Shania Twain is a Canadian country-pop singer who was active and commercially popular from the early ‘90s to the early 2000s. After a long hiatus that lasted until recently, she is once again active.
Her musical style can be characterized as a blend between country and pop. She pays homage to many different sounds (including rock) in much of her music. Some of her songs will have a heavy country influence, others will have an even blend of country and pop other songs may sound more pop than country, and even include aspects of rock. Because of this, Twain has gathered a large and diverse fan base.
Her self-titled first album, “Shania Twain” (1993), definitely had a strong country influence. It included very soothing country sounds, and a strong use of the steel guitar a staple of country music. You can hear these influences in songs such as “Still Under the Weather” and “There Goes the Neighborhood.” There’s a notable upward swing in tempo with the song “Crime of the Century.” Though none of her international hits came from this album, it was very consistent and had a strong country sound.
Her next two albums would easily prove to be her most successful. Her sophomore album, “The Woman in Me” (1995), featured more of a blend of country and pop sounds. This album also featured some of her international hits. These included “Any Man of Mine” and “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” which kept more of a country sound, and “(If You’re Not In For Love) I’m Outta Here!” which had more of a pop influence.
Even more hits came in her next album, entitled “Come on Over” (1997). These hits included “Come on Over,” “From This Moment,” “Love Gets Me Every Time” and her international girl power hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” among others. This was the best-selling album of the ‘90s and the best-selling country album ever. All of these songs were a blend of pop and country that definitely edged more toward the pop sound. These two albums cemented Twain as an internationally-acclaimed artist.
Her most recent album, “Up!” (2002), was a solid album, and included hits such as “Up!” (the title’s namesake), and one of my favorites, “Forever and for Always.”
Just a couple years after “Up!” was released, Twain went through a painful separation from her producer and husband. She went on a lengthy hiatus until recently, when she announced her “Rock This Country!” Concert Tour. She came to Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Sept. 30. Twain, now 50, put on an incredible show, and sounded as if she had never stopped singing.
On top of a world tour, Twain is also working towards the release of her first album in over 10 years. There are few artists with the range and pure talent that Twain possesses. She effectively blended pop and country in the ‘90s, which set a precedent for other country artists, and ultimately revitalized country music’s commercial appeal.
