We’ve all heard it. Some of us have even said it.
“I listen to all genres of music– except country.”
And it’s time to be honest. This is a coward’s opinion. Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh. Not everyone needs to like country music. But, nonetheless, I need to state my case.
In my experience, this opinion tends to be, as most overly negative music opinions tend to be, born out of an unwillingness to try new music, a stereotype based on only the most overplayed hits, and/or a simple lack of understanding of the diversity of the genre. Of course, country is not the only genre to get this treatment; this kind of thing happens all the time, with all types of media. But, since I’m the world’s most mildly annoying country music defender, that’s what the article’s on.
It’s no surprise that country seems to have somewhat of a bad reputation among teenagers, especially those of us who don’t live in the rural, southern American areas that the genre tends to feature, and especially those of us who spend a lot of time online. Sure, everyone loves the favorites, “9-to-5” and “Before He Cheats” and the like, but often ironically. It’s an exception that proves the rule. It’s undeniable that among our generation, the genre gets a reputation for being overwhelmingly politically conservative, dominated by white straight guys singing about trucks and misogyny, and filled with dull, unoriginal lyricism. (To tie this to the seemingly growing disdain among suburban and urban teens for America’s working class rural population would almost be too obvious, and I don’t have time for a five-paragraph essay on that, anyways.)
This stereotype, of course, doesn’t hold up to any kind of scrutiny. No stereotypes do. Country is a diverse genre with a rich history, and hundreds of subgenres beyond what you might be imagining as country. (Not that the most popular country music is often even bad, but once again I don’t have time to write six hundred more words about how there’s nothing wrong with a song about your truck.)
I could go on and on about the beauty of the genre, about how the earnestness often found in its lyricism is a refreshing break from cynicism-poisoned online alt-pop, about how everyone should at least give it a try, but I’ve found it’s easier (and more fun) to just give recommendations. So here’s four of my favorite country albums.
Same Trailer Different Park by Kacey Musgraves, 2013
Kacey Musgraves is now a hugely successful pop-country star, but, while I haven’t had time to get into her newer stuff, her Grammy-winning debut album Same Trailer Different Park remains a classic hit. Musgrave’s songs are witty and playful at times, yet unabashed in their emotions, from the bittersweet sound of “I Miss You” and “It Is What It Is” to the angry humor of “Stupid”. Above all, Same Trailer Different Park is an album about the status quo, acceptance, joy, and the bittersweet optimism of living life as you are.
Pony by Orville Peck, 2019
Orville Peck is one of those artists that, to me, despite being award-winning and hugely successful, is constantly underrated. Inspired by stars of the genre like Johnny Cash, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton, Pony is an album marked by Peck’s smooth vocals, steady guitar, and storytelling that calls upon the romantic queer aesthetics of Wild West cowboys. Everyone go listen to Orville Peck. And then talk to me when you do.
Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks, 1998
Everyone loves The Chicks. Wide Open Spaces is a classic. Upbeat, bluesy, sweet, and perfectly, unapologetically country. Not to mention powerful, beautiful vocals paired with fantastic, emotional lyricism. Wide Open Spaces balances the yearning, striking, emotional harmonies of “You Were Mine” and “Am I The Only One” with fun, rowdy jams like “Let ‘Er Rip” and “Give It Up or Let Me Go.” And if the titular hit “Wide Open Spaces” doesn’t get you even a little bit, I think you might be emotionless. Or boring.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend by Miranda Lambert, 2007
Ok, this one’s for the girls who want angry girl country. Miranda Lambert is a country icon at this point, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is full of bangers. “Gunpowder & Lead,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Down” are perfect examples of the “angry girl country” subgenre, full of Miranda Lambert’s classic confidence and just-under-the-surface rage. But, while the album’s mostly known for the angrier songs, it’s also chock full of softer, honest, sometimes-tragic songs like “Desperation” and “Easy From Now On.” My personal favorite is “Love Letters.”
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