music.
Sugar Jane says:
HELLO MY NAME IS SUGAR JANE I AM GUST SYIN THA YOU GUYS ARE SO COL MY PAESNTS NAMED ME AFTRER YOU SUGAR HEHE
Sugar’s momma says:
Dear Sugar Land,
I want you to know that I really love you guys and Sugar Jane does too. Her favorite song is “Stay” Well I need to go Sugar is running a muck. Bye.
~Sugar momma~
AllanLCampbell says:
“Stay” is a different type of cheating song from the wife’s point of view. The traditional cheating song is usually from the point of view of one of the cheaters. In this song Jennifer sings that her character in the song wants her husband to stay with her and stop cheating.
Woooo Yeah says:
Anybody know why the dude is considered a part of the “group?” The only thing I’ve heard him sing is “yeah yeah yeah yeah” on “Settlin’” Clearly riding the coat tails of the “Jennifer Nettles Show.”
alyssa says:
Kristian sings background/harmony and is the lead guitar/mandolin player. He has solo singing parts when they perform “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” and their own duet, “These Are the Days”. Just because he doesn’t sing lead all the time doesn’t mean that he doesn’t put just as much effort into Sugarland as Jenn does. He is very involved in the song writing process and is just as good of a song writer as Jenn is, they write all of their own stuff. Kristian plays a huge role in Sugarland when it comes to recording albums, that is his favorite thing to do, while Jenn’s favorite thing is performing. That’s not to say that Kristian doesn’t have a ridiculous amount of energy, smiles, and love for the crowd when they perform. They are both amazing performers, with such awesome talent…and they’re both really great people, too. If you have not seen them live, I highly recommend it. It’ll be one of the best shows you’ll ever see, no doubt.
jm4420 says:
I am a big fan of Sugarland, and of Stay (though as a musician nerd the guitar sound kind of bugs me). I actually think I like Stand Back Up from the first record more (at least musically), but I see why Stay connected with the masses. Anyone who is a fan of Stay should probably check out Trisha Yearwood’s jaw-dropping A Lover Is Forever, the last cut on Everybody Knows. It never ceases to amaze me.
abc says:
Just speaking of Sugarland does anyone know what happened to the other singer in sugarland she was in the first cd but then she wasnt performing or singing w/ jennifer and Christian.
just wondering
alyssa says:
Kristen Hall was the other girl in the band. She was the one who originally started Sugarland. She is primarily a songwriter and always being out on the road performing just eventually took a toll on her. She would always get super nervous for shows and she just didn’t want to do it anymore. She did not leave on bad terms or anything like that, she just simply wanted to stay at home and write songs. She left in the beginning of 2006. Jenn & Kristian still remain friends with her.
Brenda Peterson says:
I would like to know how I can purchase the song by
sugarland “Life in a Northern Town”
Thanks!
Brenda Peterson
JORDAN says:
It’s a brilliant song with an even more brilliant video. I was sitting in a bar the first time I saw it, and I was hooked to the TV the whole time. I almost cried along with Jennifer. I am so glad Sugarland and Miranda Lambert got the recognition they deserve over lesser talents. For once, artistry trumps commerce.