Sugarland’s Kristian Bush Has a Great Voice, Too
I already knew Kristian Bush could sing. His raspy vocals really complement Jennifer Nettles' twangy ones on bits and pieces of Sugarland's music. On their latest album, Love on the Inside, Bush chimes in on "Love," "Genevieve" and "Already Gone." (That's him at the end, singing the part about "My momma mapped out the road that she knows/Which hands to shake, which hands you hold.") And now I've discovered Bush's MySpace page where he has three songs of his own. I don't think it means anything other than he's a musical guy, whether he's doing his own thing or doing the Sugarland thing. In fact, in a lot of ways, it makes me respect the singer-songwriter in him even more. Because nothing says I Am Not Just Part of The Nashville Machine more than a meagerly publicized MySpace page devoted to music. Not blogs, not 3 million "friends." Just music.
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Rachel says:
Thank you Alison for posting this blog. Kristian doesn’t get the recognition that he deserves in my opinion, and it is nice to finally see someone taking notice of his amazing talent. Great read.
Twangtown7 says:
Agree with Rachel. He always takes a back seat to Jennifer, which just doesn’t seem that fair.
Kat says:
Kristian deserves respect he has worked hard and has always been Jennifers shadow. Its time for him to be known. And sugarlands music gives a whole new meaning to country music.
Ashley says:
I don’t think Jennifer would do that. They are like best friends. But I am very happy that Kristian is singing more on the Love On The Inside album. Which is my favorite album of 2008 by far!
K says:
Jenifer is talented- but she does get a lot more attention than he does. I think that’s the way it goes with most groups though; the lead is the most heard voice, so they are often the “sound” of an an act….
Samantha says:
I agree he does have a good voice;]
Syd says:
Kristian does have a good voice, I have a couple of CD’s of when he was in the duo Billy Pilgrim. But in a Duo you are suppose to have a lead singer and a background singer and since Jennifer has the most amazing voice ever she is the lead singer and Kristian makes for an absolutely wonderful background voice to compliment and meld with Jenn’s. And it’s not like she is trying to keep him in the background it’s just how the industry decides to market them. In their live shows they are equals.
n10doefrk says:
What?!? He’s more than just Jen’s prop? I wish I could hear more of him since I have nothing to judge him on musically. All I ever do is see him playing guitar while Nettles blows up tradition country music with meaningless songs like “Want To” and “All I Want To Do.”
I was very glad to hear him sing at the end of “Already Gone,” which is a very good song.
Note that I’m not bashing Sugarland in general, many people like their music and I think some of the songs are very strong and well-written. But it seems for every “Stay” there’s something that makes me want to pinch my nose from Sugarland.
Drew says:
I disagree entirely and think he needs to keep his mouth shut. Jennifer’s voice is fantastic, and that’s all we want to hear.
RedMaZ says:
“Too”? First one would have to agree with you that Nettles has a great voice. Well, I’ve listened to some of Sugarlands music by suggestion, and in my opinion, I must say she has one of the most annoying voices since McEntire. I can see why Bush is riding the coattails of the over the top Pop Nettles. He would never get any recognition doing that Roots Music of his.
Luvncountry says:
That third gal really added nothing to the 3some. I like Jennifer & Bush better. I agree he doesn’t get as much recognition, but maybe he’s ok with the way things are.
Not ALL people are “front men.” From what I hear, their concerts are great and he gets equal attention, same from the other reading boards. I liked hearing him more on their last/latest single and I don’t see them breaking up any time soon. I also love Jennifer’s voice because it IS different & distinctive. She’s a lovely, vivacious gal having fun. What’s wrong with that?
ROSEBUD says:
I love Sugarland and think they are amazing. I think they only keep getting better. As for the whole thing about the third member, it is my understanding she chose to leave the group on her own.
To say Jennifer has an annoying voice like McEntire is just ridiculous. I guess millions of people must like annoying voices.
RedMaZ says:
I agree. Millions of people DO like annoying voices, but you have to remember something…apparently to them, this voice is not annoying.
hotelmotel says:
There is a problem with the argument “To say Jennifer has an annoying voice like McEntire is just ridiculous. I guess millions of people must like annoying voices.”
True, millions of people like the voices of Reba and Jennifer enough to buy their music. But millions more don’t — millions more listen to top 40 FM radio and aren’t inspired to buy those albums. Millions more still refuse to even listen to the kind of music Reba and Sugarland make.
So which of the “millions of people can’t be wrong” is it? The millions who like Jennifer’s voice? Or the millions who don’t care much for it?
ROSEBUD says:
Well Red…. I’ll remind you of a statement you made earlier, to some people that voice isn’t annoying. Let’s use you for another example: you annoy me but maybe you don’t annoy other people.lol
RedMaZ says:
To annoy is only one of the many services I offer. Maybe you should try some of the others I offer. You just might learn something.
ROSEBUD says:
That just sounded so creepy!!!!
godziladuc says:
Who was the third member of the group-does anyone know why she left.
Darren says:
Kristen Hall was the 3rd member and i basically think she was let go because she is a lesbian. I dont trust Jennifers judgement, look at this they got rid of Kristen Hall who made Sugarland what they are and then Jennifer Divorced her husband, there is somethin there, I think she is just tryin to bring all the attention to herself personally and i still say she will go off on her own leaving Kristian in the dust, I still say their first cds were the best when they were a 3some vs the stuff they have out now
godziladuc says:
thanks Darren–I agree–I think Kristen’s smooth full voice added something to the overall sound.
Luvncountry says:
Well Rosebud, I’m with ya. Red DOES annoy me, and that comment DOES sound creepy. I DON’T agree with Darren
though. Kristen was nothing out-of-the-ordinary and SHE said she left because SHE wanted to write songs and do her own thing. Sounded like sour grapes to me because Jennifer does command the attention- and rightfully so. She & Bush fit well together and seems he’s ok with status quo.
ROSEBUD says:
Sugarland keeps getting better so I can’t see anyone saying the 3rd member leaving hurt them. I personally could careless if she is a lesbian and had never even heard that before.
Thanks for your comments Luvncountry! We agree on alot of issues, including the creepy ones.lol
Luvncountry says:
Yeah Rosebud, I never heard the lesbian talk either. She can write, she can sing back-up. Perhaps she should have struck out on her own as a solo artist if she wanted the attention.
I love Sugarland & agree with you, they keep getting better.