When I tell people that I love country music, I get two reactions: The first, “Oh my gosh I love country music too!” And the second, “Heck no! It’s all about tractors and drinking alcohol!”
Yes, there are some songs that just talk about riding on a tractor with “a cold one in your hand,” but c’mon, wouldn’t that be fun to actually do? People are so quick to cast judgment that they do not actually hear the meaningful, heart-warming and fun music that’s out there. I want to assure you that music from the South ain’t half as bad as it seems, and here are five reasons why:
- Family elements
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Family. We all have that in some form. Country shares the beauty of family — something that is not always in other forms of music. Thomas Rhett is a prime example with “Life Changes” and “Remember You Young.” The popular song, “Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver is a hit, and “Can’t Be Replaced” by Dierks Bentley also has that “family-time” vibe. It brings a sweet, fun and appreciative attitude to the listeners, making country music more real than the stereotypical beliefs that people have about it.
- It brings in the fun
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Country music has a way of making a dull night a fun night. You could be chilling on a Friday night alone and Sam Hunt can hit you up with “House Party,” or you could be at a boring family gathering and bring in some energy with “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts. Songs like these have an energetic, ready-to-party vibe that everyone can enjoy. From a head-bop to full-on dance moves, country artists can turn a “meh” day a memorable day.
- So many love songs
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Love. We all yearn for it, and some of us have experienced it. From being in love to a brutal breakup, country music has your back. Dylan Scott’s “My Girl” shows the laid-back kind of love, giving the ability for couples to mindlessly sing. Then there’s the classic wedding song by Bretty Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” that couples can slow-dance to and take in the moment. Having a break-up? Carrie Underwood is always a go-to, but so is “You’ll Think Of Me” by Keith Urban and “Heartache on the Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi. From the first day jitters, the 45th wedding anniversary or a devastating break-up, country can give you raw music that hits to the core.
- It lets you feel raw emotion
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I have mentioned the highs and lows of love, but country music is more than just about love; it is about life in general. It has the ability to make you stop and say, “Wow, I feel that.” Those songs are not always going to be on the radio, but they’re out there. “Dirt” by Florida Georgia Line gives you a sense of appreciation about your hometown. While the focus is on the countryside, the song still allows you to reflect on your home. Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” brings a memory of the ones that left your life, another form of reminiscing. “Living” by Dierks Bently gives you a breath-of-fresh-air vibe. Country makes the tough times in life into a manageable experience, giving you a sense of peace.
- It gave us Taylor Swift
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Love or hate her, country music brought Taylor Swift, and she helped revolutionize it and got people listening. She is the reason why I started to listen to country music. From “Our Song” to “Love Story” to “Mean,” she put out hit after hit, and you have to respect that. She paved the road for so many young artists to start a career and inspired people to go for what they love. If it wasn’t for country music icons like Tim McGraw, we wouldn’t even have Taylor. Give me a second to appreciate her — okay, I’m good. Point being, country music is an amazing career starter, and who doesn’t love to see musicians like Taylor thrive?
Country music is all about family, good times, laughs, crying and so much more. It is a refreshing sound to hear, and easy on the ears. If you are not convinced, then try to listen to an album of a popular country artist — just one, and if that doesn’t do the trick, well, thank you for indulging in my country music-obsessed article.