Tim McGraw Upset By His Own CD Release

Although Curb Records released Tim McGraw's third greatest hits package last week, McGraw wants fans to know he had nothing to do with the collection, and he's unhappy about its release.

"I am saddened and disappointed that my label chose to put out another hits album instead of new music," McGraw said in a statement released Tuesday.

McGraw has been working on a new studio album for more than a year, and he debuted three new songs on this year's Live Your Voice Tour. While it was his desire to have a new record out this fall, Curb decided instead to release a collection of hits, thereby extending McGraw's recording contract term.

"I've only had one studio album since my last hits package. It has to be just as confusing to the fans as it is to me," writes the country superstar. "I had no involvement in the creation or presentation of this record. Sure, I love the songs and I don't want to take anything away from all the creative people who were a part of making those records. But the whole concept is an embarrassment to me as an artist. In the spirit of an election year, I would simply say to my fans 'I'm Tim McGraw and I don't approve their message.'"

Curb Records Executive Vice President and General Manager Dennis Hannon insists McGraw was not in the dark about the album's release. He says he had "numerous conversations" with the country singer's representatives about "all aspects" of McGraw's 'Greatest Hits 3.'