Martina McBride - How Great Thou Art

BORN: July 29, 1966, Sharon, KS

The breathtaking soprano of Martina McBride is one of the greatest vocal instruments in contemporary popular music. That she applies it to songs of uncommon integrity makes its impact all the more thrilling. The proof is presented on her landmark Greatest Hits collection. This super-sized serving of music offers 13 of the performances that have made her one of the most cherished artists in country music, revives one of her favorite prior album tracks and offers four new recordings that place her at the forefront of the style in the new millennium.

Id like to be known as someone who records songs that are intelligent and emotional, says Martina. I dont want to be thought of as fluff. Night after night, you have to be able to stand up there and believe in what youre singing. And Im really lucky -- I still love everything that I have done. I think I have chosen well.

Indeed. With a catalog that includes such chart-topping singles as Wild Angels, Wrong Again, A Broken Wing and I Love You, Martina McBride has surely chosen well. The CMAs 1999 Female Vocalist of the Year has one Gold album, three Platinum CDs and one Triple Platinum collection to demonstrate her extraordinary talents in choosing songs with depth and delivering them with chest-pounding intensity.

What is even more impressive is that her best work appears to be in front of her. The new songs on the Greatest Hits package seem to detonate a fresh explosion of creativity from this artist.

When the idea for this album first came up, I really struggled with it. I thought, Wait a minute: Nobodys going to perceive this as some kind of an end, are they? Im far from done. When I realized that I could put on four new songs, it was a big help to me, creatively. That made me feel like I wasnt closing a door; I was opening one. I think this album puts some space between what I have done and what I am going to do in the future. I loved the fact that we could put lots of hits on it, but also that it was saying, Now lets see what the next 10 years hold.

I cant wait to get out and sing the new songs for people. I think that When God-Fearin Women Get the Blues is really a breath of fresh air. The woman in this song is so feisty. I think people are really going to like her. Im really excited that it is the first single. Weve made a video for it thats really fun, as well.Theres a new song called Blessed that feels like something I could have written for myself. Before I found the song, Id say all the time, Im so blessed, because I truly feel like I am. I was given this gift of music. Not only that, I was given a safe and happy upbringing. I was given the intelligence to be articulate, most of the time. I have my beautiful family. And best of all, I was given the gift to be able to enjoy this, realize what it is and not take it for granted.

The ballad Where Would You Be is very uncharacteristic of me, lyrically. I see that song as very vulnerable and very raw. This woman has these doubting questions, and yet she has the courage to talk about it. Is he here or not here? She brings it up, and thats what makes it so emotional.

When I first heard Concrete Angel I couldnt get through it -- I cried every time I listened to it. I love lyrics that are true and honest. And this tells a story of child abuse. It opens your eyes and opens your heart and makes you want to do something to make a difference. Hopefully, it will have that effect on people when they hear it.

Martina McBride doesnt seek out songs with messages deliberately. Like a true artist, she responds to songs on a gut level. If they derive their emotional impact from social problems, so be it.

I never go into the process of picking songs by thinking. I go into it just listening and feeling. I never think, Ive got to find a song about this or that, or This songs got to appeal to so-and-so. When one hits me, its simply a gut reaction. Then I just hope that it will strike a chord with somebody who feels the same way I do.

By nature shy and demure, Martina was raised on a music-happy Kansas farm and graduated from high school in a class of 10. When Martina and her husband John McBride moved to Nashville in 1990, neither one was particularly sophisticated. He used his skills as a sound technician to build Music Citys most successful concert-production company. She coupled her spectacular vocal ability with laser-sharp emotional instincts to become a performer with both massive popularity and critical respect. In the process, the songs led her to awareness and social sensitivity.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Martina
• McBride
• How
• Great
• Thou
• Art

[bowiehs]

Go ahead Martina, how great is our God!

[346ram]

how great thou art...Godbless you  best...

[JohnnyBGood103170]

Seems like a very beautiful video. However, who is that man in the beginning? It's kind of morbid.

[EugeneGroen]

This is the most beautiful version of this wonderful gospel song, that I have ever heard - it is my alarm CD and I wake to it each morning

[Dovey31]

My favorite version is the one we all used to sing at Church when i was a child. :) It doesn't matter who sings this song people, just feel it.

[johnfoxall22]

what album  is this from ?

[thechippyman1]

@randydean888 Very well said Sir !!

[pisces77111]

Martina's version is way better...all the way....

[ttbaby106]

i have to sing this at a funneral! this is gonna be hard.....

[randydean888]

People who argue about the superiority of one vocalist over another do nothing but show their own ignorance about art. Art is an expression, not a sport. If you find preference in one artist, great. But don't show your ass by trashing another artist who could send you off the stage as a laughing stock if you sang a duet together.

[littlebigmonster]

why argue about who's version is better...it's about the song

[talvezquiza]

Turn it up and feel the power...AMAZING!