I really dont get the purpose of these 1 hour play deals, especially with such terrible songs such as Yeah Truck. Party like a rockstar barely made the top 10 it wasn’t a big hit or anything, so how can you justify another song in the same vein taking up all of that airtime. If you are going to do such deals cant you atleast choose more worthy songs. It is just frustrating for others on the chart as well. Most of Casey’s spins right now comes clear channel he has already lost a lot of spins today because of this hourly spin deal. His spins for the last few days were stabilizing at a good level he would have had a really good week. 

I don’t think that it should be that frustrating.  It would be impossible to please everyone, and crazy for alums to think that they can hold onto all of their AI fans.  They should never try to craft an album that is meant to appeal to such a diverse group.

The way that I’ve always looked at it is that their potential pool of fans and record buyers could be bigger or smaller than the fans that they made while they were on AI, but the non AI fans are more reliable and a better foundation on which to build a career.

I agree that artists need to have a strong identity, but on the other hand many artists/bands only break into mainstream  when they soften their style with pop influences in order to appeal to a more diverse group of people. This is usually the point when their established fans start complaining, but many more buy their material. Looking at review sites or Amazon, it seems to be the case with many rock/alt/indie artists.
But they need to get it right. If they lose too much of their identity, they flop. I am guessing that labels are often behind the push towards generic. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t.

McGraw’s Suck Bah has jumped into the top 20 on iTunes.

“…. “James’ MOABD isn’t “metal enough”…….The list could go on and on. The artists can’t please everyone, hard as the Labels try, so I hope they at least are pleased themselves.”

Fans can’t help but wish for what sound they want for their favorites but the trial & error in this business is costly in even more than a monetary way.  I so hope James listens to the voice inside to put himself, right or wrong, in the place he sees.  IF he WANTS a possible (or impossible?) hit on HAC which at some point he took pleasure in–then go for it again w/singles.  Well-wishing fans support.  For him it may take the “Hottest” AC the HAC category can handle, but if it’s good enough for Daughtry, Nickelback, etc. then why not James for now?  From the looks of the fight to stay on even that chart, fans should lighten up on a blame game–it’s more than difficult & these artist’s shouldn’t be ripped at for trying.  If he finds great ballads (like May & Crawling Home) then go with them on albums.  Many on MOABD are strong favorites fans are “rocking out w/him & the band on tour–Great!  James is all about eclectic–OFTEN he says he likes all kinds of music–what about that isn’t everyone hearing.  Are he & his band not claiming to be having the “time of the their lives”–let them Rock.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  Then be dedicated to the point of supporting his music.  I can’t be Heavy Metal (meaning heavier beyond anything harder than he’s already performed so far)–but I’m one fan, at that point “good luck” James & sincere hopes for the best–it’s again that simple.  The new album may hold Liberate & Back For More–they aren’t for HAC imo but they are “good also”, heavier sounds like a few others on MOABD.  If HAC or Rock won’t push his music, what to do?–hopefully his label has some more things to try.  Lastly, James, right now, has a reputation w/fans who admire his drive, his devotion to family, getting crowds rocking on their feet, fist-pumping & begging for encores at some shows, his voice & a softer side that comes out also (& the f’n rocker lingo too for some lol).  Somewhere he will need to ask “himself only” if there is a lean toward a heavy metal sound bec at that point “just rock & ballad fans” of his may fall away.  A hard-rocker James & eclectic albums may be a less distinguishing & a harder route yes… he & a label have to be happy in the end with whatever fans go with that.  Want whatever sound from him–let him know w/fanmail–but support decisions he & WU make.  So far, I trust the lyrics & sounds he’s gone for–if he needs radio support, songs may have to compromise to “maybe” get a chance at hits.  That appears to be the “crunch” radio has unfortunately put on hopefuls.