The Virginian-Pilot
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Tim McGraw snuck up on country fans. In 1993, when McGraw’s self-titled album debuted, Garth Brooks was still king of mainstream country. But before long, McGraw nearly eclipsed Brooks in popularity, going on to score 21 No. 1 country hits and a string of multiplatinum albums.
A handsome face under his ever-present 10-gallon hat and a high-profile marriage to country-pop beauty Faith Hill certainly didn’t hurt his ascent to superstardom. When he wasn’t churning out smashes, he acted, appearing on “The Jeff Foxworthy Show” and in the movie “Friday Night Lights.”
He hasn’t released new material since 2009’s well-received “Southern Voice,” but he has enough hits and star power to draw fans to the Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach. His “Emotional Traffic” tour stops there Saturday night. The tour also features Luke Bryan and The Band Perry.
his set list
McGraw has been varying his set list at shows this year, so we’re not sure what to expect in Virginia Beach. But he seems to have a standard three-song encore: “Live Like You Were Dying,” his massive hit from 2004; “Indian Outlaw,” his first top 10 country hit from 1994; and “I Like It, I Love It,” his chart-topper from 1995.
his favorites
We know what’s on McGraw’s personal playlist, thanks to Mog.com. The website asked for his favorite songs, and here are his top five: Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive,” Kenny Rogers’ “She Believes in Me,” Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever,” Elvis Presley’s “If I Can Dream” and the Allman Brothers’ “Melissa.”
famous ties
Tim is the son of Tug McGraw, a relief pitcher who was part of the Amazing Mets who won the World Series in 1969. Tug later played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Tim is married to country star Faith Hill.
matchmaker
McGraw’s “Southern Voice” Tour in 2010 has led to love. Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and drummer Chris Tyrrell are engaged, Us Weekly confirmed this week, and they met when they both were opening acts on McGraw’s tour. Tyrrell has toured with Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft.
the big screen
Though he hasn’t released an album of new material in two years, McGraw continues to hit the charts. He had a minor country hit this year with “Me and Tennessee,” a duet with Gwyneth Paltrow from last year’s movie “Country Strong.” He played the husband of Paltrow’s character.
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Tim McGraw
I saw Tim in May and he put on a fantastic show and he sang at least 3 of his new songs.I love all his new music and cannot wait to buy his new album. I wish him all the luck in the world. He and His wife are both great singers.can't wait for her new music she is working on to.He sang "Halo" "sail on" "better than I use to be" sounds like "better than I use to be" was recorded with his wife in mind.He does have a new duet with his wife,but he did not do that one,since she was not there.
New material
You focused hard on the issue of no new material in two years, but you neglected to mention his latest number one hit "Felt Good on My Lips." While it wasn't released with a new album, it still reached number one, and was higher on the charts than his single from Country Strong. In addition, it would have been great if instead of harping on the fact that he hasn't released any new matieral, to maybe mention the reason why. He has had a new album ready for release, ironically called Emotional Traffic (same as the tour) since the fall, but his label is refusing to release it because they do not want to let him out of contract. Despite no new album, I imagine there will be some new material played at his show on Saturday.