Let me be completely honest. Unlike the majority of America, I am not the biggest fan of country music. When I think country music, all that comes to mind is that stereotypical Southern accent, a guitar, and lyrics about tractors and alcohol. Personally, I prefer the musical genres of pop and alternative, but as an American, I think it is only appropriate that I address our nation’s so called “craze” over country music and my views on its booming popularity.

Although popular music genres continue to diss and poke fun at country music, country calmly remains as one of the top-selling and most-listened-to genres of music in America today.

1. Country artist live tours are consistently amongst the best-attended and most profitable among live shows: Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley had record breaking tours last year, indicating the strong loyalty factor amongst country fans.
2. Country’s crossover appeal is growing: Country music is not only heard on country radio stations anymore- now it is commonplace to hear Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, and The Band Perry across other popular radio stations. 
3. When looking at the top ten albums on iTunes or the Billboard 200 chart, at least 1-2 of the hit records are always country: Albums by Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Brad Paisley have hit the top 10 multiple times. 

When I watch singing competitions such as the X Factor, The Voice, and American Idol, I can’t help but notice the vast majority of contestants who are country artists. Many of which make it to the top rounds, become finalists, or win the entire show. Almost always, it is the country artist that America votes to be the “winner.” This got me thinking…why has country music garnered so much popularity?

There is not much real science behind this, but I do have some theories…

• COUNTRY MUSIC IS LYRICALLY ACCESSIBLE: Genres like hip-hop are built around being “bigger than life,” bragging about how much “swag” or money they’ve accumulated, and the “good life” everyone wishes they had. On the other hand, country songs focus more on making the most of the life people already have. They generally tell stories about everyday things that real people can relate to and connect with: love, loss, making a living, having a beer, and missing loved ones.
• COUNTRY MUSIC KEEPS IT SIMPLE: Country music usually doesn’t push the musical envelope and sticks to the norm with predictable chord patterns, standard verse/chorus song structures, and highly singable melodies. The predictability and familiar sounds, rhythms, and song structure makes it catchy and easy for people to recognize it and sing along. The simplicity and consistency of country music is what appeals to many.
• COUNTRY MUSIC VALUES ITS FAN BASE: One of the reasons why country fans are so fiercely loyal is because country artists are known for being fiercely loyal to their fans. There is a well-established love relationship between country artists and their fans, which is why established country artists can keep performing well into old age.  They continue to record albums the fans will like, despite knowing that the fan will buy their record even before they know whether it’s any good.

I am not sure if I will ever grow to enjoy country music and jump on our nation’s bandwagon, but I can definitely say I have a newfound understanding, appreciation, and respect for it.

Sources:

Wilson, Jacque. “Obsessions: Crazy About Country Music.” CNN. Cable News Network, 4 Nov. 2011. Web. <http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/04/showbiz/music/obsessions-country-music/&gt;.