It’s no secret that country music is starting to stray away from its original roots. Between the inclusion of Post Malone and Shaboozey and the numerous reinventions of old sounds, the classic country music we all know and love is slowly being left in the rear-view mirror. It truly is heartbreaking and we fans of that genre hope to see its grand resurgence sometime soon. However, to make the wait a little more bearable, perhaps we should lean into the current fads and give the new music a try.
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The new and most popular acts are certainly not Willie Nelson or Waylon Jennings, but their music is catchy and surely makes one tap their feet. Even if they lack musical and lyrical nuance, there is some good that comes out of them. Nevertheless, to make the present country music scene a bit more tolerable, here are three songs to add to your playlist. Lastly, do what you will with this list, or just do what most of us have done and seek refuge in Americana.
“I Had Some Help” by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen
Post Malone’s explosion onto the scene is arguably cataclysmic to the sanctity of the genre. Although, he is good and his music surely can incite some great vibes and energy. Released in the summer of 2024, “I Had Some Help” is on Malone’s biggest hit on his star-studded F-1 Trillion album.
Whether or not it is country or pop is a whole other can of worms we are not going to open. But what we will say is the song is objectively good. It has a good hook, chorus, melody, rhythm, and all the other attributes that categorically make it a No. 1 hit. Frankly, it’s a good sing-along tune and a song that one can mindlessly hear to brighten up their day. In essence, its functionality seems merely to make one sing, dance, and maybe even smile. Plus, no matter what stance you have on country music, it’s nearly impossible not to like Post Malone.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
Now, before you stop reading this article, just bear with us for a couple more sentences. Is Shaboozey’s hit country? Maybe to some. Is it catchy? Yes, to almost everybody and that is exactly why the song has made the list. Like any song that forcibly plants itself in your head, it isn’t necessarily one you want to hear. However, you submit to its powers and let it play in your head on repeat.
Like Malone’s song, Shaboozey’s song isn’t supposed to be listened to for a moment of introspection or a transcendent musical experience. Rather, it’s just fun and it’s different and it’s probably something the country music scene is going to see a lot more of given its booming success. So, if you do decide to listen to it, just know liking it isn’t your fault. It’s Shaboozey’s, as the song is as hypnotically catchy as a snake charmer’s flute.
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” by Dasha
Just close your eyes, ignore the lyrics, and let the music do the work when listening to Dasha’s song. Again, like the previous songs on this list, the genre is very much up for debate. Nonetheless, no matter what genre it falls into the rhythm is contagious and the beat alluring. Thus, if it catches a classic country fan with their guard down, they just might shimmy to the rhythm a little bit.
If you want to pretend like you know pop-country music and appease all your friends who do, add this song to your playlist. Also, if you want to stay awake on a long car ride, Play this song. As you will be forced to move in some fashion and its sheer volume will keep you awake.
Photo by Daniel DeSlover/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
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