3 Country Artists Even Non-Country Fans Will Love
Since the beginning of country music, there have been lovers of the genre, boot scoot boogying through their lives with a honky-tonk melody guiding them. The genre has evolved from the classic country artists like Jonny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton to the current artists on the radio waves like Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Willson, and more.
Country music isn’t for everyone; it has its critics. As the genre evolves and takes influence from other genres, I think it has something to offer everyone. Country music is full of personal storytelling, lessons of love, growth, and nostalgia. Recognizable for its use of steel guitars, banjos, and fiddles, it offers a unique sound that you can’t always find somewhere else.
Here is a list of three country artists who cross the boundaries of genre and create songs that aren’t just for avid country listeners. Their sound, style, and stories are worth exploring, even for those who aren’t fans of country music.
1. Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers, a 33-year-old country music singer and songwriter, is known for his neotraditional country music sound. His songs feature the classic storytelling aspect with many songs about love, longing, substance use, and the struggles of Appalachian life.
Some of his most popular songs, “Feathered Indians” and “All Your’n” are about a woman he loves and his devotion and adoration for her. The chorus from “All Your’n” says “So I’ll love you till my lungs give out/ I ain’t lyin’ / I’m all your’n and you’re all mine.”
Tyler Childers also speaks about social issues in his music. His album, Long Violent History brought light to racial injustice. He also released a song titled, “In Your Love,” and called in the help of a friend, Silas House, who is an author and a poet to write the music video for the song. The video shows the love story of two men who are miners in Kentucky.
2. Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is a very successful and well-known country artist. The 11-time Grammy-winning musician began his career as a highly sought-after songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2015, he released his debut solo album Traveler which features his most popular song “Tennessee Whiskey.” Some other hits of his include “Starting Over,” “You Should Probably Leave,” and “Think I’m In Love With You.”
Also, as the eight-time winner of the CMA award for Male Vocalist of the Year, Chris Stapleton’s raspy voice and soulful vocals set him apart from other artists in the genre. His music effortlessly blends country, blues, rock, and soul to create a sound unlike any other. With a lengthy discography featuring 4 additional albums From a Room: Vol 1, From a Room: Vol 2, Starting Over, and Higher, Chris Stapleton offers many great songs. His songs tell stories that many listeners can relate to, appealing to a wide audience, including one that might not be a fan of the country music genre.
3. Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves is a Texas-born singer, songwriter, and musician. Her music blurs the lines between country, indie, and folk and creates a sound that is familiar and fresh. Her voice is one of a kind, with an unmatched gentle and clear tone.
Musgraves considers her music the ‘gateway drug’ to country music. She has been told by many people that, while they aren’t fans of country, they love her music. She has also collaborated with artists outside the genre, including popular folk artist Noah Kahan, on a deluxe version of his hit song “She Calls Me Back.”
Kacey Musgraves breaks the stereotypes of what country songs should be about. One of her most popular songs, “Follow Your Arrow,” from her debut album Same Trailer Different Park, addresses double standards in society. The song mentions traditionally controversial topics like smoking weed and same-sex relationships. The chorus includes the lyrics, “So make lots of noise/ Kiss lots of boys/ Or kiss lots of girls/ If that’s something you’re into/ When the straight and narrow gets a little too straight/ Roll up a joint, or don’t/ Just follow your arrow where it points.”
Kacey Musgraves is redefining what it means to be a country artist and a woman in the genre. Her music tells stories of empowerment, self-love, heartbreak, and not caring what society thinks of you. Her music transcends genre and is enjoyed by millions of fans.
Each of these artists are talented, successful, and respected country musicians. With unique touches their innovative music brings the traditional style into the modern world and offers everyone a chance to enjoy what country music is.