Larry Butler, who was growing his country roster at the label. Her first United Artists release was a remake of Bobby Goldsboro's "See the Funny Little Clown". It failed to become successful and Spears began looking for her next hit. Butler brought Spears to the attention of a new song penned by Roger Bowling called "Blanket on the Ground". It had been previously rejected by several producers who thought the song's sexual themes were too controversial. "It sounded like a cheating song, and the public don't think girls should sing cheating songs!" she commented. "Blanket on the Ground" reached number one on the Billboard country chart, number 78 on the Hot 100 and number two on the RPM country chart. It also became an international crossover success, reaching number six in the United Kingdom number 11 in Ireland among other countries. Spears's first United Artists album of the same name reached the top five of the Billboard country chart in 1975. It became a best-selling album in the United Kingdom, receiving a "Silver" certification from the British Phonographic Industry. The comeback brought Spears the Top New Female Vocalist accolade from the Academy of Country Music Awards during this time. "It sure is good to be back. I'm a different person now when I'm recording, because I'm also able to present a much better show on my personal appearances," she commented. To conclude 1975, Spears had two top 20 North American country singles with "Stay Away from the Apple Tree" and "Silver Wings and Golden Rings". Spears's collaboration with producer Larry Butler continued through the seventies. Butler crafted an up-tempo, country pop sound that was considered both marketable and dance-able. Many of her most popular singles reflected themes of sexual desire or rekindling loves fading fires. Her next single was 1976's "What I've Got in Mind", which also hinted at sexual themes. The single reached the top five of the North American country charts and the top five of the UK pop chart. Her studio LP of the same name also reached the Top Country Albums top five and certified silver from the BPI. The album also spawned a cover of the ballad, "Misty Blue", which reached the American country top five. "Sing Me an Old Fashioned Song" was released to European countries, peaking within United Kingdom top 40 and the top ten in Ireland. Her British success later led to