Growing up in Fort Collins didn’t give me the exposure to country music I longed for. I really only heard rock, pop, and rap as I grew up, but there were a couple times I was exposed to country music. I didn’t fall in love with music until I was about 12 because I never connected to any of the music I had heard.
I believe that country music is the best genre of music. The first country artist I discovered was Zach Bryan in early 2022, right after his album “American Heartbreak” came out. Zach’s music is the first time I actually felt connected to music; his lyrics, have a way of touching your heart like nothing else
There are hundreds of country sub genres such as Traditional, Americana, Bluegrass, and Outlaw. When people say country music is only about “trucks and beer,” they are just wrong. Every artist has their own style with lyrics and instruments. Some of my favorite artists are Zach Bryan (a blend of alt-country, Americana, and folk-country music) because of his lyrics touch my heart, Zach Top (neo-traditional) because he has groovy 90’s style music, Sam Barber (country rock folk alternative) because his voice is amazing and he’s creative, and Nate Smith (country rock) because his music has high energy that you can jam out to.
Country music is the best kind of music to get your feelings stirred up, with lyrics that touch your heart mixed with instruments that match the feelings of the lyrics. It hits in a deeper way than any other music. Lyrics like “I’m sorry I don’t smile too much, I don’t wear a friendly face. I’m sorry I stare speechless at the trees, just trying to figure out who I should be.” from Nick Taylor in “Lover’s Dream” just speak to you. Country can bring any feeling you desire, whether it’s sadness, happiness, love, or excitement.
Country music isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t like the sound, don’t like what it’s about, or don’t like the speed. There are plenty of reasons to not like country music, but there’s even more reasons to love it. Every artist’s music affects you in a different way whether it’s emotional. Zach Bryan offers mostly deep sad songs that make you feel the emotion he is feeling in the song. Toby Keith gives you multiple things with different songs. Toby gives you party music with songs like “As Good As I Once Was” and “Red Solo Cup;” he also offers patriotic songs like “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of The Red White and Blue.”
Country music concerts have been some of my favorite experiences in my life. Concerts give you a whole new experience of the songs they play and give you the opportunity to hear unreleased songs. I’ve seen several concerts in this genre, from Zach Bryan, Nate Smith, Warren Ziders, Sam Barber, Eddie Flint, and Morgan Wade. I highly recommend going to a concert even if you’re not a country music fan so you can experience the environment. Actually, just go to any concert of any genre. Live music is the best. But if you do like country music, go and see a band in concert.
If you like love songs I recommend “Every Time” by Caleb Lathrop, “Joy Of My Life” by Chris Stapleton, and “You Are My Sunshine” by Zach Bryan. If you like 90s style music I recommend “Bad Luck” by Zach Top, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” by Toby Keith, “Brothers Of The Highway.” There are just so many options for people who are new to the genre. Give one of them a listen.
I believe country music is the best genre, I hope you think so too. If you’re not a fan I hope I convinced you to listen first before you make any judgments. Listen to more than one sub genre to find what you like–and find love in the twang.
