NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Tim McGraw's latest studio album, Emotional Traffic, hit store shelves Tuesday after being at the center of a recent court battle with Curb Records.
McGraw has been working with Curb for nearly 20 years, but this album is likely the last between the country music superstar and the record label.
Late last year, Curb sued McGraw to prevent him from recording or signing with another label until he fulfilled what Curb believed was his obligation for a fifth album. Curb had argued that "Emotional Traffic" was recorded and completed too early. The label said it wanted McGraw's newest songs.
A judge later ruled the country superstar was free to record material.
On Tuesday, Nashville's News 2 caught up with some songwriters who have been looking forward to the release.
Ben Hayslip contributed the song "Touchdown Jesus" on McGraw's new album.
"You almost feel like you haven't made it in town until you get a Tim McGraw cut," the songwriter said about his first cut with McGraw.
It is also Jim Beavers first cut with McGraw. His song, "Felt Good on my Lips" is already a number one hit and just struck gold.
"It was awesome to have a song out by Tim," Beavers expressed.
A court ruled in November that McGraw had fulfilled his contract with Curb Records.
Shortly after the dispute between McGraw and the record label, the country singer spoke about the album at the center of the dispute. A Facebook post said in part:
"I fought very hard for the release of Emotional Traffic, It's an album full of music of which I am very proud. It's extremely unfortunate that it wasn't released earlier this year in conjunction with the Emotional Traffic tour but all I want to do now is focus on the positive and look to the future."
The country singer has said openly that his latest release is one of the best albums he has ever made.
"He continues to make quality music that people want to hear, radio wants to play so naturally he's going to get a lot of attention," said Beavers.
There are reports that McGraw is currently searching for his next big contract. There could be tens of millions of dollars on the table with a major record label
"I'm sure there is no shortage of labels that want him on their roster and I'm sure he's going to make a really great decision and country music will be better for it," explained Beavers.
McGraw is expected back in court next summer. He is accused by Curb Records of breaching his contract.
McGraw is scheduled to play a show with fellow country superstar Kenny Chesney in July at LP Field in downtown Nashville.
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