Chris Gaines

Last updated
Chris Gaines
Origin Brisbane, Australia (fictitiously)
Genres Alternative rock
Years active1999
Labels Capitol

Chris Gaines is a one-off fictional rock persona created as a movie character for Garth Brooks to explore musical styles far removed from his success as a country singer.

Contents

Initially, Brooks planned to feature the Gaines persona in The Lamb, a motion picture that never materialized. In 1999, Brooks released Garth Brooks in...the Life of Chris Gaines , his only album as Gaines. The album produced two charting Billboard singles, including the top 5 pop hit "Lost in You".

History

In 1999, Brooks and his production company Red Strokes Entertainment, with Paramount Pictures, began to develop a film in which Brooks would star. The Lamb was to have revolved around Chris Gaines, a fictional rock singer and his emotionally conflicted life as a musician in the public eye. To create buzz for the project, Brooks took on the identity of Gaines in the October 1999 album Garth Brooks in...the Life of Chris Gaines , which was intended as a "pre-soundtrack" to the film. The project – a departure from Brooks' usual material – was intended to represent the "greatest hits" of Gaines' entire career, spanning several decades of supposed recordings. Although Brooks himself developed the Gaines character and backstory, he did not write any of the songs on the album.

To promote the album's release, Brooks appeared as Gaines in a television "mockumentary" for the VH1 series Behind the Music and as the musical guest on an episode of Saturday Night Live , which he hosted as himself.

The album – and Brooks' promotion of it – received a lukewarm reception. The album received mixed reviews, and Brooks' fans responded with general confusion as to the purpose of the project. Although the album made it to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, expectations had been higher and retail stores began heavily discounting their oversupply. Less than expected sales of the album (more than two million) and no further developments in the production of the film as a result brought the project to an indefinite hiatus in February 2001, and the Gaines character quickly faded into obscurity.

Despite the less than spectacular response to the project, Brooks gained his first – and, to date, only – Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 single with "Lost in You", the first single from the album (Brooks had previously prevented his songs from appearing on the chart by refusing to release them to pop music radio stations). [1] Critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic speculated that the alternate persona and elaborate marketing scheme backfired, writing, "When Brooks' new persona and his album were revealed to the public, they were unforgiving – they didn't think he was playing a role, they simply thought he'd lost his mind." [2] However, Erlewine gave the album a 3-out-of-5 stars rating and in the same review later wrote: "Judged as Brooks' first pop album, it's pretty good, and if it had been released that way, it likely would have been embraced by a wide audience."

In March 2021, Brooks announced that The Life of Chris Gaines was to be rereleased on multiple platforms, including digital and vinyl, adding that previously unreleased songs were also forthcoming. [3]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold)
US
[4]
CAN
[5]
CAN Country
[6]
GER
[7]
NOR
[8]
Garth Brooks in...the Life of Chris Gaines 2527213

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold)
Album
US
[11]
US AC
[12]
US Country
[13]
CAN
[14]
CAN AC
[15]
CAN Country
[16]
UK
[17]
1999"Lost in You"5962215570In the Life of Chris Gaines
"It Don't Matter to the Sun" [A] 2423
"Right Now" [B]
2000"That's the Way I Remember It"26
"—" denotes releases that did not chart
Notes
  • A ^ "It Don't Matter to the Sun" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 13 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. [19]
  • B ^ "Right Now" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 but peaked at number 50 on the Radio and Records Pop Chart [20] (with "Lost In You" earlier reaching number 42 [21] on that chart).

Music videos

YearTitleDirector
1999"Lost in You"Jon Small
"Right Now"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run to You (Whitney Houston song)</span> 1993 single by Whitney Houston

"Run to You" is a song performed by American singer and actress Whitney Houston, released on June 21, 1993, by Arista Records as the fourth single from The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (1992). It was written by Jud Friedman and Allan Rich, and produced by David Foster. Originally intended to be a break-up song, it was approved by the production and stars. However, a month later, the director of The Bodyguard called, saying he liked the song so much, but he'd rather have it to be a love song so the entire song was rewritten, except for the title.

<i>Ropin the Wind</i> 1991 studio album by Garth Brooks

Ropin' the Wind is the third studio album by the American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released on September 2, 1991, and was his first studio album to debut at No. 1 the Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. It was the first album by a country singer to top both of these charts since Kenny Rogers just over a decade earlier. It had four runs at No. 1 between September 28, 1991, and April 3, 1992, spending a combined 18 weeks at the top, eventually being certified 14× Platinum by the RIAA in 1998. In the UK, it reached the Top 50 pop albums list and went to No. 1 for several months on the country charts. It is the last studio album on Capitol Records Nashville until the 1995 album Fresh Horses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garth Brooks discography</span>

American country music singer-songwriter Garth Brooks has released seventeen studio albums, two live albums, and fifty-one singles. He has sold estimated over 170 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in history. According to RIAA, Brooks is the top-selling solo artist of all time with 157 million certified albums in the US. American Music Awards honored him the "Artist of the 90s Decade" and iHeartRadio Music Awards also honored him the "Artist of the Decade".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Doubt discography</span>

American rock band No Doubt has released six studio albums, five compilation albums, three video albums, 22 singles, five promotional singles, and 21 music videos. The band was formed in Anaheim, California in 1986. After many line-up changes, it released its self-titled debut album in 1992, but its ska-pop sound was overshadowed by the popularity of the grunge movement. Following the self-released The Beacon Street Collection, Tragic Kingdom was released in 1995 and rode the surge of ska punk to become one of the best-selling albums, largely due to the international success of its third single "Don't Speak".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shania Twain discography</span>

Canadian singer Shania Twain has released six studio albums, three compilation albums, three remix albums, one box set, two live albums, 45 singles, 38 music videos, six promotional singles, and made six guest appearances. Twain's repertoire has sold over 34 million albums in the United States alone, placing her as the top-selling female artist in country music. Moreover, with 48 million copies shipped, she is ranked as the 26th best-selling artist overall in the US, tying with Kenny G for the spot. She is also recognized as one of the best-selling music artists in history, selling over 100 million records worldwide and thus becoming the top-selling female artist in country music ever.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaliyah discography</span>

American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 26 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Two Piña Coladas</span> 1998 single by Garth Brooks

"Two Piña Coladas" is a song recorded by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released in March 1998 as the third single from his album Sevens. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts in 1998. A concert version is available on Double Live. The song was written by Shawn Camp, Benita Hill and Sandy Mason. Camp provides an additional acoustic guitar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss Kiss (Chris Brown song)</span> 2007 single by Chris Brown featuring T-Pain

"Kiss Kiss" is a song by American singer Chris Brown featuring vocals and sole production from fellow American singer and rapper T-Pain from the former's second studio album. Written by the two artists, the song was released as the album's second single on September 10, 2007 worldwide. It was later solicited to rhythm crossover radios in the United States on September 11, 2007. "Kiss Kiss" is an upbeat record that incorporates elements of R&B, hip-hop and dance music. The song's lyrics are about getting a woman's attention.

The discography of American country music singer-songwriter John Anderson consists of 22 studio albums and 68 singles. He recorded for Warner Bros. Records from 1980 to 1986, and again in 2007. Other labels to which he was signed include MCA, Capitol, BNA, Mercury, and Easy Eye Sound. His most commercially successful album, 1992's Seminole Wind, achieved double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Anderson has charted five number 1 singles on the Hot Country Songs charts, and has had 15 other singles reach Top 10.

Travis Tritt is an American country music artist. His discography comprises 13 studio albums, six compilation albums, and 43 singles. Of his studio albums, the highest-certified is 1991's It's All About to Change, at 3× Platinum certification by the RIAA and platinum certification by the CRIA. His first, third, and fourth albums—Country Club, T-R-O-U-B-L-E and Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof, respectively—are all certified double platinum in the US, while 1996's The Restless Kind, 2000's Down the Road I Go and his 1995 Greatest Hits: From the Beginning album are all certified platinum. It's All About to Change is also his highest-peaking album on Billboard Top Country Albums, at #2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Lawrence discography</span>

Tracy Lawrence is an American country music singer. His discography comprises fourteen studio albums, one live album, eight compilation albums, one box set, and 46 singles. Of his albums, the highest-certified are 1993's Alibis and 1996's Time Marches On, each certified 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Tracy Byrd is an American country music artist. His discography comprises ten studio albums, six compilation albums and thirty-four singles. Of his albums, three are certified gold by the RIAA, with his highest-certified album being the double-platinum No Ordinary Man from 1994. Of his singles, two have topped the Billboard country singles charts: "Holdin' Heaven" in 1993 and "Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo" in 2002. One of Byrd's songs topped the Canadian RPM Country tracks, "I'm from the Country" in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creed discography</span>

American post-grunge band Creed has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, one extended play (EP), eighteen singles, one video album, and fifteen music videos. Formed in Tallahassee, Florida in 1994, Creed consists of vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist and vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips. Signed to Wind-up Records, the band released its debut album My Own Prison in August 1997, which reached number 22 on the US Billboard 200. The album was certified six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). All four singles from the album reached the top three of the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The River (Garth Brooks song)</span> 1992 single by Garth Brooks

"The River" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Garth Brooks. In late 1992, it became his ninth Number One hit on the Billboard country charts. It was released in April 1992 as the fifth and final single from his album Ropin' the Wind, and it has appeared on three albums that have sold more than ten million copies each in the US alone, these being Ropin' The Wind, The Hits and Double Live. The song was written by Garth Brooks and Victoria Shaw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Beaches of Cheyenne</span> 1995 single by Garth Brooks

"The Beaches of Cheyenne" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music singer Garth Brooks. It was released in December 1995 as the third single from his sixth studio album Fresh Horses. The song became Brooks's 15th Billboard Number One hit in March 1996. The song was written by Brooks, Dan Roberts and Bryan Kennedy.

The discography of American country music singer Doug Stone consists of ten studio albums and 33 singles.

"Callin' Baton Rouge" is a country music song written by Dennis Linde. The song has been recorded by multiple artists since its composition. It was notably recorded by American country singer and songwriter Garth Brooks whose version was a chart-topping single in the 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mystikal discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Mystikal consists of six studio albums, two compilation albums, twenty-five singles and fifteen music videos. In 1994, Mystikal released a self-titled album on the independent record label Big Boy. Following his signing to Jive Records in 1995, the album was re-released under the title Mind of Mystikal as his debut studio album. Mind of Mystikal peaked at number 103 on the US Billboard 200 and at number 13 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album featured the single "Y'all Ain't Ready Yet", which peaked at number 41 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Mystikal's following two studio albums, Unpredictable and Ghetto Fabulous, were both released on the record label No Limit Records; Jive distributed the albums rather than No Limit's distributor, Priority Records. Both peaked in the top five of the Billboard 200 and were later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Each of the albums featured one single, "Ain't No Limit" and "That's the Nigga", respectively. Both songs peaked in the top 65 of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lost in You (Chris Gaines song)</span> 1999 single by Chris Gaines

"Lost in You" is a song co-written by Gordon Kennedy, Wayne Kirkpatrick, and Tommy Sims. It was recorded by American country music artist Garth Brooks under the fictitious persona of Australian alternative rock artist Chris Gaines. It was released in July 1999 as the lead single from the album Garth Brooks in...the Life of Chris Gaines. Originally, the album was intended to be the soundtrack for a movie called The Lamb that would star Brooks as a rock star recalling the different periods of his life. The single was purposefully released over a year in advance from the scheduled film release date to pique interest in Brooks performing rock instead of country. The Lamb, however, was never filmed due to financial and management problems. It debuted and peaked at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving Garth Brooks his first, and only top 40 hit in his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fastball discography</span>

The discography of Fastball, an American rock band, consists of seven studio albums, one live album, one compilation album and eleven singles.

References

  1. Breihan, Tom. "The Number Ones: Lonestar's "Amazed"". Stereogum. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  2. Stephen Thomas Erlewine (1999-09-28). "In the Life of Chris Gaines". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-09-03.
  3. Bull, 98 9 The (2021-03-16). "Garth Brooks has been writing with Ashley McBryde, will resurrect Chris Gaines". The All-New 98.9 The Bull. Retrieved 2021-03-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "Garth Brooks Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  5. "Garth Brooks Album & Song Chart History - Canadian Albums". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  6. "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada: Country Albums/CDs". RPM . Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  7. "Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts - German Albums". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  8. "norwegiancharts.com - Norwegian charts portal". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  9. "Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA): Gold & Platinum". Canadian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 19, 2010. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  10. "RIAA - Gold & Platinum - April 15, 2011: In the Life of Chris Gaines certified awards". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  11. "Garth Brooks Album & Song Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  12. "Garth Brooks Album & Song Chart History - Adult Contemporary". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  13. "Garth Brooks Album & Song Chart History - Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  14. "Garth Brooks : Allmusic : Billboard Singles". Allmusic . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  15. "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Adult Contemporary". RPM . Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  16. "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Country Singles". RPM . Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  17. "The Official Charts Company - Garth Brooks". Official Charts Company . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  18. "RIAA - Gold & Platinum - April 15, 2011: "Lost in You" certified awards". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 15, 2011.
  19. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 62. ISBN   978-0-89820-177-2.
  20. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-10-29.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  21. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/1990s/1999/RR-1999-08-20.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]