I had one client that sent me in an evaluation track prior to scheduling that wanted me to match the vibe of a Brad Paisley track for their own track that had similar instrumentation. It was definitely interesting to hear Hank Williams' (
MasterMix - audio mastering - DVD authoring ) approach as he's been doing a bit of the current Nashville "new country" artists (including Taylor Swift) that have been getting more prominence these days. Things weren't really all that limited in comparison to most pop tracks out these days but it still sounded LOUD in that mids and upper mids were pushed a good bit forward. Overall the Paisley track sounded good though, although a tiny bit distorted and more edgier than I would necessarily prefer at some peak places, and a little hollower than I would have chosen for myself. The track definitely had really good energy and clarity so I can see why they took the approach they did - with the vibe emphasizing the "pop" side and not a document of a band as it would sound live - and I think that Mr. Willams definitely is very good at what he does.
Anyway - the client was happy with what I got for them and booked the album with me, but then made the decision to make their full release a lot warmer, fuller and less upper mid forward than what the other "new country" stuff is being put out these days - which I think was the better decision.
It does point towards eq as one possible way of achieving perception of increased loudness in preference to just increasing average levels. Sometimes this technique can have merits - but like everything in mastering it can be pushed too far as well.
Best regards,
Steve Berson