Ep 4. Martina McBride

In Season 2 Episode 4 of "Songland," legendary country artist Martina McBride joins the show as a guest star, looking for her next hit single. The episode follows four up-and-coming songwriters as they pitch their original compositions to McBride and a panel of industry experts.

First up is Thomas Finchum, a former Olympic diver turned songwriter. He performs a song called "I Believe in You," which he wrote for his wife. McBride loves the sentiment of the song and thinks it could be a great fit for her, but she also challenges Finchum to make it more relatable to a wider audience.

Next is Raquel Castro, a singer and actress who appeared on "The Voice." She performs "Wrong Places," a song about finding love in unexpected places. McBride and the panel praise Castro's voice and performance, but they feel that the song might be too specific to her own experiences and not universal enough for McBride's audience.

Third to pitch is Chris Baker, a firefighter and country songwriter. He performs "One Night Standards," a song about embracing a no-strings-attached relationship. McBride loves the catchy chorus and the fact that it's a bit edgier than some of her previous hits, but she's concerned that the lyrics might be too racy for her brand.

Finally, Madison Cain takes the stage to perform "Love Again," a song she wrote with her sister. The track is a heartfelt ballad about the pain of losing a loved one and finding the courage to move on. McBride is moved by Cain's emotional performance and the raw honesty of the lyrics.

After hearing all four songs, McBride has to make a tough decision about which one to choose. She confers with the panel, including Songland host and producer Adam Levine, Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Shane McAnally, and Ester Dean, who has written hit songs for artists such as Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

Ultimately, McBride chooses one of the four songs to record as her next single, and the episode ends with a performance of the chosen track. Along the way, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the songwriting process and the challenges that come with trying to craft a hit song.

Throughout the episode, McBride is warm and engaging, offering constructive criticism to the songwriters and sharing her own experiences in the music industry. As always, the panelists are insightful and supportive, offering valuable feedback to help the songwriters hone their craft.

Overall, "Songland" Season 2 Episode 4 is a must-watch for fans of country music and anyone interested in the creative process behind crafting a hit song. With a talented guest star and a group of talented up-and-comers, it's a compelling and entertaining episode that showcases the power of great songwriting.