Country artists are exploring authentic themes of heartbreak, redemption and nostalgia in their music. Genre-bending upstarts such as Morgan Wallen have recorded multiple week No. 1 hits; established acts like Luke Combs and Zach Bryan also dominate country charts.
Queer songwriter Angel Olsen managed to impress traditionalists with a steel-infused waltz, while newcomer Ernest’s vintage melancholy charmed everyone else.
Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown
This song, featuring a vibrant up-and-comer and his equally adorable wife, will become a timeless country classic that’s played at wedding first dances for years to come. Plus, its message that there’s good in the world even within an industry can only add depth of feeling!
Country fans could use more songs like this from Maren Morris’ Humble Quest album. Her wry take on love, fame and mortality are a highlight. Her voice sounds decades older than she actually is with its distinctive yet relatable tones – making this an incredible offering!
Country traditionalists were impressed by one-name up-and-comer Ernest’s bluesy “Lookin’,” an impressive debut that earned synch placement on Yellowstone’s hit series and proved there is much to appreciate in country music when artists tap into its timeless traditions.
Luke Combs
Combs has helped shape country music for his generation since Garth Brooks first brought it into arena rock ten years earlier. His distinctive rasp and deep tenor give songs an authentic country sound; his discography chronicles relationships, break-ups and heartbreak with an endearing Southern boy charm.
Country traditionalists will no doubt be won over by this artist-singer’s soulful bluesy stomp about finding love. A song with true heart, this hits is sure to remain an indispensable first dance song at weddings for years to come.
Maren Morris showcases her storytelling abilities on “Background Music,” one of the standout tracks on her Humble Quest album. This ballad, telling a poignant tale of love, fame and mortality is yet another stunning reminder of why she has become such an impressive voice in country music.
Caitlyn Smith
Caitlyn Smith is one of Nashville’s coveted songwriters, crafting hits for superstar country artists like Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts. But her 2018 debut album Starfire showcased not only her writing skill but also her immense vocal talent and breathtaking vocal range.
Minnesota native Sarah Heiderer sang church hymns while spending much of her free time enjoying the Land of 10,000 Lakes; yet she often traveled fourteen-hour drives to Nashville in pursuit of becoming one of its top lyricists, landing cuts for major artists while simultaneously working towards her own goal as an independent singer-songwriter.
After recording her debut No.1 single with Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof”, Smith recorded Supernova for 2020 release. This album captures life on the road from family pressures to finding romance along the way, even Saving Country Music fans who may not necessarily adhere to traditionalist country can appreciate its melodious tune and beautiful lyrics; making this a fitting song to add to any 2022 country playlist! You can listen here.
Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan is challenging country music stereotypes with songs that cover topics ranging from life on the outskirts to drinking, country music and small towns. With his latest album American Heartbreak, Bryan proves he is one of the genre’s premier singer-songwriters.
Stadium-headlining superstar Taylor Swift possesses an uncanny talent for writing songs that resonate with fans. From heartfelt love songs to songs fending off predators and bloodsuckers, his lyrics are as passionate yet relatable.
Oklahoma native, Scott has created a devoted following with captivating storytelling and powerful performances. Tourniquet, dedicated to an departed family patriarch and marked with stately percussion and melodic guitar riffing is testament to this success.
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson has made a steady ascendancy through country music’s ranks, her infectious songs instantly recognizable for their catchy melodies and amusing lyrics; yet it was through television show Yellowstone that she became widely recognized; appearing as a regular character alongside Kevin Costner-starring drama to showcase some of her singles as well.
Born and raised in Baskin, Louisiana, Wilson found inspiration in classic country music that encouraged her to become a singer-songwriter. After moving to Nashville in 2011, Wilson set her sights on becoming a country artist – winning over her predecessors with thoughtful songs like “Things A Man Oughta Know,” or bringing back 1970s soul for 2024’s “Heart Like a Truck,” Wilson has fully embraced both its past and future incarnations while continuing its traditions. She will release her next studio album this August 2024 – follow her journey on Twitter!
Charley Crockett
There’s something mesmerizing about hearing an engaging, powerful voice like Charley Crockett’s; his, who hails as a distant relative of Davy Crockett and gained notoriety busking on New York City subway stations with his band Train Robbers is devastating. Anguish and truth lace every line from him as his lyrics speak from their hearts as heartfelt as they can. Listeners experience every heartbreak along his journey – the listener feels every note.
Crockett writes freely, drawing inspiration from his life experiences for his new album $10 Cowboy. This Texas-born singer-songwriter had no intention of creating a themed record; rather he simply did what came naturally.
Crockett draws heavily from both his native state of Illinois and Americana music–an emerging subgenre that draws heavily on traditional country and folk sounds–in his storytelling and music. While some might find the album surprising or unique, it offers raw emotion at every turn: from describing bad record deals or admitting “we all sin and some go straight”; Crockett’s stories are as captivating as his voice itself.
Ernest
Country music’s distinctive sound makes an emotional impactful statement about itself and tells an engaging tale. From established superstars touching upon themes of redemption, heartbreak and nostalgia to upstarts exploring themes such as revenge and self-reflection; 2018 brought plenty of captivating tales.
Ernest has long been a key presence on the Nashville music scene as a songwriter, penning songs such as Chris Lane’s “Big, Big Plans”, Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted on You”, and Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s”. Ernest remains one of the most unexpected hitmakers on today’s scene.
ERNEST has had eight #1 country music hits to his name and two albums to his credit. FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM), his 2022 effort, showcased more classically country sounds with honky tonk jams and intricate string band excursions. Since then he rebranded this collection into FLOWER SHOPS: Two Dozen Roses with 13 new cuts; this deluxe edition is set for release February 10th. He was nominated for a CMA Triple Play Award as well as named one of Variety’s 2022 Country Music Breakout Artists to Watch’.
Pardi
Pardi has made an indelible mark on the country music landscape with his unmistakable sound, drawn from his heroes’ influences. His relatable lyrics resonate deeply with fans. Be it Buck Owens and Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings and Jerry Lee Lewis, Pardi incorporates their signature sounds into his sound while adding his own unique signature style.
New York native Cardi B quickly rose to fame with her 2013 single “Oyyy,” sparking off an incredible musical relationship and collaboration. Since then, they have released multiple albums including double platinum “UNDER8ED” and California Sunrise.”
Pardi is one of a growing group of artists reinventing traditional country sounds with their modern interpretations, such as fiddle, steel and twang. He has shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest stars like Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan. When not on tour he enjoys riding horses at his 40+ acre ranch near Nashville; spending time with his wife and kids; pushing musical boundaries further, making an ever-greater mark on country music with each passing year.