This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter.
How many New Englanders like Country music? From my experience, it’s not many. Instead, they’re listenig to the usual rap, hip-hop, and indie pop that comes on the radio. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Country music has to be one of the best genres of music out there. Here’s a few reasons why…
- The lyrics have beautiful meaning. Most songs these days talk about going to the club, getting drunk, and sleeping around. Probably not the best message to be sending. On the other hand, Country music has a much deeper meaning. For example, Jason Aldean’s Amarillo Sky talks about the struggle American farmers face when trying to keep their land and sell their crops. Zach Brown Band’s Goodbye in Her Eyes sings about the difficulty that comes when you realize the woman you love has fallen out of love with you. And even if they’re singing about parties like their rap/hip-hop counterparts, they know how to make it sound good. Where Whiz Khalifa might say, “So what we get drunk. So what we don’t sleep. We’re just having fun. We don’t care who sees,” Luke Bryan might say, “I was Elvis, rocink’ on the bar. Workin’ the crowd. Pourin’ out my heart.” They’re both talking about the same thing, but for some reason Luke’s words sound so much better.
- There are real instruments in the songs. Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of songs these days do have actual instrument’s playing, but not like this. Just listen to any Zach Brown Band song and you’ll not only hear a guitar, but banjos, violins, along with four part harmonies. That’s not something you hear every day. Other great musicians include Johnny Cash, who used the lap-slide guitar and Hunter Hayes, who can play eight different instruments. These Country singers have great bands full of instruments that help them achieve the sound they want. And these bands sure as heck make the musical magic happen.
- Their voices sound great on their own. I doubt there’s a single country song where you’ll hear a computer modified voice or anything that couldn’t be sung in real life. No Lil’ Wayne business. It’s all organic. Their voices are raw and natural. If you hear them in concert, their voices live are going to sound just like the CD. I’m sure there are many singers who sound amazing live, like Adele for example, however it is more common to have singers lip-singing or sounding completely off key. Go to a Country concert and you’ll hear great music and love what you’re hearing. Your ears will be rejoicing!!
- The men are gorgeous. Just Google Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Hunter Hayes, Brad Paisley….the list goes on and on. They’ve got that nice Southern charm with a bit of bad boy feel. Just looking at their pictures should explain for itself. These men are what us New England girls need! And these men support our troops, sing about driving us on their big green tractors, and wear cowboy boos to work. Can it get any better than that?
- Country singers stick together like family. This summer alone, seven singers are going on tour around the same time. They’re selling a “Mega Ticket” where you can get a discounted ticket if you go to all seven. How awesome is that? Some of the singers include Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban. These are some of Country’s biggest singers, and they’re all going on tour together. And the best part is, the people opening for these big shots are not too bad themselves. Openers include The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line, and Love&Theft. These openers all have hits on the radio and a fan base of their own. Getting this “Mega Ticket” allows you to get a great idea of what this Country family really is like!
So that’s that. Country music really isn’t that bad at all. If you haven’t heard any Country before, try putting 92.5 on the radio when you’re driving down a dirt road. Make a Country Pandora station. Try watching Nashville, a new Country show on ABC. Or better yet, buy yourself that “Mega Ticket”!! Whatever works. As long as you give Country a chance. Because once you do, you’ll never go back.