Gwyneth Paltrow’s newest film, Country Strong, is a drama centered on a troubled country singer’s long-awaited comeback tour. The recent release of the official music video for a song of the same name off the movie’s soundtrack showcases Paltrow’s indisputably impressive vocal chops, with a sweet touch of country twang. Hit the jump to check out the video and poster!
The video features Paltrow at the microphone with a backup band in an abandoned warehouse, sporting her signature straight California blonde locks, a cool Monroe gray tank, leather pants by Isabel Marant, and Stella McCartney stilettos. Her second look is more dramatic, featuring a guitar-strapped, rocker chic Paltrow wearing a silk sleeveless blouse and skirt by Vanessa Bruno, as all jewelry is styled by Isabel Marant and JewelsMint. She exudes a natural confidence while singing, very similar to that of more established country blondes like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.
Also, the video reveals a series of clips not included in the official trailer, telling more about the story, such as romance between Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) and Garrett Hedlund’s (TRON: Legacy) characters. What seems to be at the core of Paltrow’s character is her emotional struggle to put her life and career back together after hitting rock bottom.
Along with the title track, the Academy Award winner is also rumored to have recorded three additional tracks, including “Me and Tennesse,” a duet with her co-star and country music hunk Tim McGraw (The Blind Side), which was written by Paltrow’s real-life husband, Coldplay front man Chris Martin. People.com reported that Paltrow immersed “herself in the Nashville scene,” to play Kelly Canter, and felt embarrassed while learning to play the guitar in front of her husband, “especially when he’s in one of the world’s most successful bands.”
CountryWeekly.com reports that the soundtrack, under RCA Records, contains several hit-worthy country tracks, including Ronnie Dunn’s first post-Brooks & Dunn solo effort, a cover of Gary Stewart’s 1975 hit, “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Double).” Hillary Scott, of Lady Antebellum, penned the track “A Little Bit Stronger,” which was recorded by Sara Evans. RCA Artist Chris Young and Patty Loveless team up for a duet on “Love Don’t Let Me Down,” which was the film’s original name. Other top country names featured on the album are Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, and McGraw’s wife, Faith Hill. Lastly, Meester’s character (a former beauty queen turned country singer named Chiles Stanton) sings, “Words I Couldn’t Say, while Hedlund’s songwriter character, Beau Hutton, sings “Chances Are.”
As for the film’s movie poster, Paltrow, McGraw, Meester, and Hedlund are awkwardly photo-shopped together, but still there’s potential for the film with its heartfelt tagline: “It doesn‘t matter where you‘ve been, as long as you come back country strong.” Part of the theme song’s hook includes the following lyrics: “Cause I’m country strong / Hard to break / Like the ground I grew up on,” which reinforces the overall conflict.
With such rooted Southern strength and heart behind the making of the film, the blend of Paltrow’s megastar status in her first leading role in years, McGraw’s developing and undeniable on-screen charm, the talent behind a youthful supporting cast, and loads of love and music throughout, the movie arrives just in time for awards season.
The soundtrack album is available for purchase on October 25. Country Strong, written and directed by Shana Feste, opens for limited release on December 22 in Los Angeles and Nashville, and then nationwide on January 7, 2011. In the mean time, Paltrow can be seen any day now on Glee, singing her heart out as a substitute teacher to Chicago tunes. Check out the “Country Strong” video below and let us know what you think!
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