Picture this: you’re at a party, sandwiched between a crowd that’s more packed than sardines in a can, and the music blares loudly in your ears. All around you, people are dancing—jumping up and down to the beat, pumping their fists into the air, singing off-key along with the Spice Girls’ latest hit.
Everything is going swell—that is, until the song ends, and Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” becomes the next slow dance. The crowd of hormonally pubescent teenagers goes…wild? Well, maybe not back in the 80s or 90s, but that definitely isn’t the case today.
In the last decade, singers like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have thrust country music back into the limelight. Taking up bedazzled microphones, sparkly red guitars and, of course, the iconic cowboy hat, they have, quite successfully, put the muse back into music—with their own unique pinch of twang and dash of southern hospitality added into the mix.
As a whole, country music has kept its original fervor. The stories haven’t changed, but the sounds and the artists have certainly brought some fresh flavor onto the scene.
Artists like Blake Shelton and groups like The Band Perry have done their best to help country music’s fan base become more diverse and inclusive.
Aside from the southern drawls and occasional banjo, country music has also begun to incorporate genres such as rock, pop and even rap. (If you don’t believe me, check out Colt Ford’s song “Back” featuring Jake Owen.)
In spite of these innovations in the musical genre, however, some people still have their reservations about country music. The snide comments have dwindled, but I can’t tell you how many times I still hear the phrase “oh goodness—anything but country music!”
Here’s the deal: contrary to popular belief, country music is not all about faded blue jeans and red solo cups. In fact, it’s the total opposite.
Unlike many of today’s other genres, country music almost always has a story behind it—a central message that brings good times home and a lot of meaning to heart.
Take Luke Bryan’s song “Play it Again” for example. An obviously attractive girl is admired by an obviously smitten boy.
It’s the classic country love story—a case of sweet sincerity you won’t find anywhere else but on a tailgate. It’s not long before the boy realizes how hard he’s falling, and after the girl has suddenly dragged him—quite insistently—onto the dance floor, the boy is pleased to find that his love is requited.
In the end, the two dance the night away to the girl’s favorite song, yelling at the DJ to “play it again, play it again, play it again.”
This sort of teenage romance is just one of the many underlying messages behind the all-American sound that is country music. Some stories are sad, some are sweet, and others are just plain ol’ fun—but none are there just for kicks.
Country music always has a purpose. It’s meant to be relatable—to stress the ideals of love, loss, family and faith. It’s a means to have fun, dance for the heck of it and just enjoy life.
So whether it’s a story about a girl that makes a boy want to cruise, a Friday night sweet ride or teardrops on a girl’s guitar, give country music a chance because honestly it’s here to stay.
And I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to play it again, play it again, play it again.
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Country music rocks—and I’m not the only one who knows it
No folks, I’m not crazy—there are plenty of people out there who love country music as much as I do. K92.3 radio hosts Ashley Figueroa and AJ Maguire give their take on the country music industry.
ASHLEY FIGUEROA
First and foremost: why country music?
I have loved country music since I was little. When you go to a country concert you know that the artists sing live and will always sound amazing. Plus [nine times out of ten] they will sell out! It’s a good time!
My friends tease me about liking country music—it’s all about pickup trucks and cowboy boots, they say. How would you respond to this stereotype?
Country music is different now. It’s about having a good time and dancing! Country sounds like “Top 40” even more now, and there’s a lot of cross over artists like Kelly Clarkson and Florida Georgia Line. Watching Luke Bryan shake it on stage is a pretty nice view, if you ask me!
Best kept country music secret?
If you go to Nashville, TN…don’t wear cowboy boots! You will look like a tourist, and it’s cooler to just fit in! Oh, and I heard Kip Moore used to date Jana Kramer before Brantley Gilbert!
If you could sing any Luke Bryan song at one of his concerts, which song would it be and why?
I would sing “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” It was my first song I ever liked of his!
I absolutely love how country music always seems to have a story behind it. What is your favorite song, and what message does it bring home for you?
“Up on the Ridge” [by] Dierks Bentley is just a feel good song for me, and I love Luke Bryan’s “Crash My Party” because it’s about a couple being in love. Everyone can relate to that no matter what age!
With respect to the future of country music, what are you most excited for or hope will happen?
I hope it won’t go too “Top 40.” I love the way it is now, but I don’t want it to change anymore. I like the twangy stuff, and I’ll miss it if it goes away completely.
Which country music artist would you go shopping with and why?
I’d go with Jana Kramer because she has a great taste in clothes!
AJ MAGUIRE
First and foremost: why country music?
It fits me and my lifestyle. Faith, Family, Country. There is meaning in the songs, and they speak to my life.
Why did you choose a career rooted in country music?
I grew up listening to everything from rock, country, hip-hop, Top-40 and oldies. The Country artists (now) blend all of those elements into their music. You don’t have to live on a farm or wear boots to like it. I started in radio at 17 and worked for a Top 40 station and Country station in the same building. As my career grew I stuck with Country for many reasons, some personal, but I got so tired of… listening to artists talk/sing/rap about how awesome they are.
In your opinion, what is the best country music song of all time and why?
I can’t name one… There are so many amazing songs out there.
Best concert you’ve ever been to?
Never been to one…. Ha! I would have to say my 6th grade jazz band concert. I tore it up on my saxophone.
What do you think makes country music so unique compared to other music genres?
FEELING!!! The music speaks to real life problems, pain, happiness and memories. It’s not just the same three lines auto-tuned to a beat. There is real meaning in those songs. Also the artists! No other genre’s artists do more for the fans. This might upset some, but the truth is a lot of artists and bands could care less about fans. They just want your money. I’ve seen so many times when an artist treats the fans [terribly]. Won’t let anyone take a photo with them or meet them. Yes, that does happen some in Country when artists forget who they are and where they came from. The artists who treat fans well can go a long way.
If you could be any country music artist, who would you be and why?
Dierks Bentley. The dude’s just smooth and has a great voice. He knows what he’s working with, and the ladies love it.
If you could write your own song, what would its title be, and what would it be about?
How NOT fun these questions are… I’m kidding… It would be about food and sleep. I like those things a lot.
