Country music offers much, yet many are reluctant to give it a chance. They assume it consists solely of pickup trucks, whiskey, and fight songs; yet its diverse subgenres make it accessible for wider audiences.
Morgan Wallen has seen incredible success despite using racist slurs during his concerts, and it is time we stopped judging this genre and gave it the benefit of the doubt.
It’s a form of entertainment
Country music may seem like it celebrates only certain lifestyles, but in truth its subgenres – from bluegrass to Texas Swing – offer vastly differing musical experiences. You’re bound to find one or more country songs that suit your mood perfectly – whether its upbeat entertainment or deeply personal lyrics about love, heartbreak and family issues, working-class America struggles or other universal topics such as these.
Country music is known for its storytelling element and traditional chord progressions using major scale. Additionally, country musicians frequently accompany themselves with banjo, bass guitar and fiddle instruments to complete the sound. Influences from western music (made popular by cowboy singers such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers) as well as jazz were later added by musicians like Bob Wills of Texas Playboys were major factors.
Past generations were often reluctant to admit they enjoyed country music; today, however, it has become more mainstream genre. Thanks to Lil Nas X’s rise as an artist in his own right and recent success of country acts such as his, Lil Nas X has brought new attention and interest back into country. However, one must keep in mind that country is not always meant to be taken seriously; although some songs like Patsy Cline’s vocals or Sturgill Simpson’s lyrics may stand up on their own merit as works of art – most country music doesn’t deserve this distinction!
Country music’s negative perception can be traced to its associations with conservative Middle-America, which may turn off music critics and fans of high-brow genres who tire of hearing about trucks, beer, and girls. Though country has grown over time, pop-country stars may still not fit that image perfectly and there are artists trying to break country stereotypes by creating unique sounds.
It’s a form of communication
Country music is an unparalleled form of communication that transcends popular culture. It provides a space for reflection on American history, as well as a window into people from diverse backgrounds’ lives. Furthermore, its lyrics often express personal experiences directly from artists themselves – some may find this genre too simplistic for their tastes; yet others recognize its power to convey messages and inspire change.
One of the greatest criticisms of country music is its association with conservative Middle-America. This image is further cemented by many country artists hailing from rural regions and being associated with the South. No wonder white, liberal East Coast liberals often perceive country music as “trailer trash” and associated with rednecks.
Unfortunately, this perception of country music is founded in racism and classism. White upper-middle class liberals may easily associate country music with their preconceptions of rural America which assume people living there are uneducated, poor and ignorant about global affairs.
Critics have also noted the lack of diversity within country music. Although there are talented artists of color such as Mickey Guyton and Coffey (a viral Facebook star), most mainstream stars in country are white; as an industry, country is not actively seeking to expand its audience and it becomes hard for fans from different backgrounds to find common ground with it.
Though many will never enjoy country music, it is important not to dismiss its history on that basis alone. Country has many positive aspects worth exploring; many songs focus on women while encouraging men to treat their partners with honor and pursue them; this message is rarely found today’s music industry; country is an excellent way to show your affection and show respect for a woman!
It’s a form of self-expression
Country music is an artform that expresses life’s good moments through song. It celebrates family, friendships and small town values while at the same time sharing stories about love, loss and overcoming adversity. Whatever your political affiliation may be, country music has something to offer everyone regardless of your political beliefs. While critics might discount country as just another genre, I suggest they give this genre of music another chance before passing judgment; every genre of music has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so let’s not just dismiss country as soon as we hear one or two songs by its fans before dismissing it outright!
As people debate which genre of music is “real”, it’s essential to remember that all styles have their own benefits. Country music features numerous genres and each has their own distinct sound: some may be more traditional while others more contemporary; examples include Bakersfield sound (acoustic guitars and human voices) or Nashville sound (with traditional instruments combined with string arrangements to produce more sophisticated arrangements and sophisticated sounds).
Though country music does have valid criticisms, most of its negative connotations is rooted in stereotypes. Country is associated with conservative Middle-America and this association can turn off certain listeners. Another problem lies within its widespread sexism that makes success hard for women within this genre.
Country music remains one of the most beloved forms of expression today, yet many non-country listeners find it hard to grasp its depth. Indeed, country encompasses more than just its iconic “twangy sound”. Instead it encompasses multiple subgenres which reflect working-class culture within its borders. Country artists strive to capture the humble roots that most Americans still hold dear. From Patsy Cline’s vocals and lyrics, Sturgill Simpson’s lyrics or Merle Haggard’s guitar playing, country music has an inimitable way of connecting with everyday Americans through its stories that resonate deeply. Rock is an unassuming genre that should not be taken too seriously; rather it should be appreciated for its musical genius and comforting messages. Rock music can be enjoyed while enjoying a beer with friends or while driving down rural backroads in your pickup truck.
It’s a form of community
Country music provides an essential sense of community for many people and remains one of the few genres with roots still intact in rural areas. Women in particular often gravitate toward country music. Artists draw upon both personal experience as well as that of their listeners when creating subgenres within this genre, providing something of interest for every listener – critics may complain it’s tedious and predictable, yet country provides a sense of connection for its followers who find joy in its simple melodies and lyrics. While not for everyone, country is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity – perfect for lovers of simpler living!
Country music seems to have developed an unfavorable image among some outside the South, particularly outsiders from its core regions. Aside from being associated with conservative Middle-America and classism/racism concerns, white upper middle class liberals often associate country music with rednecks/trail trash culture which amounts to social shaming that has become all too familiar these days.
Although country artists are sometimes stereotyped, there are musicians working to challenge these expectations and broaden the genre. Such artists use story-telling to question whether authenticity must convey traditional country values while appealing to more progressive audiences; women and queer musicians among them.
Country music genre is currently facing the ongoing controversy of sexism and homophobia. Women find it challenging to make it in country music due to discrimination from their peers; thus making diversity within country music industry an issue and necessary. Equal gender participation should also be promoted.
While it would be inaccurate to generalize all country artists as having engaged in acts of sexism and homophobia, certain artists have been particularly contentious. Morgan Wallen’s meteoric rise to fame was abruptly cut short when videos surfaced showing him using racist language; yet this did not cause him to lose fans; indeed he still enjoys an immense following today.