Country music icon Garth Brooks has opened up about his latest album, “Time Traveler,” revealing his initial fears of sounding “corny or bad” and his newfound appreciation for different eras of country music. In an interview with Billboard, Brooks shared his thoughts on the creative process, the album’s title, and his love for curating The Big 615, one of the seven stations that make up his Sevens Network for global streaming platform TuneIn.
Brooks admitted that he was hesitant to record some of the songs on “Time Traveler” due to concerns about sounding “corny or bad.” He specifically mentioned the song “St. Paul/Minneapolis (A True Story),” which recounts a personal encounter he had with a stranger. “I was like, ‘Is this going to sound corny or bad?'” Brooks recalled. “But when I heard it, I thought, ‘That’s scary.’ I liked it.”
Despite his initial reservations, Brooks is proud of the album and believes it represents a true journey through time. “The title ‘Time Traveler’ is actually quite fitting,” he explained. “When I was curating The Big 615, I was forced to listen to a lot of music that I hadn’t had the time to listen to before. It was really eye-opening and it made me realize how much I love all the different eras of country music.”
Brooks’ love for country music is evident throughout “Time Traveler,” which pays homage to a variety of styles and artists. The album features collaborations with Ronnie Dunn and Kelly Clarkson, and Brooks even attempts spoken word for the first time. “I was scared how it would turn out,” he confessed. “But when I heard it, I thought, ‘That’s scary.’ I liked it.”
Overall, “Time Traveler” is a testament to Brooks’ enduring passion for country music. The album is a diverse and engaging collection of songs that will appeal to fans of all ages. Brooks’ willingness to experiment and push himself creatively is a refreshing reminder that he is still one of the most innovative and exciting artists in country music today.