Everlasting is the twelfth studio album by American country music artist Martina McBride. It was released on April 8, 2014, on McBride's own label through Kobalt Label Services. The album features covers of soul and R&B songs. It was produced by Don Was and includes duets with Gavin DeGraw and Kelly Clarkson.
Critical reception
Everlasting garnered generally positive reception from five music critics. At The Oakland Press, Gary Graff rated the album three stars out of four, saying how the release "is a welcome and successful exercise in creative stretching." Stephen Thomas Erlewine rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking how "There's warmth in Was' production and honey in McBride's voice and if the combination can sometimes result in too-sweet tea, it's nevertheless soothing." At USA Today, Jerry Shriver rated the album three stars out of four, indicating how "Covering classic soul tunes is an overdone concept, but this well chosen collection shines". Jon Freeman of Country Weekly graded the album an A−, writing that "Overall the recording sounds great—warm and intimate without sacrificing polish." At The Boston Globe, Sarah Rodman gave a positive review, stating that the release "finds the mighty-voiced McBride deftly tackling a clutch of pop, soul, and blues tunes complete with horns, a sultry Southern organ sound, and heavenly harmonies from the McCrary Sisters."
McBride embarked on the Everlasting Tour in supporting of the album beginning May 8, 2014, in Kansas.
Track listing
Personnel
Rayse Biggs – trumpet Tom Bukovac – acoustic and electric guitars Vinnie Ciesielski – trumpet Kelly Clarkson – duet vocals on "In the Basement" Eric Darken – percussion Gavin DeGraw – duet vocals on "Bring It On Home to Me" Charles Dixon – viola, violin Shannon Forrest – drums, percussion Edward Gooch – trombone Vicki Hampton – backing vocals Mike Henderson – electric guitar, harmonica Timothy Hewitt – alto saxophone John Hinchey – trombone Jim Hoke – horn arrangements, tenor saxophone Dann Huff – electric guitar Charlie Judge – organ, piano, strings Randy Leago – baritone saxophone Martina McBride – handclaps, acoustic guitar, lead and backing vocals Alfreda McCrary – handclaps, backing vocals Ann McCrary – handclaps, backing vocals Regina McCrary – handclaps, backing vocals Kevin McKendree – organ, piano, Wurlitzer Jim Medlin – Fender Rhodes, organ, piano, Wurlitzer Andrea Merritt – backing vocals Gordon Mote – Farfisa organ, piano Wendy Moten – backing vocals Patrick O'Conner – drums Steve Patrick – flugelhorn, trumpet Luis Resto – keyboards Michael Rhodes – bass guitar Paul Riser – horn arrangements, conductor Don Was – handclaps, producer Reggie Young – electric guitar
Chart performance The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, and at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, with sales of 21,000 in the US. The album has sold 70,000 copies in the U.S as of April 2016.
McBride made history with the album by becoming the first ever female artist in the 50-year history of the Top Country Albums chart to debut at No. 1 with an independently released and distributed album.
Weekly charts Chart (2014) Peakposition
Year-end charts Chart (2014)Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard)73
References