By Ellis Frederick ’12, Contributor

If there’s one thing to be said about Sugarland, the country duo consisting of vocalist Jennifer Nettles and guitarist-vocalist Kristian Bush, it’s that they aren’t afraid to take risks. Their song “Stay” was the first strictly acoustic-guitar-and-vocals song I had ever head on country radio, and that was in 2007. They’re a fresh breath of air in an increasingly monotonous country music scene. That being said, The Incredible Machine is, arguably, not a country album. However, it’s a great record that should not be overlooked, no matter what genre it is.

The album’s first song, “All We Are,” is, in a word, huge. The beginning is an overwhelming mix of accordion, synthesizer, guitar, and vocals. This band immediately comes off as fearless and excited. Once the song organizes itself into a normal structure, it’s clear that this is a special CD. It’s strange, yet mainstream and enjoyable. And, somehow, it’s still country.

It cannot be denied that Nettles has a distinguished voice, and it is as powerful and beautiful as it is unique. In dull moments, she shines. This album could’ve ended up just like any other of the country genre, but Nettles’s vocal performance keeps this from happening. She is essentially the saving grace of songs like “Tonight” and “Little Miss,” which might have been boring if not for her.

Standouts from the record are “Incredible Machine,” “Find the Beat Again,” and “Wide Open,” all of which are risk-takers in such a strict genre. I especially love “Incredible Machine,” where the lyrics and instruments defy the laws of country music. The whole country image is abandoned- Sugarland doesn’t play it safe, and that’s something that isn’t currently seen to often in music.

In the song “Stand Up,” Sugarland asks the question, “Won’t you stand up and use your voice?” This duo has found their voice in and outside of their genre. The Incredible Machine is a pleasant surprise to both country and non-country listeners. It is country enough to be considered country, yet there is balance with its pop-rock elements. There is as much accordion as there is banjo, and there is as much heart as there is fun. Everyone should look up to Sugarland as an example; they’re changing the way country music is made, and they should be proud of that.

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