How do you feel about the current state of country music?

[Weapon77]

Are some people going too far with what they consider Country music? Are others being too restrictive?

[JPresidente]

Since the 90’s Country Music has shifted to more light pop rock and old fashioned country has faded but still hangs on with some artists. They have had this battle internally for nearly 30 years but the fans don’t seem to mind. I personally am ok with it but some people may prefer the old fashioned stuff.

[Weapon77]

Accurate assessment. I think the trouble most people who don't like most of the newer stuff have is how many of the new artists really aren't "country" people and how so formulaic a lot of the new music is. Do I understand their frustration. But at the same time, shouldn't we all just listen to what we want and not worry about what others do? Personally, I prefer artists who stick to a still modern but more pure technical country sound like Chris Stapleton and Ian Munsick. But I don't have to bad mouth anyone who listens to the songs that constantly mention the clichés: baby blues, rolling down wondows, cut off jeans, whiskey, beer, Chevys, etc. even though hearing clichés of any kind in any genre in any medium bugs the shit put of me lol But guess what? If I don't like them, I don't have to listen to them 🤷‍♂️

[JPresidente]

Agree. To each his own and let everyone enjoy the different varieties. 👍

[Sparkie460]

I don't listen to country music

[Weapon77]

That's odd

[Sparkie460]

I'm more of a classic rock type of guy

[Weapon77]

Same. And a lot of people are, but Classic Rock is the mixture of Country and Rhythm and Blues, so I can't be a true Rock fan without liking some Country

[Sparkie460]

I don't think bands like Rush, deep purple, van Halen, pink Floyd, iron maiden or Metallica are a mixture of country and rhythm and blues

[Weapon77]

You can think what you want, but I studied this is college. You can study the development of American music and Rock and Roll yourself. It's fascinating. You cam find several interviews where members of the bands you mentioned have listed their Country, Folk, or Blues influences. Now, obviously bands like Pink Floyd have have more Blues influence than Country, and bands like Van Halem have more Country influence than Blues, but Rock has the same pedigree regardless. The chords, melodies, and many lyrical elements all descend from Country and Rhythm and Blues

[In_Trance]

I didn't know it still existed

[Weapon77]

Yep. Ian Munsick is a prime example. But there are many other artists who are examples of othrr genres like pop and hiphop absorbing country

[msc545]

No idea - I won't listen to it.

[Weapon77]

I'm guessing you just assume you won't like it as many people do. Most people like some of it if they give certain artists a chance. People don't typically realize that avoiding entire genres is a great way to miss out on great songs. It's better to follow or avoid specific artists, regardless of what genre they do.