Country music is often tailor-made for a certain kind of person. Now, a few newer artists are trying to change that fact, but a few others are also perpetuating it. Nevertheless, country music is undeniably one of the most hated genres in all of music. This is evidently due to a plethora of reasons, as some people view the genre as kitschy, redundant, unrelatable, and cliché.
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If you think that, that is your prerogative. However, entertain us for just this article, as we believe we just might be able to change your mind. That being so, here are three songs to convert any country music hater to a country music lover.
“Living The Dream” by Sturgill Simpson
This country music song doesn’t feature any lyrics about cold beer and back roads or any poppy hooks that you’ve heard a thousand times. Rather, Sturgill Simpson‘s single, “Living The Dream,” is outlined by musical originality and lyrics that don’t isolate listeners. In other words, the themes within the song relate to anybody and everybody.
If the only country music you know and hate is the kind that graces the top of Billboard charts, then you should listen to Sturgill Simpson, as he starkly juxtaposes that form of country music. In short, Simpson just goes against the popular grain. Consequently, he makes a universal product that doesn’t just pertain to someone who has lived the prototypical “country lifestyle.”
“I Can Help” by Charley Crockett
In regards to the country music industry, Charley Crockett exists in a similar capacity to Sturgill Simpson. Which is outside of the industry that graces headlines and tops charts. Regardless, Charley Crockett’s “I Can Help” is a country/Americana song that differs from the pre-conceived notion you might have of all country music.
While it is a country/Americana song, Crockett features elements of gospel, jazz, and blues. To note, he actually uses these elements, as they aren’t just meaningless tags placed on the song to make it marketable. Also, in case you weren’t already sold, the lyrics have nothing to do with romantic vengeance, sticky bar floors, or some other niche subject that just makes the song all the more unrelatable.
“Rock Salt and Nails” by Tyler Childers
While Tyler Childers‘ single “Rock Salt and Nails” is saturated with pure country elements, it should not be thrown to the side upon the first few seconds of hearing it for one primary reason. That primary reason: the soul with which Childers sings the song.
Even if you aren’t a country music fan, you still can’t help but respect, admire, and like the conviction Childers sings with. It’s contagiously epic, and consequently, it can make a simple car ride into an intense moment of emotional introspection.
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