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Man Against Machine
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Man Against Machine
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Man Against Machine
Studio album by
Garth Brooks
ReleasedNovember 11, 2014 (2014-11-11)
StudioAllentown Studios (Nashville, Tennessee)
Genre
Length57:43
Label
ProducerMark Miller
Garth Brooks chronology
Blame It All on My Roots: Five Decades of Influences
(2013) 		Man Against Machine
(2014) 		The Ultimate Collection
(2016)
Singles from Man Against Machine
  1. "People Loving People"
    Released: September 3, 2014
  2. "Mom"
    Released: November 24, 2014

Man Against Machine is the ninth studio album by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released on November 11, 2014 by RCA Records Nashville and Pearl Records. Brooks confirmed the album in July 2014 while announcing his comeback world tour. Brooks' first new studio album since Scarecrow, which was released in 2001, it was his first album released digitally, exclusively to his online music store, GhostTunes. The album's lead single, "People Loving People", was released on September 3, 2014.[2]

Prior to the album's release, Brooks told CMT that regardless of the album's chart performance, he does not plan on following the charts, believing that "quality music will show success over time, regardless of initial sales numbers."[3] As of 2016, the album sold less than Brooks' previous efforts, having received considerably less support from radio but has gained generally favorable reviews. Brooks' decision to not release the album via iTunes contributed to its poor digital sales.[4]

Background

[edit]

In October 2000, Brooks announced his retirement from recording and performing. His final studio album at the time, Scarecrow, was released in 2001. Nine years later, Brooks announced he was coming out of retirement to perform a series of weekend concerts at Encore Las Vegas, titled Garth at Wynn. Following the conclusion of his Las Vegas residency shows, Brooks announced plans for a world tour during a December 2013 appearance on Good Morning America.[5]

On July 10, 2014, Brooks held a press conference where he confirmed a world tour and announced plans for a new album. The album would be Brooks' first album released digitally, available only through Brooks' online music store GhostTunes. The original release date was November 28, 2014; however it was later changed to November 11, 2014.[6] Prior to the album's release GhostTunes featured a digital preorder, providing immediate downloads of the first released single, "People Loving People", as well as "Send 'Em On Down the Road".[7] Brooks performed "Mom" during a November 7, 2014, appearance on Good Morning America, receiving a great deal of media attention in promotion of the album.[8] The album was released on November 11, 2014.[9]

Release and promotion

[edit]

On July 10, 2014, Brooks held a press conference where he confirmed a world tour and announced plans for a new album.[10] The album would be Brooks' first album released digitally, available only through Brooks' online music store, GhostTunes. The original release date was November 28, 2014; however it was later changed to November 11, 2014.[6]

Prior to the album's release, GhostTunes featured a digital preorder, providing immediate downloads of the first released single, "People Loving People", as well as B-side track, "Send 'Em On Down the Road", on September 3, 2014.[2][7] On November 24, the album's second single, "Mom", was released.[11] Brooks performed the song during an appearance on Good Morning America, receiving a great deal of media attention.[8] The album was released on November 11, 2014.[9]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic68/100[12]
Review scores
SourceRating
The A.V. ClubC[13]
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[14]
BillboardStarStarStarHalf star[15]
The Buffalo NewsStarStarHalf star[16]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[17]
Las Vegas WeeklyStarStar[18]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStar[19]
New York Daily NewsStarStar[20]
The Plain DealerA+[21]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarHalf star[9]
Tampa Bay TimesB[22]
USA TodayStarStarStar[23]

At Metacritic, which assigns a "weighted average" rating out of 100 to selected independent ratings and reviews from mainstream critics, the album has received a Metascore of 68, based on 9 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[12]

Three and a half star reviewer for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine replies: "There are no surprises, but that's what's welcome about Man Against Machine. Brooks doesn't try to do anything differently; he just picks up where he left off and the time away has only made it clearer how he's different from all that came before and all that came since."[14] Writing for Rolling Stone and rating the album three and a half out of five stars, Christopher Weingarten states: "Garth Brooks returns with one of the year's best accidental rock albums... With ripping guitar solos, Aerosmith-style strings and gospel-tinged background vocals, this is a record that could take Eric to Church."[9] In rating the album a B+ for Entertainment Weekly, Madison Vain claims: "Thirteen years after his last LP, the country superstar returns with Man Against Machine, an album brimming with arena-size anthems, glossy production, and intimate storytelling."[17] Mikael Wood gave a rating of three stars out of four for the Los Angeles Times publication, where he suggests: "His primary weapon – and the quality that most sets him apart from the country stars who’ve surfaced in his wake – is his earnestness. The singer’s aggressive sincerity remains intact."[19] In another three out of four star review for USA Today, Jerry Shriver comments: "Brooks' first album of original material since 2001's Scarecrow, fits comfortably in the country mainstream that he once defined, yet doesn't sound dated... Mostly, though, there are well-constructed songs with singalong melodies and a sturdy voice that show that a decade of rest has served Brooks well."[23] Jon Caramanica for The New York Times looked on the album positively, where he writes: "His first album of original music since 2001, is defiantly behind the times, and skillful enough — mostly — to transcend them."[24] In rating the album three and a half out of five stars for Billboard, Melinda Newman claims: "Man Against Machine is no reinvention, but rather a continuation... So Brooks does the only thing he can: writing and finding songs that reflect where he is now, but staying true to the quality and tone of his past work... A rowdy, vintage-Brooks-style slam-dunk like "Friends in Low Places" or "Fever" is missing here, but that's a small complaint for such a solid return."[15] Reviewing and rating the album an A+ The Plain Dealer, Chuck Yarborough says: "He's still got it, as I said. But even more important, now he's sharing it with us again."[21] The Tampa Bay Times rating the music a B, Sean Daly reports: "But Garth's limitations never kept him from becoming one of the bestselling artists of all time, genres be darned. If anything, his phenomenal success is partly hinged on a common-schlub relatability... But he nevertheless gets dark for a reason: Whining is for puppies. Old dogs just growl and wag on."[22]

In a two star out of five review, Jim Faber from the New York Daily News publication opines: "He should have waited longer."[20] Writing for The A.V. Club and rating the album a C, Laura M. Browning remarks: "For a man who helped lead the charge of bringing country to the mainstream, Man Against Machine relies neither on Brooks' country backbone nor his love of rock... Instead of building on Brooks’ strengths, Man Against Machine is firmly rooted in midair."[13] Sarah Rodman for The Boston Globe newspaper gave a mixed impression of the music, where she states: "Presumably for this momentous release, which would be showcased on his current tour, Brooks was offered the best tunes available. (He also co-wrote three.) But that blandly uplifting first taste was underwhelming... The rest of “Machine” ascends from there, but only sporadically matches Brooks at his peak. The baker’s dozen tracks on the collection break like so: two classics, six above-average cuts, and six songs, like “People,” that are just fine."[25] In an unfavorable review from Omaha World-Herald, Kevin Coffey suggests: "There's very little to make any of these songs stand out among a crowded field of country artists and especially not amid Brooks's already crowded catalog of hits... If Brooks were to reissue "The Hits," I doubt any of these tunes would make the cut."[26] Two and a half star reviewer for The Buffalo News, Jeff Miers suggests: "Man Against Machine" arrives naked and unassuming, though. The contemporary country scene acknowledges Brooks' influence – how could it possibly not? – but it doesn't necessarily want or need him around any longer... So welcome to the world of classic rock, Garth. Better not put too many new tunes in the set list. Stick to the hits, and nobody gets hurt."[16] Rating the project two stars for Las Vegas Weekly, Josh Bell finds: "Man Against Machine isn't desperate or pandering, but it is bland and mediocre, far from the momentous return Brooks' fans have been waiting for all these years."[18]

Commercial performance

[edit]

According to industry sources, the album was originally estimated to sell between 250,000 and 300,000 copies in the US in its first week of release;[27] but the estimate was later reduced to 140,000.[28] It was predicted to fall behind Pink Floyd's The Endless River, Foo Fighters' Sonic Highways and Taylor Swift's 1989 on the Billboard 200.[28]

The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top Country Albums Chart, selling an initial 130,000 copies, below even the downward-revised prediction.[29] On January 9, 2015 the album was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.[30] As of November 2016, it has sold 685,000 copies in the US, making it Brooks's lowest selling studio effort until the following album Gunslinger.[31]

In Canada, the album debuted at number four on the Canadian Albums Chart, initially selling 8,500 copies.[32]

According to Brooks via an interview with CMT, he did not plan on following the album's chart performance, believing that "quality music will show success over time, regardless of initial sales numbers."[3]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Man Against Machine"Larry Bastian, Jenny Yates, Garth Brooks5:17
2."She's Tired of Boys"Amanda Williams, Brooks5:08
3."Cold Like That"Steven Lee Olsen, Melissa Peirce, Chris Wallin5:05
4."All-American Kid"Craig Campbell, Brice Long, Terry McBride4:27
5."Mom"Don Sampson, Wynn Varble4:03
6."Wrong About You"Adam Wright1:55
7."Rodeo and Juliet"Bryan Kennedy, Brooks2:25
8."Midnight Train"Peirce, Matthew A. Rossi5:19
9."Cowboys Forever"Varble, John Martin, Dean Dillon3:46
10."People Loving People"Lee Thomas Miller, Wallin, busbee3:39
11."Send 'Em On Down the Road"Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin4:14
12."Fish"Wallin, Varble4:35
13."You Wreck Me"Stephanie Bentley, Kevin Kadish, Dan Muckala4:04
14."Tacoma"Caitlyn Smith, Bob DiPiero3:46
Total length:57:43

Personnel

[edit]

The following credits are sourced from liner notes included in the album.[33]

Musicians
Additional staff
  • Matthew "Buster" Allen – recording engineer
  • Don Cobb – mastering engineer
  • Eric Conn – mastering engineer
  • John Kelton – engineer
  • Mark Miller – producer

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, formats, label, and reference
Date Edition Format(s) Label Ref.
November 11, 2014 Standard
[34]

Charts

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Country US Country Airplay US CAN Country
2014 "People Loving People" 25 19 104 10
"Mom" 49 32 — 36
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Sales and Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[48] Gold 40,000^
United States (RIAA)[49] Platinum 685,000[31]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Man Against Machine

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Man Against Machine is the ninth studio album by American artist , released on November 11, 2014, by RCA Nashville and Pearl Records. It marked Brooks' first studio album in 13 years, following a lengthy hiatus from recording new material, and was his second release on his own Pearl Records imprint after leaving Capitol Nashville. Produced by Mark Miller at Jack's Tracks Recording Studios in Nashville, the album features 14 tracks blending traditional with rock, folk, and R&B influences, clocking in at 57 minutes and 43 seconds. The album's title track, co-written by Brooks, serves as an anthem against technological overreach, inspired by the folk tale of John Henry, and was performed as the opener during Brooks' subsequent world tour. Notable singles include "People Loving People," the that peaked at number 25 on the chart, and "Mom," a heartfelt to motherhood that debuted on . Other standout tracks encompass "All-American Kid," which Brooks performed at the 50th in 2015, and "She's Tired of Boys," highlighting themes of maturity in relationships. Commercially, Man Against Machine debuted at number one on the chart, becoming Brooks' 14th chart-topper in that category, while reaching number four on the , with first-week sales of 130,000 copies in the United States. It was also the first Brooks album made available for digital download, broadening its accessibility. Critically, the album received generally positive reviews for its energetic return to form, with Rolling Stone praising it as "one of the year's best accidental rock albums" due to Brooks' unpolished, weathered vocals. The New York Times noted Brooks' refusal to conform to a single style, describing him as "an upsetter of norms." Billboard commended its solid songwriting and production, though some critics, like those from Saving Country Music, observed a mix of sappy ballads and contemporary country elements without a definitive standout hit akin to Brooks' earlier classics. Overall, Man Against Machine reaffirmed Brooks' enduring influence in country music, selling over one million copies worldwide and supporting his comeback world tour.

Background and development

Career hiatus and return

Following the release of his ninth studio album, , in November 2001, Garth announced his retirement from the music industry to prioritize his family life, particularly raising with then-wife Sandy Mahl. He had already stepped away from touring in October 2000, marking the end of a prolific career that included over 120 million albums sold worldwide, to focus on fatherhood in . This hiatus lasted nearly a decade, during which Brooks largely avoided public performances and new recordings, though he occasionally appeared in limited capacities, such as a . Brooks began his gradual return to the stage in 2009 with the launch of his Las Vegas residency, "Garth Brooks at the Wynn," at the Encore Theatre. Announced on , 2009, the residency featured weekend shows—Fridays and Saturdays—running initially for five years and marking his first major performances since retiring. The intimate 1,500-seat venue allowed Brooks to reconnect with fans through stripped-down sets of his catalog, drawing rave reviews and selling out quickly, which helped rebuild his stage presence without the demands of full-scale touring. The residency concluded in 2012 after three years, having grossed millions and reignited interest in his live performances. In July 2014, Brooks fully reemerged from hiatus with a high-profile in Nashville on July 10, where he announced a and his ninth studio album, Man Against Machine. Signing with under the RCA imprint, he revealed plans for a multi-year tour starting later that year, emphasizing his excitement to perform new material alongside classics. The event, streamed live, generated massive buzz, with tour dates announced shortly after on July 14, leading to rapid sell-outs across . Complementing the album's physical release on November 11, 2014, Brooks launched GhostTunes, an interactive fan app and exclusive , for the initial online distribution of Man Against Machine. Developed in partnership with industry executives, the platform allowed fans to access high-quality digital downloads and stream content directly, bypassing traditional services initially to maintain control over his catalog's presentation. This move marked a modern pivot in his career, integrating to enhance fan engagement during his comeback.

Conception and planning

After a 13-year hiatus from releasing new studio material, decided to return to the , driven by his renewed passion for music-making and the persistent enthusiasm from his fanbase. Brooks expressed that he had deeply missed the creative process, stating, “It’s a remarkable feeling to be making music again. I guess I really didn’t realize how much I missed it!” which underscored his personal readiness to reengage after focusing on family and other ventures. This return was also influenced by ongoing fan demand, as evidenced by the "eagerly awaited" reception noted in official announcements for the project. The album's release was planned through a with RCA Nashville and Brooks' own Pearl Records, marking a strategic alignment to leverage established country infrastructure while maintaining artistic control. For distribution, it featured exclusive digital availability via GhostTunes, Brooks' newly launched online music service, which aimed to provide fans direct access to high-quality downloads and streaming options on launch day, , 2014. This approach reflected a deliberate effort to navigate the evolving digital landscape while prioritizing fan accessibility. In conceptualizing the sound, Brooks aimed to blend contemporary elements—such as robust production and genre-crossing influences—with the traditional that defined his earlier career, ensuring broad appeal without alienating longtime listeners. The was structured around 14 tracks to offer a diverse yet cohesive collection, balancing fresh compositions with thematic depth to resonate across generations. This included collaborations with longtime songwriting partners like Jenny Yates on multiple songs, including co-writes on the title track, to infuse the project with familiar authenticity while introducing new material.

Production

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Man Against Machine took place at Allentown Recording Studios in , the facility owned by and formerly known as Jack's Tracks Recording Studios. The sessions commenced in 2013 and extended into 2014, representing Brooks' first full studio album of original material in over a decade. Produced by Mark Miller, the process emphasized a collaborative approach with Brooks and the core band to achieve an organic sound, though specific details on session durations remain limited in public records. The resulting album clocks in at a total length of 57:43 minutes across 14 tracks.

Songwriting process

The songwriting process for Man Against Machine emphasized collaboration with the Nashville songwriting community, marking a departure from Brooks' earlier albums. Brooks co-wrote three of the album's 14 tracks, including the title track "Man Against Machine" with longtime collaborator Jenny Yates and Larry Bastian, "She's Tired of Boys" with Amanda Williams, and "Rodeo and Juliet" with Bryan Kennedy. This approach allowed for a blend of his personal input and external perspectives, resulting in a collection that Brooks described as approximately 75% contributions from the broader songwriting community and 25% his own writing—a shift from the more balanced 50/50 split on his previous records. Key external writers played significant roles in shaping the album's emotional core. For instance, "Mom" was penned by Don Sampson and Wynn Varble, capturing a poignant between an unborn and God that resonated with themes of parenthood and faith. Other notable contributions came from established Nashville songwriters such as , , and Chris Wallin, who co-wrote the lead single "People Loving People," a universal anthem emphasizing human connection. These selections highlighted a deliberate focus on narrative-driven songs that prioritized emotional storytelling over commercial trends, with Brooks seeking material that evoked authentic, relatable experiences. The process of curating the 14 tracks involved sifting through numerous submissions to identify those with strong lyrical depth, ultimately favoring songs that wove personal introspection with broader societal reflections. Brooks and his team aimed for tracks that balanced and resilience, drawing from over a decade of life experiences during his hiatus to infuse the material with sincerity. Lyrics on the album were influenced by Brooks' and contemporary events, particularly family-oriented themes that mirrored his experiences as a of three daughters. Songs like "Send 'Em on Down the Road" and "Mom" explore parental love and legacy, reflecting Brooks' priorities after years away from the spotlight to focus on . Broader influences included American identity and everyday struggles, evident in tracks addressing and human perseverance amid technological and social changes.

Personnel

The production of Man Against Machine was headed by producer Mark Miller. Engineering duties included mixing by John Kelton and assistant engineering by Matthew "Buster" Allen. The album featured contributions from a range of musicians, including Chris Leuzinger, Kenny Greenberg, , Billy Panda, Larry Beaird, and Richard Bennett on guitars; Jimmy Mattingly and Rob Hajacos on ; and on drums and percussion. Background vocals were provided by artists such as and . Mastering was handled by Carlos Grier at Independent Mastering.

Musical content

Themes and style

Man Against Machine represents a fusion of traditional with contemporary pop and rock elements, characterized by a mix of upbeat anthems and introspective ballads that evoke the energetic spirit of Garth Brooks' classic sound while incorporating modern production techniques. The album features full band arrangements that drive its rhythmic pulse, blending driving rock guitars and pop-infused hooks with core country instrumentation such as , , , and , which add a distinctive twang and emotional depth to tracks like "Midnight Train" and "Rodeo and Juliet." This stylistic blend also draws in and soul influences, creating a dynamic that appeals to both longtime fans and newer listeners. Lyrically, the album explores central themes of human connection, family bonds, and personal resilience, emphasizing the enduring power of relationships amid life's challenges. The "People Loving People" encapsulates the theme of unity and love as a remedy for societal ills, promoting and in a divided world. Songs like "Send 'Em on Down the Road" delve into fatherhood and familial support, highlighting resilience through generational ties, while the title track addresses working-class perseverance against technological and economic pressures. These themes underscore a message of hope and solidarity, reflecting Brooks' commitment to that celebrates human spirit. Artistically, Man Against Machine draws influences from Brooks' earlier albums, such as the anthemic country-rock energy of (1990), but updates it with polished 2010s production to resonate with contemporary audiences, incorporating symphonic elements and gospel-tinged vocals for added grandeur. This evolution maintains the heartfelt, narrative-driven approach of his debut hits and later works like the Scarecrow sessions, while infusing rock icons like and to broaden its appeal.

Track listing

The standard edition of Man Against Machine features 14 tracks with no deluxe variants or bonus tracks included in the initial release.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Man Against Machine"Larry Bastian, Jenny Yates, 5:17
2"She's Tired of Boys"Amanda Williams, 5:08
3"Cold Like That", Melissa Peirce, Chris Wallin5:06
4"All-American Kid"Craig Campbell, Brice Long, Terry McBride4:27
5"Mom"Don Sampson, Wynn Varble4:03
6"Wrong About You"Adam Wright1:56
7"Rodeo and Juliet"Bryan Kennedy, 2:25
8"Midnight Train"Matthew Rossi, Melissa Peirce5:20
9"Cowboys Forever"3:47
10"People Loving People"Chris Wallin, , 3:39
11"Send 'Em on Down the Road"Allen Shamblin, Marc Beeson4:15
12"Fish"Chris Wallin, Wynn Varble4:36
13"You Wreck Me"Stephanie Bentley, , Dan Muckala4:05
14"Tacoma", 3:47

Release and promotion

Announcement and marketing

On July 10, 2014, held a in Nashville to announce his return to the music industry after a 13-year hiatus from studio albums, confirming plans for a new record and a worldwide tour co-headlined with his wife, . The event, streamed live online, generated significant buzz by revealing Brooks' signing with Nashville's RCA and Pearl Records imprints, marking his first major label deal since 2001. This announcement positioned the project as a bold comeback, emphasizing Brooks' intent to reconnect with fans through live performances before the album's arrival. The album's title, Man Against Machine, and its were unveiled on , 2014, via Brooks' official website and , with a confirmed release date of November 11, 2014. The artwork featured Brooks staring intently at a vintage , symbolizing his resistance to the digital music industry's dominance. Brooks described the title as a reflection of contemporary music consumption trends, aiming to promote full album experiences over fragmented streaming. To control distribution and prioritize artist autonomy, the album launched with an exclusive digital release through Brooks' newly founded platform, GhostTunes, on November 11, 2014, while physical copies became available simultaneously at major retailers like . This strategy deliberately bypassed platforms such as and , limiting initial digital accessibility to encourage complete album purchases and physical sales, though it drew criticism for restricting fan access in an era of widespread streaming. GhostTunes, co-founded by Brooks, allowed for customizable pricing and full catalog bundling, aligning with his long-standing advocacy for fair artist compensation. Marketing efforts intertwined the album with the Garth Brooks World Tour, which kicked off on September 4, 2014, at Chicago's Allstate Arena, selling out 10 shows in under an hour through fan club pre-sales to heighten anticipation. These rapid sell-outs, repeated across North American dates, served as key promotional vehicles, with Brooks performing early versions of new tracks to engaged audiences and fostering direct fan interaction via meet-and-greets and exclusive tour merchandise bundles teasing the album. The tour's success, grossing millions in its opening leg, amplified pre-release hype and underscored Brooks' fan-centric approach to reviving his career.

Singles and media

The from Man Against Machine, "People Loving People", was released to on September 3, 2014. Written by , , and Chris Wallin, the track peaked at No. 19 on the chart, marking Brooks' return to radio after a six-year absence. It received significant airplay promotion but did not spawn an official , with focus instead on live performances during Brooks' comeback tour announcements. The album's second and final single, "Mom", followed on November 24, 2014. Penned by Don Sampson and Wynn Varble, the debuted at No. 49 on the chart in early 2015 and ultimately peaked at No. 32. Brooks directed the accompanying , which featured emotional imagery tied to the song's themes of motherhood and featured his live performance footage. No further singles were issued from the album, with promotion emphasizing sustained radio play for these two tracks rather than additional releases. Media coverage for the singles centered on high-profile television appearances to build anticipation for the album. Brooks debuted "Mom" on ABC's on , 2014, where the performance moved the audience to tears and highlighted the song's heartfelt narrative. "People Loving People" garnered attention through radio exclusives and tour previews, though television spots were more limited, aligning with the album's digital-first rollout strategy.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release, Man Against Machine received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 68 out of 100 based on nine aggregated reviews. Positive assessments highlighted the album's emotional resonance and Brooks' return to his signature style. The Plain Dealer awarded it an A+, praising its emotional depth and Brooks' powerful vocal delivery on tracks like "Mom" and "All-American Kid," which evoked the heartfelt storytelling of his earlier work. USA Today commended the album as a strong comeback, noting its blend of classic country elements with contemporary touches as a successful return to form after a 13-year hiatus from studio albums. Criticisms focused on the album's perceived lack of freshness. gave it a C, critiquing its formulaic sound and bland execution, which failed to build on Brooks' strengths or innovate for a new audience. , scoring it 3 out of 5, observed that the production felt dated, with glossy arena-rock elements that seemed defiantly out of step with modern trends despite skillful execution. Across reviews, common themes emerged around the tension between Brooks' strong songwriting—particularly in intimate ballads and anthemic tracks—and a broader lack of innovation, with some praising the earnestness while others saw it as overly reliant on past formulas.

Accolades

The album did not secure major award wins but received notable industry acknowledgments tied to Brooks' broader comeback. At the 2015 , Brooks earned a nomination for Entertainer of the Year, reflecting the album's impact on his return to prominence after a 13-year studio hiatus. He also accepted the Crystal Milestone Award during the ceremony, honoring his career achievements and presented in the context of Man Against Machine's release and subsequent world tour. In retrospective assessments, the album has been celebrated for marking Brooks' successful reentry into contemporary country music. It ranked No. 22 on Billboard's list of the 25 Best Country Albums of the 2010s, praised for blending traditional and modern elements while reaffirming Brooks' enduring appeal.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Man Against Machine debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking Garth Brooks' return to the summit after a 13-year hiatus from new studio albums. It simultaneously entered the Billboard 200 at number four, with 130,000 equivalent album units in its first week, primarily driven by digital download sales. The album held the top position on the Top Country Albums chart for six consecutive weeks, reflecting strong initial support from country music audiences despite mixed critical reception. Internationally, the album performed solidly on genre-specific charts. It reached number one on the UK's Official Country Artists Albums Chart, where it accumulated 41 weeks overall across multiple runs from late 2014 into 2016. It also peaked at number four on the Canadian Albums Chart. On the main Albums Chart in , it peaked at number 11 in its debut week, underscoring Brooks' enduring global appeal in country markets. In terms of chart longevity, Man Against Machine's run on the Top Country Albums totaled 34 weeks, a respectable duration but shorter than many of Brooks' earlier releases. For instance, his 1990 breakthrough spent 41 weeks at number one on the same and maintained a presence for over 100 weeks cumulatively, while 1991's debuted at number one on the and held the Top Country Albums summit for 33 weeks. This comparison highlights how Man Against Machine, while commercially successful, did not replicate the prolonged dominance of Brooks' 1990s peak-era albums amid evolving music consumption trends. The album's singles, such as "People Loving People," contributed to its visibility but did not achieve top-tier positions on charts, as detailed in the promotion section.

Sales and certifications

"Man Against Machine" sold 130,000 digital copies in its first week in the United States. By November 2016, the album had sold 685,000 copies in the US; as of 2019, worldwide sales reached approximately 860,000 units. On Billboard's year-end charts for 2014, it ranked #25 on the and #6 on the Top Country Albums chart, reflecting solid performance despite being a late-year release. The album's sales were lower than those of Brooks' previous studio albums, attributable in part to its initial digital-only exclusivity through the GhostTunes platform. In the United States, the (RIAA) certified "Man Against Machine" platinum on January 9, 2015, denoting shipments of 1 million units. In Canada, awarded it a gold certification on November 28, 2014, for sales exceeding 40,000 units.

References

  1. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/garth-brooks-unveils-new-album-man-against-machine-195172/
  2. https://www.garthbrooks.com/music/man-against-machine
  3. https://rwsmusic.com/product/man-against-machine/
  4. https://www.billboard.com/artist/garth-brooks/chart-history/csi/
  5. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/garth-brooks-returns-with-soft-landing-in-billboard-200-top-10-with-man-6327295/
  6. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/man-against-machine-122926/
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/album-review-garth-brooks-man-against-machine-6319587/
  8. https://savingcountrymusic.com/album-review-garth-brooks-man-against-machine/
  9. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/02/18/breaking-brooks-garth-numbers/23631845/
  10. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/11/21/garth-brooks-talks-retirement-raising-daughters/4250115002/
  11. https://people.com/country/garth-brooks-why-i-chose-family-over-fame/
  12. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/garth-brooks-gave-up-being-biggest-superstar-planet-raise-kids-oklahoma
  13. https://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/19/garth.brooks.vegas/
  14. https://news.pollstar.com/2009/10/15/garth-brooks-announces-residency-at-wynn-las-vegas/
  15. https://americansongwriter.com/on-this-day-in-2009-garth-brooks-returned-to-the-spotlight-after-being-made-an-offer-he-couldnt-refuse/
  16. https://musicrow.com/2009/12/garth-brooks-is-back-vegas-gig-gets-rave-reviews/
  17. https://lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/kats-report/2012/oct/03/after-three-years-garth-brooks-closing-wynn-las-ve/
  18. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/garth-brooks-confirms-new-album-world-tour-231774/
  19. https://www.sonymusic.com/sonymusic-labels/garth-brooks-sony-music-entertainment-announce-highly-anticipated-new-music-world-tour-and-going-digital/
  20. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/07/10/garth-brooks-announces-comeback/12471633/
  21. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/07/10/garth-brooks-new-album-tour-announcement/12480219/
  22. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/garth-brooks-ghosttunes-exclusive-online-retail-music-store-offering-digital-version-of-man-against-machine-on-nov-11-282153051.html
  23. https://theboot.com/garth-brooks-new-album/
  24. https://www.garthbrooks.com/news/get-garth-on-ghosttunes
  25. https://www.allmusic.com/album/man-against-machine-mw0002761737
  26. https://musicrow.com/2014/10/garth-brooks-reveals-man-against-machine-track-listing/
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/7469666-Garth-Brooks-Man-Against-Machine
  28. https://www.discogs.com/label/836215-Allentown-Studios
  29. http://countrydiscoghraphy2.blogspot.com/2018/12/garth-brooks.html
  30. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/11/10/garth-brooks-songwriting/18818713/
  31. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/garth-brooks/mom
  32. https://genius.com/Garth-brooks-people-loving-people-lyrics/q/writer
  33. https://www.billboard.com/music/reviews/album-review-garth-brooks-man-against-machine-2-6312395/
  34. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/cowboy-ballads-country-rockers-garth-brooks-previews-new-lp-70497/
  35. https://theboot.com/garth-brooks-man-against-machine-track-listing/
  36. https://sites.dwrl.utexas.edu/countrymusic/2014/11/13/2414/
  37. https://www.pastpri.me/home/garth-brooks-man-against-machine
  38. https://genius.com/albums/Garth-brooks/Man-against-machine
  39. https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Man-Against-Machine/Garth-Brooks/X888750113528
  40. https://www.allen-sound.com/credits
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/20602021-Garth-Brooks-Man-Against-Machine
  42. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/cdreview.asp?xid=5564
  43. https://www.spectrum-pulse.ca/blog//2014/11/album-review-man-against-machine-by.html
  44. https://prep.sonymusicnashville.com/garth-brooks-the-new-album-is-almost-here/
  45. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/garth-brooks-calls-off-retirement-for-new-album-massive-tour-6150650/
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/nov/14/how-garth-brooks-took-on-the-internet-and-lost
  47. https://people.com/country/garth-brooks-kicks-off-comeback-tour/
  48. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/garth-brooks-people-loving-people-new-single-6236669/
  49. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/watch-garth-brooks-sing-the-sentimental-mom-167406/
  50. https://www.metacritic.com/music/man-against-machine/garth-brooks
  51. https://www.cleveland.com/music/2014/11/garth_brooks_return_with.html
  52. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/11/09/garth-brooks-man-against-machine/18611469/
  53. https://www.avclub.com/garth-brooks-comeback-album-is-rooted-in-midair-1798181881
  54. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/acm-entertainer-of-the-year-nominee-2015-garth-brooks/
  55. https://tasteofcountry.com/garth-brooks-milestone-award-2015-acm-awards/
  56. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/best-country-albums-of-the-2010s-top-25-8544968/
  57. https://chartmasters.org/garth-brooks-albums-and-songs-sales/
  58. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/Billboard_Top_Albums_2014
  59. https://www.billboard.com/pro/country-music-2015-sales-totals-albums-songs-streaming/
  60. https://www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RIAAS-2015-GOLD-PLATINUM-AWARDS1.pdf
  61. https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/2014-goldplatinum-albums-digital-downloads/
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