Album Review: The Incredible Machine by Sugarland

I guess I picked the wrong album to get introduced to Sugarland.  I've heard of these guys but never listened to them before.  I always thought they were a country band so imagine my surprise when I put this album on and realized they were actually an 80s pop band. 

I immediately jumped on allmusic.com to see what the deal was and discovered that this album is a bit of a venture away from their country roots.  Oh well now I'll have to see if I can find the interest to go back and listen to the stuff that made them so popular. 

Meanwhile to this album.  A few years ago Gwen Stefani made her first solo album which was a throwback to the 80s music she loved so much.  She pulled that music into a modern sound and made a brilliant dance, pop album.  I would say that Sugarland is trying to follow that same pattern here.  These guys aren't as old as Stefani and their roots are more rock based, but they were teens in the late 80s and that's where they are drawing much of their inspiration from for this album. 

So think Joshua Tree, think Slippery When Wet and you start to get at the inspiration for the sound of this album.  The problem is that music doesn't translate so well when plugged into a sterile 2010 Nashville recording studio.  The songs aren't bad, but they feel so plastic.  It's very odd.  I could imagine that if you loved Bon Jovi in 1986, then this album may work for you.  If you hated Bon Jovi in 1986 then stay away. 

One thing I've often heard about Sugarland is that Jennifer Nettles has a great voice.  She does show on this album that she can belt it out.  It's a shame that these guys weren't inspired by Lone Justice instead of Bon Jovi. 

If this album was playing at some gathering I wouldn't leave, but full disclosure I was one of those people that hated Bon Jovi in 1986.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 1 out of 5 stars for Just OK.