Martina McBride Enjoys ‘Burst of Creativity’ With New Album

Martina McBride has returned to the studio to begin work on the follow-up to her 2009 album 'Shine.' While she and her husband, John, own Blackbird Studios in Nashville, they traveled to a recording studio in Atlanta on Saturday (January 8), where the superstar began rehearsals for the new CD.

Martina took to her Twitter page to alert her fans to the news. "In snowy Atlanta. I start the new record today! Yaaaay! Can't wait. I will be tweeting pics and videos later. Want u all to share this with me!" And share she did as she posted a photo of her hubby, producer Byron Gallimore and some of the musicians hanging out after eating dinner.

Last week, Martina was hanging out with the Warren Brothers, and the creative threesome wrote two songs together that will hopefully make the new CD, which is expected to be released later this year.

Martina ended 2010 with quite a few changes in her career, and she is starting the new year off with a fresh slate. In a blog on her website, the four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year wrote about changing management companies and record labels. She left RCA Records after being with them since 1991 to go to Republic Nashville, part of the Big Machine Label Group.

"So many things contributed to my decision, and it was a long-time coming," Martina writes. "Change is not really easy for me. But suffice to say I have now surrounded myself with positive people and positive energy. And it's like the Universe opened up and said, 'Here ya go ... here are about 25 of the best songs you have ever found. Oh, and here's a burst of creativity and vision while we're at it!'"

"I haven't felt this inspired for a long time," the songstress continues. "I have been searching for inspiration, honestly, since the new cuts I did for the 'Greatest Hits' record. It's a scary thing when you think it may be gone forever. But I'm thrilled to say that I think it was just emotional clutter and negative energy junking up the place! And now, there is NOTHING but inspiration and creativity. I feel it and see it everywhere. It's so exciting to me, and I know you are going to feel it on this next record."

In other Martina news, she has been tapped to headline the Taste of the NFL food-tasting event, which is just part of the festivities leading up to this year's Super Bowl. The performance will take place on February 5 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas. Martina's first concert of 2011 will be in Pembroke Pines, Fla., on January 30.