Timing is Everything

[tides24]

Some thoughts on the August date. There will be two monster releases next year: Garth's "final" Country album and Shania'a follow-up to COO. Garth's is due in May or June. That will give it a minimum of 4-6 weeks at #1 before Shania releases. I'm looking for her to knock him off, and keep him at #2. Tim McGraw's new studio album releases in the Spring. You can bet he'll want to stay away from GB & ST. Nothing due from the Chicks, and FH's Xmas album won't be out until Fall. (I wouldn't bet on a Shania Xmas album. I don't think she'll want to compete with herself). Only other major act is George Strait, and he can't match her in Sales. August looks like clear sailing to absolutely dominate the Country charts. No one but Garth will be close. It will be interesting to see what's going on in the Pop area. COO missed #1 on the Billboard 200 by only 3,000 or so, but those rap groups bring in big numbers. Also, CMT has just hooked up with a major cable provider and will be seen in millions more homes than it is now. Videos will be more important than ever, and you can bet ST will spend a lot of time on them. We have a lot to look forward to. Think I'll call in sick with the Shania Flu, and just listen to the new CD all day! There could be an epidemic! http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/biggrin.gif

[DOC BILL]

Don't be surprised if Garth moves his release date around to try to coincide with Shania's release day. I think he really WANTS to go head-to-head with her. He's got something to prove I think. The King against the Queen-WON'T IT BE COOL! I'm gettin' pumped up! DOC BILL

[Wing]

Trying to comments on both Doc and tides' post in the same message.

Although I wish GB really have the guts to compete with Shania (then people will have no doubt who is the real champion), chances are slim (moving schedule and even slimmer for GB to win).

From what I read about GB, he like to be #1 very much, I seriously doubt he will take the risk to compete with Shania.

With both pop and country fans of all age groups buying Shania's album almost simultaneously it is hopeless for any country only artist to compete.

The main reason that COO never reach #1 at Billboard 200 is that most pop fans did not buy COO until YSTO was released.

Also many fans might still have some doubts if TWIM is just a one time overnight success which is so common in the music industry - kind wait and see/hear before they jumped in to buy.

This time is different, everybody is expecting it will be great and if her first single can build up the expectation as expected, I will not be too surprised to see Shania break the NSYNC record of 2.5 millions sales on the first week.

PS. According to RIAA, although country is still the second biggest genre in music market share - its market share has shrinked to just 0.5% bigger than pop in 1999. In other words, the combined potential buyers of Shania is almost 2 times that of GB.

[whitney]

Garth may be strictly country, but he is well liked by many non-country fans who very well may support his latest release. It all depends on the all important first single.

If Shania is to draw in all the Pop fans, she must lead with a hands-down awesome "pop" single as well as feeding the country fans. Shania had released pop singles, while pushing a different country single simultaneously. I personally think a ballad is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. The ballad like YSTO can appeal to all listeners thus encouraging EVERYONE to run to the store to buy her new album in the first week (or in our case the first second). I want to see Garth and Shania release albums at the same time. Would finally PROVE WHO IS THE SUPERIOR GENDER in the battle of the sexes (JK). Well now I have crossed all lines so I will stop.

TO THE BEST!!!

Whit

[DOC BILL]

Whitney
Cross the line you did Whit! The female gender always wins these battles so we men are a bit touchy here!LOL! I want to see who wins the "performer" battle not the battle of the sexes! We always loose that one!DOC

[TwigDancer16]

Personally, I don't care where shania's singles go or if she beats GB...I just want her album!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/smile.gif http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/wink.gif Lol! I CAN'T wait to her her new music b/c she is soo incredibly inventive and I know I will love it and have a whole years worth of good solo music!!! http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/smile.gif (I compete for dance team and such with solos http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/smile.gif) This year is from this moment, and man I feel like a woman!!! http://www.shania-twain.org/messages/smile.gif
Love Always,
Erika Michelle

[FV]

OK Shania Fans,
we need to start cooking a gooood strategy to get that Shania's new release as soon as it gets out..LOL, besides to watch CMT 24h/7 so to be able to spot Shania's next video right away!!!! I am suggesting sleeping outsite major CD stores, each of us in a major city..that would make the news!!!!!


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Cheers,
FV