Billboard History: 2006-09-23

[dwvanstone]

There are some interesting details in the female country artist scene on this historic week in Billboard history.

#100: This is likely to be the final week for "Not Ready to Make Nice" by The Chicks (formally The Dixie Chicks). Although it only reached #23, it won two Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2007. In 2003, the lead vocalist Natalie Maines criticized President Bush and the invasion in Iraq. There was a strong backlash as their songs were blacklisted from Country radio stations. This song was their response to their situation.

In this week in 2021, Morgan Wallen, the latest bad boy of country radio with nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100, was just blacklisted himself on Country radio stations for angrily saying the N-word at someone in public. Usually (white) bad boys like him get away with an apology and everybody moves on, so I'm pleased and surprised that Country radio finally drew the line somewhere on racial justice.

#86: This week the song "Tim McGraw" debuted in the Hot 100. This is the first song by Taylor Swift who will, in later years, dominate the charts. I didn't know this song. (She is on the charts this week in 2021 with her folky hit "Willow".)

#79: "Sunshine and Summertime" by Faith Hill, slowly falling from its peak at #70. Mildly catchy, and has a great moment where Hill sings a scale up and down.

#78: "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, climbing the charts. I think this is one of Underwood's biggest pop crossover hits with a rock edge over jealous rage.

In 2021 there's a related track called "I Wish" by Gabby Barrett which, for me, is even catchier and healthier way to seek revenge.

#47: "Leave the Pieces" by The Wreckers, a duo of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp. They had one album together and this is the bigger of their two hits. I like their harmonizing.

In 2021, there are only three female country acts. Maybe when Morgan Wallen falls off next week some more women will take his place.