Country music superstar Shania Twain's fourth studio album "Up" was released on November 19, 2002 via her record label, Mercury Nashville. Twain's "Up" album was released in a double-disc format, consisting of two versions, a red disc for her pop fans, and green disc to please her listeners of country music respectively. This record features nineteen songs, all of which were written by Shania Twain and her then-husband, Mutt Lange.
"Up" debuted at the top position of both the Billboard 200 all-genre charts and Billboard Country Charts. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), as of February 17, 2010, Shania Twain's "Up" album has been certified diamond, selling over eleven million units.
Shania Twain's Radio Singles from "Up"
The lead-off single from "Up" was "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!" This song showcases Twain's ability as a pop-rock artist. The song's music video features Twain riding on a motorcycle, set in a futuristic setting. "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!" was a Top Ten hit for Twain on two charts: it peaked at #10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts, and reached #7 on Billboard' Country Charts. The song's music video was awarded the 2003 CMT Flameworthy Award for "Concept Video of the Year."
The second radio single released from the album was its up-tempo title track, "Up," a catchy, fun, and uplifting tune. "Up" went on to peak at #12 on the Billboard Country Charts.
The third single released from "Up" was the stunning love ballad "Forever and For Always." On this tune, Twain showcases her mellifluous vocals, making it a fitting choice for any wedding ceremony. "Forever and For Always" reached #4 on the Billboard Country Charts, #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Charts, as well as #20 on Billboard's Hot 100 Charts; moreover, the song was nominated in two categories at the 2004 Grammy Awards for "Best Country Song," as well as "Best Female Country Vocal Performance."
Her fourth single "She's Not Just A Pretty Face," is an empowering tune and an anthem for women in that "they've got everything it takes" and that they are not "just a pretty face." Yet again, Twain was nominated for a Grammy for "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" at the 2005 Grammy ceremony for this song.
The fifth and final single from "Up" was yet another angelic ballad "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing." This song peaked at #18 on Billboard' Country Charts, as well as #16 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Charts. This song's music video is equally compelling since it features Shania Twain performing this tune at a 2003 live concert, on a stool, in a subtle, yet soothing performance.
Noteworthy Album Cuts from "Up"
Although five of the nineteen songs featured on the record were released as singles, several other album cuts from Shania Twain's "Up" are equally remarkable. These include "I'm Jealous," yet another beautiful ballad, as well as the up-tempo songs such as "Nah!" and "I'm My Car (I'll Be The Driver)," which has a rock edge to it.
The highlight song of the album is "I Ain't Going Down," in which Twains tells the story of a girl who had a baby at fifteen and was disrespected by many in her life as a result of that. In return, the girl worked very hard to raise that child to the best of her ability and in the end, she "ain't going down." This tune is an anthem for all unwed mothers.
From Twain's entire record, "I Ain't Going Down" had the most potential to reach the top of the Billboard Country Charts, had it been released to country radio.
"Up" closes with "When You Kiss Me," the final ballad featured on the album, which is yet again a solid choice for a husband-wife dance in any contemporary wedding ceremony.
The Verdict
In summation, Shania Twain's "Up" album is highly recommended for any music fan's CD collection. Although it is more geared towards the pop and international music audience, "Up" is solid proof that Shania Twain has recorded and co-written a very well-crafted album, which is why the album has enjoyed much domestic and international success.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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