Martina McBride’s “Shine” debuts as #1 Country Album

Martina McBride delivers the fourth album of her career to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with her acclaimed new release, Shine. With more than 41,000 units in first-week sales, Shine not only tops the country chart, but also earns a Top 10 debut on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

The disc has already launched the first smash single, “Ride,” currently #11 and climbing the country airplay charts, as McBride continues the high-profile media appearances that last week included Live with Regis and Kelly, as well as back-to-back appearances on NBC’s Today show. Tomorrow, April 2nd, fans can watch for Martina on the syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, and tune-in Sunday morning, April 5th, for the premiere airing of Martina’s edition of the highly regarded A&E interview & performance series, Private Sessions.

The TV appearances continue later this month with another exciting addition as The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson welcomes McBride on April 17th.

At the heart of all the excitement, Martina’s new album, which she co-produced with Dann Huff, has drawn enthusiasm from critics as well as fans. The Chicago Tribune cheers her amazing voice as “pure and without the slightest flaw,” while the Associated Press lauds, “It’s not just her famed vocal power that lifts these new songs, although the power ballads (‘What Do I Have to Do,’ ‘Lies’) show she can soar with as much force as any singer of her era. It’s also her ability to imbue sensitivity (‘I Just Call You Mine’) or sass (‘You’re Not Leaving Me’) into a story line that makes her such a one-of-a-kind presence on the radio.”

The Boston Globe praised, “For a taste of the power of positivity, look no further than Martina McBride’s splendid new album,” as The Republican declared, “Shine is fully stocked with songs that capture her passion and suit her perfectly, on standouts ranging from the thumping hit single ‘Ride’ to the twin-slide guitar fueled ‘Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,’ which boasts an intro straight out of the Keith Richards book of ragged and rugged riffs.”

McBride’s powerhouse vocals have earned her more than 18 million in album sales, garnered 22 Top 10 singles, six of which ranked number one, and awarded her a mantle of honors, including a record tying four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year trophies. The Kansas native’s fiery, passionate vocals have created such signature hits as “Independence Day,” “Wild Angels,” “A Broken Wing,” “Blessed” and “This One’s for the Girls.” These songs along with hits such as “Concrete Angel,” “Love’s the Only House,” “God’s Will” and “Anyway” have become not only memorable musical statements but resounding social commentaries as well.