As soon as you mention country music to most people they immediately think of whining, broken hearted, moody song lyrics. What I think they are doing is remembering the old country music from a long time ago. Granted there are some today where the guy lost the girl or vice versa but their not as whiny as they used to be as far as I can tell. There are a lot more patriotic lyrics around today also which are topping the charts constantly.
Country performers are into families, friends, their country, helping good causes, religion, having fun and being the best people they can be and wanting to help everyone else do the same.
Why do country musicians and their music get such a bad rap? Do you think people really give it a chance and listen to the words to the songs?
[question posted by ctrymuziklvr]
responses and comments:
Country music is the only kind I listen to. I love it and I know my kids can listen to it without learning new words I wont appreciate. I have even convereted my husband into a Countr music fan. [lightningMD]
I agree. I won't listen to anything else now. I used to hate it when I was younger, but now I love it. I like that you don't have to hear bad words when you listen to it. [Bd200789]
I totally agree. I think they are thinking of the older country music. But Country music today is like the old rock in roll form the day. I personnally love country music. My favorite male country music performer is Tim McGraw. I used to hate country music back in the 80's and then starting in 1990's I believe people like Garth Brooks, etc changed the sound of country music. [UDDERONES]
Yes, I like Kenny Chesney also. I also like Keith Urban. But my favorite is Tim McGraw. I know alot of people don't like country. But I just love it. Like I said it is not the old country music people think of. Of course I listen to all kinds of music. We put on karaoke so I have to listen to all genre's of music. I must say I like them all but Rap. I am not crazy about Rap. But other than that, I like most. [UDDERONES]
"As soon as you mention country music to most people they immediately think of whining, broken hearted, moody song lyrics." - quoted from you. Well, I do so love this old kind of country music and really despise the new modern kind of country music. [Marleysa]
I also love the old country music and all of the long gone and still around performers. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoferson were and are still favorites of mine but going wayyyy back I loved Patsy Cline and Wayland Jennings among a million others. I grew up with this music because my Dad came from Oklahoma and was an "Okie from Muskogie"...lol... [ctrymuziklvr]
I know I love Country and Western music but I suppose many people don't like it because it seems old fashioned or it isn't there taste in music. Country and Western is an aquired taste of music and I think you either love it or hate it a bit like marmite! [Mickie30]
So right, they either love it or hate it! Many do feel that it's old fashioned but it has a lot more to offer than the music of today does. [ctrymuziklvr]
My hubby is a fan of country music. I don't know what it is but its just not what I like to hear. There are some songs that I like but I'm sorry to say I am not a fan of country music. [maddysmommy]
I think it's usually the husband that likes country music in a relationship but who knows maybe someday you will learn to like it.... [ctrymuziklvr]
Hey I like the whiny ones where the guys wife leaves, his dog dies and his truck quits. And if you play it backwards.... The truck starts, the dog lives and the wife comes back. Even though I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I grew up on country music and like the old style as well as the new. I think more and more people are coming to like it too given the number of crossover hits and they even picked a country girl to be an American Idol! [dragonstar13]
eeee haaaa......yes, play it backwards and everyone wins don't they? I also still love the old whiny songs because I don't see them as that way at all but telling a story. [ctrymuziklvr]
I can't stand country. But I do like folk, and they have similarities. What I don't like about country is the tone they use to sing. It's usually kind of nasaly, even if it's not nasaly it sounds as if it is, just very whiny at times. I also don't like the Southern accent (though I'm from the South too! Lol) that a lot of country singers have. Folk uses a lot of the same music but the style of singing isn't so grating. [MelodyRhapsodical]
I've always been into folk music and love acoustic guitar music also. My all time favorite is Peter, Paul and Mary. I brought my kids up on their music and although they sometimes laugh at it I know they secretly enjoy listening to them. Arlo Guthrie ...so many great performers. [ctrymuziklvr]
Ok, I'm not the biggest country fan in the world, but since I moved out West, I have gained a new appreciation for it. There are certain groups I really enjoy - like Lonestar and some single singers too. Of course Canada's own Shania Twain went a long way to converting me when she came out with "Don't be Stupid". Just the other day, I was listening to our local country station and got to thinking that country singers sing about REAL life, real emotions and real everyday happenings that EVERYONE can relate to. They are the true story tellers and keepers of the social history in today's times. The whining sound in some really is annoying to listen to, but taking in account the entire genre and not just certain sounds - and up against today's current music trends - give me country any day! [itsreallymefifty]
Ooops - gave myself away huh? Guess that means I'll have to dig out my cowboy hat and boots! lol I AM a Western gal, so I guess it's time! lol [itsreallymefifty]
As great as country music is, I think some associate country music with Rednecks, and rednecks although from all over, get the worst bum rap from the south... Maybe its the honesty in the songs..... The different insturments... I switched from rock to country in 1992, and never went back....rock changed in the early 90s from something very different from when I grew up... Now my standard response is there's music outside of country? Look at Carrie Underwood, AI winner and an awesome singer.....Because of American Idol and her national exposure on the show she didn't have to work as hard as some of the people that have been in music for years..... Some of the lower American Idol constestants, even those that have placed in the final 4, we've gotten Josh Gracin from American Idol, while he doesn't have it as easy as Carrie Underwood, I think he still has a good shot at a career in country music... C'mon where else but country can you get everything you lost back... And look at the song Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettle's did.....that was awesome....one of the few crossovers from Rock ot country that i absolutely loved... Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
Oh yes, I love kid rock! lol...a little out of the norm but one of my favorites is "Picture". Josh Gracin I think will be a definite number one soon! I'm amazed at Bon Jovi coming over, that really shocked me! [ctrymuziklvr]
I love country music, its about the only music I listen to really. I mean there are other types I like but country is where all the dials in my truck are set to and most of the CD's and downloads on my computer are country music. Just about all my friends listen to some country music, not alot but they will listen to a song or two here and there. I think country is becoming more popular though because of its reach across the board. Its already crossed into rock, and hip hop, soon it will cross into everything :) [devilsangel]
I'm crossing my fingers but the only thing that is going to hinder country music is the kids of today. The love to hear dirty words and bad talking about the "establishment" and anyone who has any authority. They are the ones who will ruin music for the US. [ctrymuziklvr]
I like some country, but only the mainstream, the ones that talk about religion and breaking hearts are too much for me. [rogue13xmen13]
Everyone has their favorites it's just nice to know that people give other types of music a chance and do find their favorites in each type. [ctrymuziklvr]
I noticed over the years that country music is not exactly loved...I dont mind it really, I actually like some of it since it's kind of originated from irish folk music which i love. of the contemporary country singers i really love Shania Twain...she's so beautiful and has a beautiful voice and great songs...and Martina McBride..i think she's a country singer too, right? I think the problem with people is that they should just learn to accept differences in tastes...instead of jumpin at one's neck just because they like something they do not think worthy, they should just accept that we need difference in the world to make it interesting [valyushah]
That's the whole thing...people accepting other's tastes and realizing that we are all different. I also love Irish Folk music because my Dad was of Irish descent and sang a lot of the old lullabyes (sp?) to me when I was youn. I still enjoy listening to the Irish tenors. [ctrymuziklvr]
I really love music, but sometimes I am too demanding on it, I can listen to any kind of music as long as it has good rhydom and it makes me feel good listening to it, like christina's songs, she is a big voice for women, and she is always fighting for us, her lyrics make me feel really proud to be a woman, and country music does the same to me, sometimes it can have too much drama in it, and can make me really sad, but I really enjoy it, mostly if it has a good melody, I always give a chance to all kind of music as long as I can enjoy it. [paulinabhadra1577]
I love country music, I help a couple of bands here in Australia and they are doing it hard, I don't know if it is because times are hard or not but the country music artists in this country are finding it very hard survive.. Here is a great country music site, still in the process of being built, a taste of Aussie country... it is a site you have to register with but that is to keep it clean, country and safe...everyone is welcome to register.. www.warrenkeats.com [lilaclady]
no data not correct. ppl mwho love country music give a lot of importance to it. i m not a big fan of country but ind some nos. to be really good [ayushthedevil]
You know, you're right. I'm not a fan of country music, but I've been thinking a little bit about this lately. I think Carrie Underwood has given me a new outlook on country music recently, and I know there's a few other songs I like. I'm getting older too, but music is changing with the times; and some of it for the better. From what I remember when I was little, the singers were usually older folks with sad songs. Now there are quite a few young singers who are refreshing to the country music industry. It's making me think twice about it, and I NEVER thought I'd hear myself say that! [TheCatzMeow1]
I listen to all kinds of music. I like a variety. But when I am driving my car I listen to country music. Its the music I like best. I do listen to the old stuff as well as the new stuff. I grew up listening to country music. I find that I can relate to most of the songs. I admit I don't like to listen to the whiners that much but you can get that type in any kind of music you listen to. [KissThis]
Your post made me giggle because I actually like the old country music. When I was a kid, I listened to a lot of country music because it was popular where I lived, and I mostly listened to the older stuff. I did go through a stage after I moved where I never listened to country music because I was trying to distance myself from my life before. That, and I just kind of burned out on it after 18 years of it. However, these days I'm starting to like listening to it again, once in a while. I think what turns me off about some of the newer country is that it wants to deny roots in the old country music. New country tries so hard not to sound like country sometimes that it might as well just be called something else. That said, there are a few of the newer artists that I like. =) Actually, just about the only ones that I seriously don't like are the ones that are too focussed on religion, because it's always the same religion, and the lack of variety seems a little sad to me. [lecanis]
I've been listening to country music for years. When I lived up North people would look at me strange and say things like, 'How can you listen to that?' But since I moved down South, I find the majority of people here listen to country music so I fit right in. [dlkuku]
i like some country music. i prefer the female country singers over the male singers though. [4MYGIRLS]
I love country music.I grew up around alot of country people.I also like other music which makes me feel good.It's about diversity. [eachen2002]
I do like most country music. I think some of the best female vocals are in country. Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Reba, Wynonna, Tanya, just to name a few. My favorite is Martina, that woman can sing!! I think there is not enouh exposure on radio for country music in some areas. When I lived in New York City, there was not one country station available. I think if more people heard it they would learn to appreciate it for what it is, just good music. PEACE [fpd1955]
Totally agree!Martina is one of my favourites too!unfortunately I only have one of her cds, but I love it... [valyushah]
Because it is always about my girlfriend/boyfrind left me for some other person and i want her/him back.. blah blah blah.. thats what my brother would say anyways.. i love country music alot.. [againdrama]
If people listened to the lyrics more often they would see that not ALL country music is about relationships. There is a lot about our country, religion and happy marriages. [ctrymuziklvr]
yes every every people has the right to express their feeling what even genre they've got in their pocket weather if is rock, soul, pop, jazz or country music of whatsoever because they have the rights to chilled out their inner feelings. even a single line of rapping is one way also in expressing your feelings. country music for me is not considered for me as a bad rap. but it is a popular and catchy sometime have a deep meaning type of music. like the late John Denver one of the popular country music musician. he gives more importance the message of that type of music... [michael_harvard1010]
John Denver was one of the best. It's a shame he died so young. I for one miss him. [ctrymuziklvr]
Ok, I have to admit that I just don't like country music. Whether it be the old stuff or the new stuff I just don't like it. My partner listens to it all the time in the car and it makes me want to change the radio station. There are a few songs that I don't mind listening to. Toby Keith has some great songs but it doesn't make me want to listen to country music. To each their own they say. [castleghost]
Yes, Toby Keith is one of my favorites. I especially like him because his songs are either patriotic or very funny. [ctrymuziklvr]
I find it interesting that you brought this subject up, ctrymuziklvr, because I've been asking myself the same thing lately. Growing up in rural Tennessee during the 50s, there wasn't much of a choice insofar as listening to the radio. So I listened to a lot of country music. With the 60s came a big change as to variety. Most black people gravitated toward soul music-like myself. I still listened to a little country music, though. As you stated, country music has come a long way. Several monthys ago I was feeling down and just needed a change so I turned to a country music station. It was like coming home. I have been a loyal fan since then. Most people associate country music with "rednecks." Pardon the expression. I just find it so refreshing and not like a lot of today's music which is disrespectful to women; vulgar; and very unappealing. [worldwise1]
I for one hate the term "redneck" and I'm not even one! lol...I do love the song Redneck Woman because it's really funny. Today's music is disrespectful to just about everyone don't you think? [ctrymuziklvr]
If you like listening to new artists, you should check out this guy I found on MySpace, Derek Sholl. He is fantastic! http://www.myspace.com/dereksholl He's a country singer with a lot of soul and a great sense of humor. :) He also will answer his messages himself on there, I've gotten replies more than once from him. You can listen to a few of his songs right there on his page. [Gumball]
Believe it or not I have heard of Derek Sholl. I'm not sure where but it probably was from my space. I do a lot of looking around for new country performers. [ctrymuziklvr]
I understand what you are saying. There are a lot of people that wont give country music a chance. To me country music is relaxing I do listen to other genres though but I dont find them as relaxing as I do country music. I do think they are thinking about the old days in country music though when they were more of whiners. lol [tgreen80]
I think there is space for every type of music. Some people like some types, some people like all types and some people simply don't like to listen to music. And that's because everyone is different, and as long as everyone respects that everything is great. I don't dislike country music. In Brazil, there is a very similar type of music and I use to listen to it every time (because my father also did). [RogerTheRabbit]
Country music makes me think, and when I do that, I get real sad. [xbrendax]
Cause theyre always making sad songs! and plus the beats sound old and are the same :( [raytrix]
Obviously you haven't really listened to much country music. A lot of it is patriotic, happy, religious and family oriented. But everyone has their favorites. [ctrymuziklvr]
I agree- I love country music- My favorite artist is Kenny Chesney- He is no way a old country singer- Yes there are alot of songs about a dog, losing your love, etc. But there are alot of great songs too- I think when you hear country you automatically think country western- I don't enjoy this type of music- but I love New Country! [KrisNY]
Kenny Chesney is one of my favorites. I've seen him in concert many times and he's awesome! [ctrymuziklvr]
I don't think that country music is bad. I listen to it all of the time!!!!!!!!! [crikeygirl]
I agree country music has a lot to offer. I grew up listenng to the rock bands from the 70's & 80's. I got more into country with Brooks N Dunne popped onto the scene. One of my favorite bands to listen is Rascal Flatts. I think if people give it the chance they will really enjoy it. [dragonryder]
i love country music. i miss alot of the older music. i was brought up on country listening to conway twitty and loretta lynn and tammy wynette [jiffys_frog_woman]
I totally agree with you. [guext65]
I know what you mean. For a long time I didn't even give any country music a listen -- but then I came across Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton, and some of the most gorgeous harmonies I have ever heard. There is beauty or a thrill to be found in every genre of music. We should all give a bit of everything a listen, you find all kinds of gems! You can also find all kinds of diversity in attitudes in country music, as well as anything else. Good post, lvr! [cremechese51]
Ok ok, here is my confession... I am 26 years old and I love country!! lol But it wasn't always that way. My mom is a hardcore country music lover and growing up she would blare it throughout the day. I became a teenager and was extremely active in the music scene. I played bass and was in a band etc... I didn't give country music much of a chance because well, to be honest, I was 14 and it wasn't cool. besides my mom liked it lol.... I was roKen out to Kurt Cobain and then Marilyn Manson..... Well, then I turned 17 years old and found out that inadvertantly because of my mom I was able to sing along to the country songs. I guess the lyrics just absorbed themselves into me without me knowing it. As I would be singing along doing homework I started paying attention to the lyrics, and the voices, and what they said, and the real talent in the music (I create music myself). And you know what...? Yeah, I found out I liked music. Now granted, I live in the middle of no where so it really isn't any huge crime for a kid to like country music, in fact, you kinda stick out at school if you don't (I went to school with country boys and red neks lol -loved every minute of it).... I love all kinds of music. I still listen to Marilyn Manson but I also listen to Willie Nelson. I listen to Panic! At the Disco and Big N Rich.... etc.... I think when we are younger we don't want to like the same stuff as our parents. At elast that was what it was for me. [PunkyMcPunk]
I don't think any one person can justify hating a whole genre of music until they've heard every single artist and every single song of that genre. It's an unfair judgment. Music is widely varied even within its own genre's. There is genres that I prefer to listen to but if there is a genre I don't particularly like and I hear a song from it that I do like then I say I like it. This is just another area where people can be judgmental. [Amstardam]
I can't understand that either why people wont give country music half a chance I mean really...its not all about the stuff it was 20 years ago country music has changed alot over the past few years....I really think that coutnry music gets a bad rap because it does have a reputation of being all about broken hears and all of this and thats what people think of whenever they think of it...I don't think people give it a fair chance or I really do think that we would have more people that loved country music! [jhl930]
If'n I write/produce a song in Mah Garage, Ah don't consider it "Real" music. Justa thought. AC [Mondoh]