The biggest win of the 58th Super Bowl, for those who don’t care much about football, occurred when Beyoncé announced that she would be releasing country music. On Sunday, she dropped two songs, “Texas Hold ‘em” and “16 Carriages” to get fans excited about her full album–Renaissance II–which will be released on March 29th.
Queen B is not the only artist who recently wandered over yonder into the country genre. Popular dream-pop artist, Lana Del Rey also announced that her next release will possess a country twinge. The album, “Lasso”, will be released in September 2024, however, Del Rey released a cover of the classic, “Take Me Home Country Roads”, as a teaser.
Back-Country Boom
These new voices in the country scene, reflect the growth that the genre recently experienced. This expansion spread across the charts, but also across campus.
Many country artists are set to perform at the Bryce Jordan Center this semester, including Luke Combs on April 27 and Zach Bryan on March 12. The local fan population also expands past the artists, and into a celebration of the music itself; hundreds of students attend local bars’ Country nights each semester.
This celebration of the genre is a relatively new phenomenon. A few years ago, country music hid behind the guise of a guilty pleasure. Its appeal was lost beneath lyrics that centered around riding tractors, cheating on one’s girlfriend and exaggerated twangy accents.
Over the past few years, however, country music managed a revival alongside the country aesthetic as a whole. Cowboy boots, denim vests, and western belt buckles are popping up in closets across the nation.
Hold your horses, What Changed?
New artists like Kacey Musgraves and Zach Bryan brought a new feel to traditional country music. Musgraves combines an indie vibe with her country twang, while Bryan brings a new folk arc to the genre.
These slight changes shifted the genre from its slow rural roots towards more upbeat and relatable tunes. Their lyrics center around the wholesome aspects of love and an appreciation for simplicity rather than infidelity and farming-specific hobbies.
These changes broadened the genre for modern listeners. If this innovation continues, then there is reason to believe that country music’s popularity is taking root.
Fixin’ for a Ho-down?
The genre’s prominence is not diminishing, so it might be time to embrace the twang. Below is a list of artists, accompanied by their works, that provides a conclusive introduction to today’s country music:
- Dolly Parton – Jolene
- Morgan Wallen – Thought You Should Know
- Luke Combs – Fast Car (cover)
- Chris Stapleton – You Should Probably Leave
- Kenny Chesney – American Kids
- Tyler Childers – All Your’n
- Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
If you’re fueling the country craze, let VALLEY know by tweeting @VALLEYmag on X!
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