One thing I know I’ve said before and something I’ll keep saying is Nick’s come a long way as an artist. Love or hate the music, he writes about what’s important to him. He will take opinions into account, of course. That was why he did the Listening Parties. But at the end of the day, I don’t think it’s a deciding factor, more a way to get confirmation if he’s torn on something.
(Nick if you see this, feel free to confirm or deny that)
I was there when this song was being worked on, he was holding his phone up for us at a soundcheck during his Who I Am Tour in Calgary and trying to sing while reading the lyrics he hadn’t learned yet. I thought it had a solid vibe but it was absolutely a work in progress. About a month later at the hometown shows for both me and Nick, he played it again. That time he was more confident, more sure in the song and it seemed it was a fully formed idea now unlike the first time I heard it.
He said in Calgary that he felt like he needed to do more country because he’s getting older and that he should be steering away from rock. For the record I highly disagree with that take Nick. But anyway, I’ll be transparent. I am not the biggest country fan. I’ve said that before. It’s not Nick’s first dive into the country genre. He went there with BSB and FGL with “God, Your Mama and Me”. As a solo artist he’s dipped into it more than once, most recently with the country infused pop song “Superman”. This is arguably his biggest leap into the country music side of things. I’m extremely picky with that kind of music. One thing in Nick’s favor is he has a voice that’s diverse enough to transcend genres. His voice carries emotion so well without coming off as forced or cheesy. I think that’s why I enjoy it. More than I expected, honestly. I was a little concerned. It’s hard for me to dislike a Nick Carter song but it does happen. (Ahem, “Miss America”.) But no, I found myself singing along to the chorus by the third listen. It’s catchy, an easy earworm.
I don’t think country when I hear this song. I just hear Nick.
Can we just make him his own genre? I feel like we can.
This song is sincere. That’s the best way I know to describe it. “Stages” is a love letter to his kids. It’s literally the story of his life. A man who continues to perform and chase his dreams, his art, but it’s at the cost of the time of his family. It’s an explanation that he hopes they’ll understand someday. Obviously as an artist he’s been incredibly blessed. But it can’t always be easy leaving his kids behind each time. It’s something I’m sure a lot of people can relate to.
Not everyone can. He had to know that, writing this and planning to release it. But that’s something I completely respect about Nick as an artist these days. He releases the songs he wants to. He is unapologetically himself and I love that for him. So many musicians will chase trends or put on different personas which can be fun, but at the same time, you want something real. Whether it’s in the vocals, the lyrics or the live performances, something should be real. That’s what I think we get with Nick. That’s what I feel “Stages” gives us. It’s a song deeply personal to him, and in that I see that as a gift. To be a fan of an artist telling his truth.
I feel like this song will translate incredibly well live. I mean I saw it but it was at soundchecks so that’s different. I can easily see him on stage, just him and his guitar singing his heart out on this track. With the same energy and passion he’s given us with “Help Me” and “Superman” over the past few years. And I think that’s what captures me with “Stages” is the passion written throughout the vocals. Cause if I had to describe Nick in word, it’d definitely be passionate. The emotions and feelings carry on every note.
You can’t fake that. No matter what the genre is.
Now…if we can just get Nick to release that solo album we’d be all set! (Kidding, I…well, I’m not kidding if this convinces him to put it out haha.) Honestly though this has me going crazy thinking about what that album will look like. I mean each single has been so different from the next since 2020. It tracks, but then…how will it sound as a completed project, I wonder? Guess we’ll see!
Check out “Stages” on all Streaming platforms!
Forever Rebel 