● Country Music and the Mainstream: A Curious Tale

Michael Aquilino English Journalist

Perhaps underappreciated and in need of more popular recognition, the genre of country music deserves a chance in the headlines. According to a nationally representative 2022 poll done by CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/ news/rock-music-hip-hop-young-peopleopinion-poll/), Americans over the age of thirty ranked rock music as their favourite genre (32%), and country/western music as fourth-best (12%), whereas those aged 18-29 ranked hip/hop as their go-to (32%), and country/western as fifth-best (8%). This study suggests country music is tremendously unfavourable in comparison to other popular forms of music, an idea which seems rather peculiar. The weaving of lyrics between intricate composition creates an experience of humanity and various forms of belonging. Music, no matter its genre, has the power to inspire, unite, and uplift individuals — a power unrivaled by much else in the world. At its core, music is a storytelling medium which allows artists to share their experiences and desires. Although constantly cast in the limelight and unconforming with mainstream tunes, country music is a significant genre, known for its moving stories and experiences of heartbreak. There are many stereotypes and tropes associated with country, including heavy alcohol consumption (whether it be of beer, whisky or tequila), farming occupations, trucks galore, boots, jeans, and, of course, the characteristic Southern accent. It may seem that country music is incredibly repetitive, with nothing really new, innovative or interesting to contribute to modern sounds. I, too, was once guilty of thinking of the country music genre as nothing more than a laughingstock, compared to its mainstream counterparts. I have since come to realize my ignorance, and regret not adding some country tracks to my playlists sooner. Recent country music has seemingly taken on a whole new nature. Sure, old “honky-tonk” sounding songs are still produced, but there have been a multitude of phenomenal pieces released in the past few years. The foundations of country music are built upon the human experience, often its woes and sorrows. Life is not an easy, straightforward affair; country music offers an outlet for deep emotional expression. Many country songs are sung from their artist’s heart and soul, relaying experiences and tribulations which may have been personal and intimate. Listened to intently, country music takes on a sort of spoken word-esque, poetic nature, allowing listeners to hear the artist from the depths of their inner-being. I find that country music, unlike other forms of music, is able to express more intimate themes. An abundance of contemporary music is overwhelmed by its accompaniment. Although this is not necessarily a negative aspect, I feel as if the raw and candid vocals and lyrics of many country artists are unmatched in their expression of emotion and the human experience through music. Definitions of country music have certainly started to change in recent years. One of my favourite, new “country” songs is “Son of A Sinner” (2021) by rapper-turnedcountry artist, Nashville-native Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord). With fervent lines like, “Mistakes I made, I paid for them in cash, Walked a million miles on broken glass, I’m feeling like I’m fading, My heart’s been slowly breaking,” this heartfelt tune and lyrical masterpiece explores themes of substance use and abuse, resilience and leaving the past in the rearview mirror. This has caused some people to question the song’s categorization as part of the country genre. While it certainly contains countrylike themes and sounds country-like to an extent, the rap/rock/country medley is definitely unorthodox. Nonetheless, Jelly Roll, in speaking to Taste of Country, shares, “I’m always gonna give you real music. It’s gonna be for real people that have been through real things” (https:// tasteofcountry.com/jelly-roll Interview-sonof-a-sinner-rap-influences/). But what exactly does it mean for a song to be categorized as “country”? As per one source, country music, “looks at both success and failure, joy and despair with sentiment and realism” (https://www. encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopediasalmanacs-transcripts-and-maps/countrymusic). I believe it is country music’s innate sincerity and authenticity that sets it apart from other genres of music. Country songs are composed in such a way that allows listeners to truly resonate with their often autobiographical narratives. These songs are sung passionately and offer different, yet similar, perspectives on everyday life. Country music is more of a story-telling medium than many of its counterparts, so eloquently affixing euphonic melodies to its compelling literature. Thus, while other genres may also endeavour to share stories and experiences, I don’t believe that any other genre collectively (there are some amazing, lyrically/vocally powerful songs of other genres out there, including “Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen) delivers so effectively. I believe that the sheer, if nothing else, inspiration behind “Son of A Sinner,” previously described by Jelly Roll, defines the song as fundamentally within the scope of country. Even so, I invite you to take a listen and judge the song for yourself — after all, beauty and excellence are in the eyes, erm, ears of the beholder. The 56th annual Country Music Association Awards (CMA), recognizing country’s biggest stars, occurred on November 9th. In light of this event, and of one of my favourite country artists, Luke Combs, taking home the coveted Entertainer of Year Award, and his album, “Growin’ Up,” securing the Album of the Year, I feel that it is fitting to share, in no particular order, some of my favourite country music recommendations: 1. Going, Going, Gone - Luke Combs 2. Doin’ This - Luke Combs 3. To the Guys that Date my Girls - Thomas Rhett

4. Death Row - Thomas Rhett 5. More Than my Hometown - Morgan Wallen 6. Sand in my Boots - Morgan Wallen 7. Whiskey Sour - Kane Brown In spite of its underappreciation, there are signs of hope for country music. The Country Music Association (CMA) reports an organic and meaningful growth of the genre in recent years, including in non-traditional markets and metropolitan cities. This is very exciting news, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for country music! I think the world needs to add some more country tunes to its repertoire, emphasizing that we are all going through these life experiences together, and that we should support one another in our journey. As country music will delineate, it’s okay to experience adversity in life, as we all have the power to overcome it and prosper! The path to success may not be uniform and untroubled, but it exists, and can be found. Therefore, I encourage you to set any predispositions aside, and give country music the chance that it deserves — as you may be pleasantly surprised by what you hear. Happy listening, Glendon!