Today's Pick

Taking a break from Sugarland to work on her own, Jennifer Nettles released the video for her first solo single, "That Girl," her first solo single and the lead single and title track from her forthcoming debut solo album, which was inspired by motherhood, Rick Rubin, the visionary behind Johnny Cash's haunting, spare American recordings, '70s radio and more, the award-winning songwriter steps out on her own. As one of country music's finest vocalists, it was only a matter of time before the 39-year-old lead vocalist of the duo Sugarland would venture into a solo project. That time has finally come.
"That Girl," co-written by Nettles and longtime friend Butch Walker, is about 'the other woman' who is tricked into having relations with a man who did not reveal that he is already in a relationship. She contacts the man's wife and tells her that "I don't wanna be that girl." In particular, "That Girl" is a sultry and slinky response to "Jolene," the Dolly Parton classic about a woman pleading to another to not to "steal [her] man." The song is a mid-tempo country record with jazz and Flamenco elements. It features a fairly stripped-down production, driven by a percussion line, hand claps, and an acoustic guitar.
The story we get finds Nettles not wanting to be the other woman in anyone's life. It's simple.It's powerful. And mostly, it's unique in a land of songs about beer and rural field parties and paired with the jazzy, classic melody, it's too good to not suggest people seek out "That Girl" as soon as possible. Keeping true to her traditional roots, Nettles peppers in jazz, pop and even soul influences on the new track, balancing out what is commercially viable and what is true to country music: storytelling. While incorporating such modern production as hand-claps and a sleek shine, Nettles allows her voice and lyrics to reveal the story.
"That Girl" has a funky yet sultry feel, with confessional lyrics and a touch of danger. Better yet, the video does not disappoint in showing off the singer's remorseful side. Filmed in New York City, the Philip Andelman-directed video brings the song to life, and features Nettles portraying both female roles - her lover's "other woman" and his wife - in the song. It begins with Nettles lying on a hotel bed, singing to the "other woman" after finding out her handsome fellow wasn't just hers. She eventually comes to meet the man's 'real' squeeze, and she deliberates how to tell her she's not the only female in the situation. The video is the perfect visual portrayal of an affair that really wasn't supposed to be an affair at all.