Country - a particularly overhated genre

By Anthony Sims Staff Writer The unfortunately common opinion, “I hate country music” or “I listen to everything but country,” is said by dismissive crowds. Some may protest “I’ve listened to a few songs, that’s enough.” Sadly, very few people following this mindset ever get past the superficial front it can present. To some, country music can present as an obnoxious one-dimensional genre designed to pander to the masses. Many have heard the garden variety “critiques” that boil down to a pantomime squawking of “Beer, Trucks, ’Murica” and so on. While humorous, it is this perception, not the genre, that is one-dimensional. There is so much depth to be found past initial impressions, and it can portray a level of disrespect, even ignorance to mock it on these grounds. Often, if one hasn’t actually listened to a variety of country music - or any genre for that matter - they’re likely parroting trendy opinions. Judging before listening is unfair to the artist, the genre, and the listeners themselves as it dismisses what could be worth their while. One might hear “I've heard enough from what's on the radio and the charts,” but this argument is flawed. Popular country music is more and more a terrible representation of the genre. The songs on these platforms are designed to appeal to the broadest audience possible, which reflects in the material that is played. Country is usually not on the charts, and when it is, it’s normally in its most simple and repetitive form. Chart-topping music in general always has some instantly perceptible level of appeal, but if one only listens to this variety of music, one's music taste could be called vapid or dull. That's not to say that these songs in themselves are dull, merely the inability to listen to more than a minute before final judgment. If you want to find a good representation of a genre, it requires a moderate amount of both digging and patience. Listen to a song and if you like it, that’s great, keep going - if you don’t like it, still, keep going. What separates this method from mindlessly listening to trendy music is: one, you are seeking out music based off of what piques your personal interest which gives you full control over your playlists, and two, you stick with the music even if not immediately appealing, allowing yourself time and grace to truly process before making conclusions. One might then rebut that they've heard enough from streaming, but a similar problem exists. Even in this medium, one is algorithmically fed a decreasingly reliable mainstream diet. If you truly want to know whether you like a genre, that requires seeking it beyond what’s fed to you. Listen to a whole album and then make your opinion on it, listen to a few more from them and you have an opinion on that artist. Build opinions on a few artists in a genre, and then you have a solid opinion on said genre because you actually know what you’re talking about. Don't rely on stereotypes, understand that country is a broad genre with dozens of subgenres. The amount of diversity present in music means that you are bound to find something somewhere that you like. Even if you don’t, at least you'll have a real opinion. Even if some country songs are basic, what’s so bad about that? Take a look at the simplicity that can be found in other genres. If you can accept them but not country, why not? People resonate with simple themes because they’re relatable, and great songs can come from common subjects, regardless of genre. Music is evolving, and country is no exception. We are in the middle of an indie and alt renaissance - while there are less mega-stars, there are treasure troves of hidden gems and geniuses. Find one that interests you, and play it front to back. If you’re at all curious and wondering where to start, I recommend Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Orville Peck, Johnny Cash, The Ghost of Paul Revere, and Billy Strings. Music is about emotion, different genres affect different people in different ways and as long as you've actually listened, it's a valid opinion. All I ask is please give it a real, honest chance.