CanCon Rocks

Discovery Collegiate
Bonavista, Newfoundland

By Jill H. (Grade 12)

Everyday when we turn on the radio and hear such artists as No Doubt, Leann Rimes, and Spice Girls, we sometimes wonder why Canadian artists are not as successful. Well, they are. Once you look at it, they may be more successful.

Take a look at the three women whose music has made them household names around the world. Céline Dion, Shania Twain, and Alanis Morrissette are without a doubt the biggest international music artists coming out of Canada today. It seems that no matter the age or sex, everyone seems to love them.

Céline Dion has been producing albums since she was 14. Her newest album, Falling Into You, has sold more than 22 million copies worldwide.

Shania Twain's sophomore album, The Woman in Me, has made her one of country music's top stars. The Woman in Me has gone double diamond in Canada and has sold about 12 million copies worldwide since it's release in 1995.

Alanis Morrissette, the youngest of the three at age 21, has topped the charts repeatedly with her alternative debut album, Jagged Little Pill. The album has sold 22 million copies around the world including 14 million in the United States alone.

In addition to their extraordinary record sales, all three women have won numerous national and international awards including the first three International Achievement Awards at the Junos in March.

Many Canadian bands have been well received internationally as well. Although record sales can't even compare to those of Céline, Shania, or Alanis, Canadian alternative and rock bands are holding their own and have become recognized outside of Canada. Take Toronto-based band Our Lady Peace for example. Their debut album, Naveed, has sold more than half a million copies in North America. To support this album, they have toured with major artists such as Van Halen and Led Zepplin greats Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. They are currently touring in support of their newest release Clumsy and may open for U2's worldwide Popmart tour at Skydome this summer.

Although these artists, and many more have found their way outside of Canada, others can't seem to cross the border. The Tragically Hip is one of these. Even though they are an extremely successful and recognized band here in Canada and their albums are distributed in the United States, they can't seem to get the recognition they deserve there. It is possible, however, that their new live album may give them the boost they need to become successful internationally.

The international success of these artists, as well as many more, have proven that Canadian artists are producing the sounds that people around the world want to hear. They have shown that they are extremely talented, and musically are as good as, if not better than, artists of other countries. By proving that Canadian music is good and attracting more and more people to Canadian music, these artists are paving the way for upcoming bands.

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