It’s no secret that country music is moving away from its original roots. Between the inclusion of Post Malone and Shabazzy and the many reinventions of old sounds, the classic country music we all know and love is slowly being left in the rearview mirror. It’s truly heartbreaking, and we fans of the genre hope to see its grand resurgence sometime soon. However, to make the wait more bearable, perhaps we should embrace the current fads and try new music.
Sure, the newer, more popular acts aren’t Willie Nelson or Waylon Jennings, but their music is catchy and sure to get you tapping your feet. Even if they lack musical and lyrical nuances, there is some good coming out of them. However, to make the current country music scene more palatable, here are three songs you can add to your playlist. Finally, do what you will with this list, or do what most of us did and turn to Americana.
“I’ve Got Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Whalen
Post Malone’s explosion on the scene is arguably disastrous for the sanctity of the genre. Although it’s good and its music certainly can evoke some great emotions and energy. Released in the summer of 2024, “I Had Some Help” is one of Malone’s biggest successes in his star-studded world. F-1 Trillion Album.
Country, pop or not, it’s another whole can of worms that we’re not going to open. But what we will say is that the song is objectively good. It has a good hook, chorus, melody, rhythm, and all the other attributes that make it an unequivocal #1. Honestly, it’s a good lyrical tone and a song that one can subconsciously listen to to brighten up one’s day. In essence, its function seems to be to make a person sing, dance, and maybe just smile. Plus, regardless of your stance on country music, it’s almost impossible not to love Post Malone.
Shabazzi’s “Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Now, before you stop reading this article, just bear with us for a few more sentences. Is it the country that Shabazzi hit? Maybe for some. Is it catchy? Yes, to almost everyone, which is exactly why the song made the list. Like any song that forcibly implants itself in your head, it’s not necessarily the one you want to hear. However, you have to succumb to its power and let it play in your head repeatedly.
Like Malone’s song, Shabazzi’s song is not meant to be listened to for a moment of meditation or a transcendent musical experience. It’s just fun and different, and it’s likely to be something that the country music scene will see a lot more of given its burgeoning success. So, if you decide to give it a listen, know that it’s not your fault if you like it. It’s a shaboozy song, and the song is as catchy and hypnotizing as a snake charmer’s flute.
“Austin (Shoes Stop Working)” by Dasha
Just close your eyes, ignore the words, and let the music do the work when listening to Dasha’s song. Again, like the previous songs on this list, the genre is largely up for debate. However, no matter what genre it falls into, the beat is infectious and the rhythm is seductive. Thus, if it catches the attention of a cautious classic country music fan, they may swing with the beat a bit.
If you want to pretend like you know pop country and please all your friends who do, add this song to your playlist. Also, if you want to stay awake during a long car ride, play this song. You’ll have to move somehow and its sheer volume will keep you awake.
Photo by Daniel Dessloffer / Zuma Press Wire / Shutterstock
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