1995 | Peak: #1
Of historical note for two reasons.
First, it established Twain’s affection for the exclamation point, a punctuation mark that she would take to ludicrous extremes in the years to come.
Second, and far more importantly, it firmly established her point of view on relationships. She’s really just looking for two things: respect and monogamy.
The bare midriffs and the playful videos were just the window dressing. What Twain was really selling was a distinctively feminist point of view, permanently shifting the perspective that all female country artists would sing and write from in the years to come.
A more careful historian would tally up the number of female victim songs, pre- and post-1995, but really, just check out the catalog of Reba McEntire for a simple case study.
Thanks to this record, victim queens are outta here.
Written by Robert John “Mutt” Lange and Shania Twain
Grade: A
Listen: (If You’re Not in it For Love) I’m Outta Here!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX7eCmQg_k8
I love this song. It has such a cool beat and arrangement. It’s an example of Shania’s knack for delivering songs that were catchy, but that didn’t sacrifice lyrical content. Great review.
I also love this song and agree with Ben, as well as you, on each point. Also, I find it funny how when Shania was first around many critics weren’t very big fans of her, but nowadays she receives high praise from almost everyone.
I wish that Reba had been one of your choices for the retro reviews. Might I suggest her for when you finish the first of the current five?
and along with Reba, Brooks & Dunn please.
Great single. The drum beat still gets me tapping my toes and singing at the top of my lungs. The outfit Shania wore in this vid is one of my favourites. Maybe it’s the red shirt? This song is pure fun but also makes a strong statement. Part of the genius of the whole Women In Me album!
Reba could happen. That one would take a long time to finish. Then again, we still have 41 years to go for Dolly Parton.