12 songs that show just how good modern country music can be

As a lifelong enthusiast of country music, I must say that this list is nothing short of extraordinary! From the raw talent of Jelly Roll to the youthful promise shown by Low Gap, these songs showcase the depth and diversity of modern country music.

This year, a book penned by Joseph M. Thompson from Mississippi State University provided fresh insights into the intricate role of country music within American culture. The title of his work, “Cold War Country: How Nashville’s Music Row and the Pentagon Shaped the Sound of American Patriotism,” reveals the strategic endeavor taken by leaders in both the music industry and military to associate country music with a specific aspect of the American lifestyle.

Country music’s identity has never been strictly defined as exclusively white, Christian, or conservative. Instead, it has a rich history of progressive and liberal influences, with contributions from people of various backgrounds such as African-American, Native American, Latino, and many others. It is worth noting that while Christianity has undeniably influenced the genre, there have been prominent country artists who have not associated their music with any specific religion.

In the first and second segments of this collection, we’ve followed the essential divide that has been inherent in country music since its inception. During the post-war era when Nashville was at the helm, this division was more pronounced towards the style of music Thompson refers to as “Cold War Country.

12 modern country songs that will blow your mind

By 2024, that division, much like the nation overall, appears to be more balanced. This is evident in what is known within the “industry.” I have a feeling that by February, the Grammy for Album of the Year will go to Beyoncé for her country-influenced album titled “Cowboy Carter“. Despite this, the most revered award dedicated solely to country music – the Country Music Awards (CMAs) – did not think it necessary to nominate Beyoncé’s creation.

At this year’s CMA Awards, several artists known for their progressive country music were nominated – Jelly Roll, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, and the highly popular Chris Stapleton. However, it was traditionalist Cody Johnson who took home the award, making him one of the least contemporary among the five nominees. Yet, he remains quite distinct from the type of music that Nashville has been championing for over a decade.

15 years ago, the style known as “Bro-country” swept through the genre and a large part of the country. This music genre combined Nashville’s interest in blending country-pop with distinctly male themes. It was frequently characterized by immature forms of masculinity, focusing predominantly on attractive women and affordable alcohol. Over time, cars, physical confrontations, and a growing suspicion towards anyone not fond of cars or fights became integral parts of Bro-country’s identity.

Instead, you had musicians coming from various parts, countering with more pointed lyrics and incorporating diverse musical styles. Many of them were grounded in tradition, yet this tradition was open to peeks beyond the established norms. Just like Johnny Cash revolutionized country music by adding mariachi horns to “Ring of Fire,” numerous country musicians started seeking innovative methods to reinterpret age-old tales. Meanwhile, those focusing on themes related to sexuality and gender found themselves telling entirely new narratives altogether.

In line with the rest of the nation, deep rifts expanded and spawned bitter rhetoric and even more trouble. The group formerly known as the Dixie Chicks removed “Dixie” from their moniker in 2020. Maren Morris, who snagged three significant CMA awards in 2020, including Single of the Year, declared her exit from country music. Lately, she’s been collaborating with producer Jack Antonoff, who aided a previous country singer in leaving the genre for the alluring realm of pop music. If you’re unfamiliar with her name, consult a fan of Taylor Swift.

In 2024, country music stands at a significant juncture, yet it’s not entirely unfamiliar territory. As we continue our series on modern country tunes that are sure to resonate, let’s delve into the recent past, approximately two decades, with a focus on the dynamic 2020s. We’ll steer clear of Taylor Swift since we often highlight her work. However, if you fancy Taylor in her country artist phase, take a listen to “Teardrops on My Guitar.

2005-2020: the pushback against Bro-Country

“Ride Through the Country” by Colt Ford (featuring John Michael Montgomery) (2008)

Colt Ford hails from Athens, Georgia during the 1970s and ’80s, a city known for nurturing alternative music. It’s no wonder then that this city birthed one of the pioneers in country rap music. Ford embodied a traditional country persona, promoting a straightforward lifestyle as portrayed on his debut album, Ride Through the Country. His unique approach set him apart from early country musicians who frequently echoed similar sentiments. As he put it humorously, “Leave your door open, nothing’s going to happen – Most country folks can sing, but I couldn’t so I’m rapping.

The first album features duets with artists capable of singing, including John Michael Montgomery in this case. Ford’s connection with prominent country artist Jason Aldean (who he wrote multiple hits for) typically aligns him with a certain political stance, although Ford consistently asserts his avoidance of politics. This year, Ford experienced a heart attack amidst ongoing health issues. He aims to return to performing eventually, but it hasn’t occurred yet.

“Miss You Being Gone” by the Band Perry (2010)

The musical trio hailing from Mississippi (Kimberly, Reid, and Neil) made a significant impact in the country-pop scene back in 2010 with their first album titled the same as their name, which included the massive hit “If I Die Young”. A track like “Miss You Being Gone” showcased their grittier rock influence, accompanied by Kimberly’s witty and vengeful lyrical flair. The lyrics read: “I’ll concede that I was wrong – You said I’d miss you – Yes, I do – Sweetheart, I miss you being absent.” Following another album that produced numerous country-pop chart-toppers, the band surprisingly joined forces with the giant label Interscope. Rumors soon swirled that The Perrys were heading towards pop music.

Initially, a third album failed to emerge, leading the Band Perry to split up with Interscope Records. They put out a few singles together with Benny Cassette, who was then primarily recognized for his collaborations with Kanye West. It appeared as though the Band Perry were struggling to find their footing in country or pop music. After going quiet for a while, Kimberly announced last year that they had disbanded and she was working on her own solo endeavor. Their absence does make me feel nostalgic.

“Hit ‘Em Up Style” by the Carolina Chocolate Drops (2010)

In the 1975 film “Nashville,” as mentioned in the initial portion of our series, there was a character named Tommy Brown, portrayed by actor Timothy Brown. This character served as the token minority artist in the music industry, a role modeled after the real-life country star Charley Pride. For an extended period, Pride was the sole African American individual to achieve stardom within the realm of country music.

Around several decades past, with minimal advancements regarding diversity and the genre, Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson united to create the Carolina Chocolate Drops – a group dedicated to rejuvenating a type of traditional music, originally played by African Americans, that was closely related to country music, though it wasn’t initially named as such. On “Hit ‘Em Up Style,” Giddens strums the fiddle, Flemons picks the banjo, and Robinson, along with Sule Greg Wilson, handle percussion duties. Through her transparent and eloquent vocals, Giddens imparts guidance on handling a cheater, and if that isn’t country music…

“Nobody to Blame” by Chris Stapleton (2015)

At age 36, Chris Stapleton significantly influenced the direction of country music with his first album, “Traveller“, in 2015. He achieved this by shying away from the Bro-centric boasting and instead focusing on a more traditional style of songwriting. “Nobody to Blame” showcased his skillful electric guitar play, complemented by pedal steel and mandolin. The production of the album was overseen by Dave Cobb, a renowned progressive country producer.

Instead of celebrating with drinks and women, it’s a cheerful yet melancholic ballad about owning up to a broken relationship. This poignant tune is sung in Stapleton’s rough yet heartfelt baritone voice. Since the launch of Traveller, Stapleton has been honored as the CMA Male Artist of the Year an impressive seven times, including his most recent accolade.

“Redesigning Women” by the Highwomen (2019)

Outlaw country music fans have been debating for years who the new version of the original Highwaymen would be. The Highwaymen were the country music supergroup from the 1980s, comprised of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. Chris Stapleton was long rumored to be a likely member of the new Highwaymen, along with the likes of Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson. Then, wonder of wonders, while everyone was talking about the new Highwaymen, the Highwomen burst onto the scene.

In a dynamic group that included Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires (who was married to Isbell at the time), they took the lead. Their first single, penned by Hemby and Rodney Clawson and performed jointly by all four artists, was titled “Redesigning Women.” This mid-tempo rock number celebrated female empowerment amidst a constantly evolving environment. The lyrics went: “Redesigning women – Running the world while we’re cleaning up the kitchen – Making money, shaking hands, driving eighty – Trying to get home just to feed the baby.

“Burn One With John Prine” by Kacey Musgraves (2019)

The year isn’t right. I don’t know when Musgraves wrote this beautiful tribute to one of the godfathers of the entire Americana movement. She has never released it either on an album or as a single. But she has played it often, most notably in 2019 when she took the stage with Prine himself and after some of his folksiest storytelling about this young woman who once tried to get him high, Musgraves – by this point a major star herself – played the song as Prine, beaming with pride, looked on.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but relate to Mursgave’s song. It’s clear that one of her muses is echoed within its melody, but it’s more than just a tribute—it’s a reflection of her perspective on life. To put it in my own words: “I ain’t got the knack for being cautious, I just spill out my thoughts, Just like my notion of paradise, is sharing a tune with John Prine.” Unfortunately, not long after these lines were sung, the legendary American singer-songwriter, John Prine, lost his life to COVID.

Where we stand today: 2020 and beyond

“Lilacs” by Waxahatchee (2020)

Under the stage name Waxahatchee, Katie Crutchfield initially embarked on her solo career as well as forming her band, which she also named Waxahatchee. Her fifth album, titled Saint Cloud, comes across as her most extensive venture into country music. Throughout her musical journey, Crutchfield has constantly straddled the line between indie rock with a hint of twang and country music infused with a strong indie rock influence.

The song ‘Lilacs’ could be considered one of her most soothing country tunes she has ever produced, and its release during the early stages of the pandemic provided a unique outlook on life that acknowledged the harsh reality yet resisted sinking into despair. The lyrics suggest a simple existence where one can find solace in the small things, transforming silence into something valuable.

“Trinity River” by Charley Crockett (2022)

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: Just because you haven’t spent decades in Music City or walked the same boots as the legends before you doesn’t mean you can’t make it big in country music. Guys like Chris Stapleton and Charley Crockett proved that life experience can be a powerful tool, with their breakthroughs happening well into their 30s. Granted, we’re no longer in the time of Charley Pride, but Crockett stands out as one of the rare African American artists who’s managed to carve a significant niche for himself in this genre.

Prior to the 2022 album “The Man From Waco“, which earned Crockett both critical and popular recognition, he had been sharing his distinctive mix of country and R&B across more than ten albums. In “Trinity River”, Crockett’s raw vocals, reminiscent of Bill Withers singing country tunes, are accentuated by the jazzy notes played by Kullen Fox on the trumpet. While his studio releases always sound crystal clear, seeing him live is an entirely different experience as he consistently leaves audiences in awe with his powerful performances.

“Brenda Put Your Bra On” by Ashley McBryde (2022)

Ashley McBryde’s album “Lindeville” is among the top three outstanding country albums over the past five years. The concept is captivating. McBryde, along with her songwriter friends such as Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti (Nicolette Hayford), Aaron Raitiere, and Benjy Davis, collaborated on a sequence of songs revolving around the fictional small town of Lindeville, which was named after Dennis Linde, the songwriter known for penning “Goodbye Earl” from this series’ second part.

McBryde takes the role of the band’s conductor, yet everyone contributes to writing, singing, and playing throughout the album. The opening track is “Brenda Put Your Bra on,” a catchy number sung by McBryde, Patti, and Caylee Hammack, which humorously depicts some turbulence in the trailer park neighborhood.

“Going to Hell” by Adeem the Artist (2002)

If Lindeville stands out as one of the finest country albums from the 2020s, then Adeem the Artist’s song “Middle of the Heart” could be the most outstanding country track released in the last five years – and it’s not even the one I’m focusing on for this conversation. “Middle of the Heart” is beautiful, profound, and heartrendingly sorrowful. To give you a taste of something more lively, check out the song that comes after it on Adeem’s album White Trash Revelry, titled “Going to Hell.

Adeem, who goes by a non-binary identity, performs on fiddles, banjos, and mandolins at an energetic hoedown, posing the intriguing query: “Would you rather go to heaven when this rapture begins – or would you prefer to go to hell with Adeem the Artist?” They conclude their argument by stating that in heaven they play country tunes softly, but in hell, we crank them up loud.

“Liar” by Jelly Roll (2024)

It has just been a few months since one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars, Jelly Roll, sang his song “Liar” on Saturday Night Live. He had already introduced it to the country world at the Opry and the CMA Awards, but SNL showed the non-country world what modern country could be. With the vigor of a fire and brimstone preacher, Jelly Roll rails against false promises of every stripe – from drugs to people and beyond. It is one more tour de force from one of the biggest voices in country music in 2024.

“Billy Miller” by Low Gap (2024)

In my opinion, I thought it best to add Jelly Roll’s latest song to this playlist, as I had an array of excellent tunes from artists like Luke Combs, Maren Morris, and Ian Noe waiting in the wings. However, after hearing Low Gap’s freshly released three-track EP titled “Say a Prayer“, I opted to give some less-established talents a chance, potentially discovering the future of modern country music.

Brothers Gus and Phin Johnson are not yet 20 years old, but for the past three years, they’ve been creating country music that combines elements of the old and the new. Their debut single “Mockingbird,” released in 2021, was a catchy tune that paved the way for their subsequent releases like “Billy Miller.” This mid-tempo rocker tells a heartwarming story of an outcast, drawing comparisons to John Prine’s music – a testament to their skill and potential.

Here we’ve added another twelve tracks, making it a total of 36 songs now. If none of these appeal to you, I promise not to bother anymore. While country music might not be your cup of tea, I have a feeling that there’s at least one song among these that will resonate with you deeply. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up loving a dozen or more.

Back in part one, I mentioned “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” by the legendary Buck Owens – this tune was actually penned by the renowned country songwriter, Harlan Howard. This man’s work is timeless, and his quote about a great country song – “three chords and the truth” – still rings true today. Whether it’s fresh voices, novel instruments, or heated discussions, the country music tradition remains vibrant and evolving. So, if you’re game, give it a shot. There’s plenty to gain from exploring this rich musical landscape.

2024-12-02 14:01