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Tim McGraw Says Judge Artists by Their Albums

"You Want People to Listen to the Whole Record"

You know the old adages: Never judge a book by its cover. Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.

As far as Tim McGraw is concerned, don’t judge an artist by a single. Judge them by an album.

At least that what he hopes you’ll do.

The “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” singer recently admitted that although he is incredibly grateful his music still plays on country radio, he hopes listeners will take the time to go beyond the airwaves and straight to his full albums to discover what he loves and does musically.

“As an artist -- and as a fan -- you sort of want people to listen to the whole record,” he said.

For McGraw, the real way to get to know an artist is to take the time to explore the entire record.

“You have to get into the album. You have to get into the music to really understand what an artist is all about,” McGraw said.

McGraw’s current album, Sundown Heaven Town, is chock full of gems to explore. The original version contains your standard 12 tracks, but the deluxe version is loaded with a whopping 18 songs.

I have to admit, one of my personal favorites from the beginning was “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools,” so I was thrilled when the song hit country radio as a single.

But don’t worry, Tim. I did my part and thoroughly enjoyed the entire album before coming to this conclusion, just the way you hope a true superfan would.

Friday night (April 24) McGraw will take the stage at the Stagecoach music festival in Indio, California. Others performing Friday include Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Merle Haggard, Sturgill Simpson, Steve Earle and Kacey Musgraves.

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