Country music, a genre that has been a core aspect of America since the 1920s, is heading in the completely wrong direction.
Once-loved ballads and dance tunes have turned into pop and futuristic beats. Whether it is because old artists have changed their styles, new pop artists have taken over the genre, or because of the explicit content featured in modern country songs, this category of music today is not the same as it has been for years.
For starters, the musicians within the country music industry have changed their music and song melodies into much more upbeat, fast-paced songs that feature new technology and instruments.
Although the pop-like music is not bad, it is nothing like its predecessors. This music should have its own genre and should not be considered a part of the country genre.
Country star Carrie Underwood is a clear example of this new modern country. Since 2008, Underwood has released music with iconic country beats, but her music is now veering toward pop. While her music is still considered country and does feature some simplistic styles, there is no denying a new dynamic in it. This can be heard directly in songs from her newest album, “Denim and Rhinestones.”
New artists and those new to the country genre are also some of the main sources of the decline of this industry. Beyonce is one example of these artists. Beyonce has been known as “The Queen of Pop” for over a decade. Her songs and achievements in this genre are nothing to ignore, but just because she has conquered one genre doesn’t mean she should move to the next.
On February 11, 2024, Beyonce released her attempt at country music with her song “Texas Hold ‘Em”. While this song is catchy and has exceptional vocals, it should not be considered a country song. Although there are no official rules on how songs are considered country, almost all songs have one or all of the following: folk harmonies, string instruments, twangy vocals or confessional lyrics. “Texas Hold ‘Em” has none of the above.
Another reason for the country’s music downfall is the content of newer songs. Recently, country song lyrics have proved that they, along with the rest of society, are turning more provocative and explicit.
Instead of lyrics like “You’re as sweet as strawberry wine” from “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, we now hear lyrics that praise alcohol and drugs and sexualize women. Although many artists still stick to more profound lyricism, many others are part of this new wave of country.
Music has not always been clean and pure throughout the decades, but there truly is no denying a growth in the number of explicit songs being produced today. Just because rap and pop genres are getting more vulgar does not provide an excuse for why country music is changing in this direction, either.
Despite the bad in new country music, artists who stick to the genre’s original ways are still abundant, particularly artists who have been around for a while. Artists such as Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton and the Zac Brown Band are some of the most popular artists currently, and they all keep their music under country music’s original standards, making their tunes enjoyable.
Although the music industry is constantly changing, the genre of country music is one that has been the backbone of the South for years and should not be succeeded by modernization taking over all music. Country music icons are losing their rhythms, pop stars are taking over the field and vulgar content is filling the once-beloved folk lyrics.
