Garth Brooks Being Unfair to Fans with “Time Traveler” Release (2024)

“Country music’s core is sincerity” There is nothing sincere about Garth Brooks. Where are the bodies Garth!

Garth can’t force anybody to buy anything.
If this new album is not available at a price that’s fair, people won’t buy it.

Especially now, when Garth is more a nostalgia or oldies act than a hot current star, I find the idea that he can force people to repurchase his old albums rather dubious.

I have no idea what the current market will be like for Garth, but we’ll find out, I guess.

As of February 2023, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has 468 locations in 29 states. If one is patient the box set will show up heavily discounted at an Ollie’s near you. Our local Ollie’s still has a stack of the last box set at $5 each.

I bought his vinyl box set a few years ago because I wanted his early stuff in a physical format and, as you mentioned, CDs are dead. I have little interest in new music from him. Perhaps if he thought it was worth releasing to legitimate record stores where music lovers hang out instead of to Bass Pro Shops, I’d have more confidence in it… Maybe his next one will be called “Master Baiter.”

Garth is the male version of the Shania Twain has-been. No insult to Shania.

$29.95 isn’t bad considering a lot of us bought a lot of CDs for $18. I know a guy that got one of Garth’s classic vinyl sets. That’d be cool. I’m not interested in any of Garth’s recent era work. Like you have written in previous posts, Trigger, Garth’s legacy in the young generation will be significantly less without streaming.

Oh, this is crap. I’d be happy to check out Time Traveler, but I didn’t like Man Against Machine and didn’t hear the later ones….no need for a box set, as a fan. I also laughed at “eras” – channeling Taylor Swift now, Garth?

He has proven over and over again through the years that he is a business man first and artist second. That being said, given the small margins on music today (especially streaming) he knows it’s more lucrative for him to be in the business of memorabilia sales. Which is basically what selling cd box sets is as opposed to selling digital music available to stream or download. He knows he will make more money selling far fewer box sets than he would by putting his music on Amazon to stream. The financial bottom line is clearly his only concern.

I like Garth. I am a fan. I would have preferred him not to release this way but the album will be released at some stage on its own. Just need to be patient.

We want Allen Reynolds and Mark Miller back at the helm.

I don’t have so much an issue with the CD player aspect of this. My laptop I bought in 2020 still has one. You can buy an external USB CD player for your laptop. There are some vinyl players that have CD players together. They have some with cassette and 8 track players in them too. I think this Limited Series is a decent price, but it leaves a lot to be desired and left to imagination. I wish there was more new music, and I want to know if the Triple Live here is the same as the one in the Live Anthology book. Why isn’t it the Deluxe version? That Triple Live Deluxe Version had more tracks. If the Triple Live in this was actual audio from those Bass Pro Shops shows, it would make those live tracks – new tracks. I figure it’s the same as album I already have with different pictures in the book for those Bass Pro Shops shows. That annoys me. I have all the latest albums. I don’t want those again unless you add tracks to the albums like he did for the 1st Limited Series in 1998. I expect this new album to be released in February separate like The Lost Sessions was, and it was expanded to 17 tracks from the original 11 in that 2nd Limited Series Box Set from 2005. That 2nd box set did have a cool DVD added to it. If I’m getting this right, I’m paying $30 to buy a new album that will likely be re-released with new tracks in February. There’s barely any new material just new packaging that says “Limited”. I think I’m gonna sit out on this one. I want newer stuff or give me different versions of older stuff that hasn’t been heard in that format. I’m sure there’s a blu-ray or DVD of one of these shows from Yankee Stadium or Notre Dame. You could stick that in this Limited Series. $30 for $10-$15 of “new” material is not enough for me. I had a reason for buying the 1st Limited Series back in 2001. I hadn’t had those albums in CD format. The 2nd Limited Series in 2005, there was more to it. You could justify buying it. This 3rd Limited Series is almost as bad as that Target Box Set. I wisely didn’t buy that Target one; it was light on new material too. His latest Live Live Box Set – I’m not getting that one. Do better, Garth. You’re better than this. There’s that silly segment on ESPN where they say, “Come ON, Man!” – This release deserves a “Come ON, Man!”

Maybe the bodies are (very, very allegedly) buried in the latest box set, or in one of the many Bass Pro Shops.

Brooks’ business sense is definitely interesting.

On one hand, I absolutely understand his strict approach with streaming and why he prefers doubling down on physical product, box set gimmicks aside.

On the other hand, Brooks has long struck me as someone who cares a LOT about remaining relevant, and him bundling his three most recent studio albums with “Time Traveler” magnifies this. And while he certainly remains most relevant as a live ticket, he’s become quite irrelevant as a recording artist. His most recent release, “Gunslinger”, didn’t even crack the Top 40 of the Billboard 200, and that was released BEFORE Billboard changed their chart methodology to disallow bundle sales. Coupled with doubling down on CDs which are basically fossilized at this point…………..it fascinates me to see someone like Brooks who pays a lot of mind to remaining relevant take a business approach that hinders that as a recording artist.

I used to be a huge Garth fan until he started pulling this garbage 15-20 years ago. I’m amazed at how the diehards will still buy multiple copies of something they already have. A sucker born every minute, right?

I thought Man Against Machine was a pretty good album but Fun was pure trash.

I’m sure there are some rubes who’ll do it. There wouldn’t be bro country without this cretin.

bass pro shops is my favorite record store.

It is not clear if this is vinyl or CD. If CDs, c’mon — CDs are a joke. Vinyl in niche and vinyl outsells CDs. No one has CD players anymore (cue the 5 people who actually do) — I own thousands of CDs and even I don’t have a player. But you either put the record out to streaming services, or you did not actually release a record. Just a bizarre and misguided cash grab. If I recorded a record and put it on a shelf in a closet, I have not actually released it. Releasing something on CD is the equivalent of just putting the record in a closet. Another well-played Garthism.

I can’t help but think that Garth’s decision to effectively sit on the sidelines for the streaming revolution we’ve been experiencing will really diminish how he’ll be viewed historically.

For the entire “90s Country” nostalgia cycle his music’s been missing from everywhere but Amazon.. So, for more than an entire generation now, he basically doesn’t exist.

When someone too young to remember Garth all over Country radio in the 90s clicks on a “90s Country” playlist on Spotify, they’ll see Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, etc.. And maybe I’m overthinking it, but for someone not inclined to dig a little deeper on their own, that playlist basically serves as an historical record of a musical era…and Garth won’t be part of it.

Tough to tell what’s worse, forcing fans to purchase this box set or the album artwork itself..

The promo pics he has been using for several years have certainly time traveled from 20 years ago to present day……just stop Garth.

it’s a shame Itś only for the money and is fans in europe ? not for sale we already missed his antholigy 2 and now this

I haven’t liked Garth Brooks for many years. He turned me off when doing and interview after being on the scene for a couple of years saying “Country music wouldn’t be what it is today without me”. Total bullsh*t!!!!! Many other big names molded country music: Hank Williams, the Carter Family, George Jones, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Bob Wills…I could go on and on. And to gouge his fans and make them buy albums they already have and most likely don’t want to get his new album is totally RIDICULOUS!!!!! We’ve been through Garths retirements then the following year he’d be back again….another ridiculous event. When he did that I thought if you’re going to retire…..just GO AWAY!!!!!!! I hope and pray people don’t fall for this money-making scheme and don’t buy into his new album. In my opinion, Garth Brooks killed quite a few entertainer’s careers back when he came on the scene cause as record execs were saying….your not selling like Garth…and that was a sad time in country music. Performers with much more experience were left by the wayside. One example was Tanya Tucker. She made loads of money for Capitol Records. She had an album coming out and so did Garth. Garths album got all the promotion while Tanya’s got none. She questioned Capitol big wigs and they said to her she wasn’t getting the promotion cause she wasn’t selling as much as Garth. So Tanya in turn said well if you don’t promote my album I will be leaving the Capitol label. And that’s what happened…they said bye bye Tanya. A singer who started when she was 13 and had many hits was overlooked and dropped by her label. Shame on the labels that follow the almighty dollar…cause there have been quite a few albums that have been produced and didn’t chart but they were amazing works of art in the country music world. This process has to change…cause you don’t know where said artists career is going. They may just sell as much as Garth did.

What on earth does he have against streaming sites?

My favorite college hangout was Willie’s on Washington, back in the days Steve Rice would have the Greek girls dancing on tabletop every Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning. They said Garth was a regular performer there 15 years or 20 years before that. I think would have bood him at that point. Amazing he spent his college years in Stillwater and left with no musical soul.

Big fan of his music but not Garth. After attending his most recent concert in Dallas I came to the conclusion that I would never spend another $ on Garth. Between him strutting around the stage pausing, what seemed like between every song waiting for applause and then carving out 30 minutes of his show for Trisha, I vowed never again. I should say I think Trisha is great, but if I wanted to see her showcased I would buy a ticket to one of her concerts.

You can always buy it, rip it to mp3 on a laptop and flip it a couple dollars cheaper on eBay or marketplace.

No one is putting a gun to anyone’s head to purchase this

Man Against Machine and Gunslinger were brutal compared to Brooks’ best stuff. I never even bothered listening to Fun. This is just another way, like Trigger said, to pad Brooks’ inflated sales numbers. It’s all about Garth’s ego. Take away the multiple sets that sell for next to nothing, and Brooks’ numbers would be much lower. This is pathetic.

Or, alternately, you could download the new album for free, and Garth would get nothing. Not that I’m endorsing such a thing.

Are we supposed to believe that’s Garth on the cover?

I’m a huge Garth fan from New Zealand. The boxset will be available in Bass Pro stores (but not all of them) from November 7th, if you order it online from basspro, you get it November 24th.

Garth has confirmed that the new album itself will be available from Amazon at a later date.

Bass pro initially stated there will be 14 songs on the album in the boxset, (there is only ten)

Im hoping that the album itself from Amazon will include 14 songs.

Im not a collector, so I will just wait for the new album, but I kinda agree with some of Trigger’s points.

Can’t wait for the duet with Dylan mulaney

Well, I looked at the contents of the boxed set, and realize while I do have “Triple Live” downloaded, I don’t have physical copies of any of those, or downloads of the others. This box set might be worth it for me – That many CDs for under 30 bucks is a good deal.

But I can’t imagine there are a whole lot of people like me. Most Garth fans I know have EVERYTHING – including multiple copies of every album that came with every boxed set, book, or whatever other special deal GB had to force people to buy the same albums over and over (one reason I don’t have the others – I figured if I waited long enough, he’d have them in a boxed set; the last GB boxed set I bought was the Wal-Mart one that was several CDs of covers of Classic Rock, Country, R&B and the like).

Minor quibble here but the box set version of The Lost Sessions was 11 tracks, the individual release was 17 tracks

It was probably inevitable that a Garth Brooks would emerge about the time he did, and sell millions of records. America was changing, and there were less isolated country people, and with technology changing, it was likely that country would show James Taylor folk and southern rock influences. That said, I am deeply unimpressed that he seems obsessed with his numbers, and not his art. I don´t know if it´s fair to accuse Garth Brooks of ruining country music, but to say he is a greater artist than, say, the Beatles or Elvis, just doesn´t make musical sense, even if he has sold more than both.

Is there a way to install a CD player into a fancy new car?

At least Garth has matured and shifted to making his fans feel like assholes rather than just saying it outright.

How does RIAA certification work for box sets? If he sells a million of these box sets, does each album in the box set get certified platinum? I feel like these box sets are a ploy to get more gold/platinum album certifications.

This has more old man get of my lawn vibes. CD box set? Ain’t 1997 Garth. Let me go print some directions to Bass Pro off Mapquest.

Garth Brooks is one of the most commercially successful and popular acts of all time, with an estimated 170 million records sold. 170 MILLION. The guy has enough money that you’d think he wouldn’t feel the need to pull shenanigans like requiring fans to buy every album (multiple times, in many instances) to make himself commercially viable. Clearly, Garth ain’t about the music and never has been.

I heard him say 20+ years ago on a talk show, when explaining why he wasn’t working so hard just to make more money, that he already had more money than his grandchildren could ever spend. If so, why does he continue to wring every nickel he can from his fans?

I’d listen to Allison Krauss any day to Garth Brooks. She’s won 27 Grammy’s…..how many has Garth won? Only 2. And how could you go wrong with Dolly Parton saying Allison Krauss is what angels sound like when they sing. Invest your money in a performer like her. Real…..genuine and not out to rape you for extra money. This I just my opinion.

Great music outlet. When I go there, I hope I can pick up a couple of Slim Whitman discs, too.

Zzzzzzzzz.

Wouldn’t be SCM without a “Garth making money” article.

No one is forced to buy this set. I won’t be buying it. Garth wants the record for most albums sold. Simple as that.

Guess what, every site darling here wishes he or she could sell and market like Garth. Music is a business and the man kept control of his musical rights.

He is only hurting his legacy by refusing to join streaming sites. That is the gist of an interesting article.

…being in a position that you don’t have to care anymore, whether the things you do actually matter financially to yourself is a great situation to be in. who wouldn’t love to look down on maslow’s pyramid from way above with a big smile? however, using it to milk others shamelessly is plain and simple utter decadence. putting it politely. can’t wait for the guide explaining and recommending, which of his box sets are the real deals by trisha yearwood, coming with a choice of box sets of her cook books or own albums. then again, perhaps still more enjoyable stuf than the mcgraw’s guide how to become really really extra thin or something from the aldeans on identity or small town living.

i really fail to understand why it matters to anyone what an artist chooses to do. if you don’t like it, don’t buy the box set, don’t buy tickets to see him, don’t speak his name. if you want to hear his music that bad, then shut up and buy it. why is an entire SCM post devoted to belly aching about what he does or doesn’t do? more and more on this site, it’s just on and on complaining about an artist’s choice…in what they do, what they say, where they go. you don’t like his marketing schemes but you are only feeding the beast by giving him publicity. stick to album reviews of lesser known artists if you want to be taken seriously.

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I recently heard a podcast where the hosts explained this might be Garth’s way of holding that #1 Selling Solo Artist (in the USA) over Elvis. They said Elvis and Garth have swapped that position multiple times in the past 20 years and Garth releasing these huge box sets of old albums keeps him ahead. Maybe that’s oversimplifying it (it was podcast on Elvis’s influence on Country Music), but I found it interesting.

Kinda what was said above, but isnt Garth releasing these as a box set to continue to have the top spot for all time sales? If he sells a million albums, he gets credit for 6 million on total sales? Isnt that why he has continued to sell the box set format to drive all time sales? Let’s not forget what he went to college for: advertising/marketing. Just another ploy to get more sales for all time rank.

You might say what Garth Brooks is doing, is downright Shameless. (•_•) ( •_•)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■) Yeaaaah!

I get your point here, but I have to disagree. Garth is one of the few holdouts refusing to put his music on streaming services – which is 100% his right. Not to mention that these services pay almost nothing to artists. So yeah, he still sells CD’s. Good for him. He knows what his music is worth and doesn’t want to hand it over to Spotify.

Now, it’s been a while since I’ve bought a CD, but I buy vinyl on occasion and $29.95 is a typical price for a *single album.* Garth is charging that for… what is it, six albums? In other words, you’re getting the new release at a new release price and everything else is basically gravy. It’s actually kind of a bargain.

It’s interesting marketing. Given that his heyday was also the heyday of the CD, it’s likely that most of his fans have a CD player around somewhere. Will it pay off? Who knows, but it’s interesting. He’s trying to get people to buy physical albums again. I think a lot of artists wish their fans would do that.

Everyone’s so upset that he does this..forcing fans to buy things they don’t need to get what they want. Big deal. Ever consider that every “fan” that signs up for Spotify is forcing artists to give you what you want without giving the artists what they need? Nice to see some balance. Also, think about the songwriters. I’m sure they enjoy the repeated sales. This isn’t greed or arrogance. This is someone taking care of those who helped him along the way, while also making some money. There are worse things to worry about than Garth selling another box set.

Gutted to learn today, that the new album wont be released as a standalone album, or for streaming on amazon in the future, according to Billboard music magazine.

This is why people use certain sites to download their music from and not pay.

Garth is the only artist in the world, where you have to jump thru hoops to buy his music.

Huge fan, but this just sucks.

Garth Brooks fans are so lucky to be treated unfairly. I once went on a literal bible belt road trip to see Lee Ann Womack at a Mississippi casino. Heck, I once saw Lee Ann hours after a 72 hour hold let up.

Is he still exclusive to Amazon Music for his streaming? I’m sure he did it “for the fans” and not some huge lump sum from Amazon. What a jackass.

That’s Garth Brooks unironically modeling Zoolander’s “Blue Steel” on the cover of his new record.

What a living, breathing, walking douchebag.

Garth, needs to take a lesson from the people who run, Prince’s estate, they have just re released Prince’s Diamond and Pearls with 33 previously unreleased tracks, two hours of never before seen, concert footage and its available on all formats! This is the type of thing he should be doing.

This seems more like a marketing deal with Bass Pro than a real album release. Probably took some leftover tracks from the vault and polished them up. Even the Amazon exclusive deal seems like a marketing ploy for them. Because you have to think that even Garth knows by now that purchasing CDs, or even paying for music downloads has gone the way of the Album, Cassette, and 8-Track. Sure there are some holdovers. I was a late adopter to streaming myself. But that’s the where the vast majority of music customers are now.

I’m guessing Garth has already been paid for this “album” by Bass Pro. Apple made a similar marketing move with U2 a few years back. Won’t be surprised to see this box set on shelfs near the checkout lane soon. It seems kinda like cheapening of his own catalog to me though. But hey, make that easy money Garth.

What in Sam Hill does Garth Brooks have to do with country music, much less saving it?

I’ll wait for this album to be available as a stand alone. Unfortunately, I have his last 3 albums. The first 2 digitally and the last one both digitally and cd (don’t know why I bothered to get it on cd). I can see why he probably didn’t release it through Amazon considering they had issues with his last album being on preorder for more than 2 years and random single releases in between. Me thinks he is doing this in order the give the new album a chance to at least move some copies considering FUN. Had disappointing sales numbers.

Young people will never hear Garth Brooks. So dumb. I understand that Spotify isn’t good for artists and I wish there was a better system, but you can’t even play any of his songs in a car or at a party. Dumb.

I am a huge Garth fan. I’ve seen him a few times in concert and own every all boxsets but this one isn’t available to me because I live in Canada. Not liking this slap to his fanbase. I understand streaming pays, basically, nothing but there are many fans of his that would buy this new album if it was available to them. I would. But he hasn’t given me the option to purchase it. So I guess I sit this one out.

At the end of the day, the album is pretty awesome. There are ten songs, and I think this is the most country I have heard Garth since No Fences. (not that he didn’t have traditional stuff along the way). Only the song Neon Neighborhood rubs me the wrong way in terms of its sound. His take on the awesome song “The Ride” is also questionable – of all the songs to make less traditional, making this one less traditional just seems wrong. But it’s still a powerful take on the song.

Overall, I could easily see this album becoming my third favorite Garth album, right behind Garth Brooks and No Fences. I am very pleasantly surprised.