If you’ve followed my blog or podcast for a while, you know I’m not a country music fan. And I could share a long list of songs that illustrate why I say that. But sure enough, somebody’s feelings would get hurt because I mentioned one of their favorites. So, I’ll skip the list. All that being said, I don’t dislike all country music.
And apparently I’m not the only closet crossover country music fan.
For example. I didn’t realize this until I read a blurb about it. But back in 1975, on this day (August 26), the number one song on the country singles chart was Rhinestone Cowboy, by Glen Campbell. But that’s not the point. Because his song also became a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Crossover gold.
But that’s not all.
There were five other “country” songs that hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 AND the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts. Yeah, six “country” songs crossed over and appealed to a wider audience. And guess what? I liked four out of six of those songs.
Gasp! “Did he just admit to liking four country songs?!”
Yes, I admit it. And that’s not all. There are quite a few others songs in the “country” genre I actually like. And some of them I like a lot. Either because they’re nostalgic, or they tell a good story, or they’re quality music.
But 99.99% of so-called “country” music, these days, misses each of those marks. Nowadays, when I scan radio stations (which is fairly rare), “country” music (and other “genres”) all sound(s) like it wants to be some sort of hip hop. And the lyrics sound like everybody’s got an attitude or an agenda.
And the singers sound like they’re tryin’ too hard to sound “country.”
Those crossover hits, from 1975, didn’t strain to “be country.”
The singers just sang songs that told stories that appealed to more people. And some of them had excellent voices. Not just some “style” or attitude.
Of course, I realize younger music lovers will just consider me dinosaur living in the past. But they don’t realize how wrong they are. So, I leave them to their delusions.
And I’ll leave you with this…
I grew up with country music. And I spent my formative years in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. So, even though I’m not a country music fan, per se, there are plenty of “country” songs that strike a chord with me.
Some days are like a country song
Where someone, somewhere, done me wrong.
But most days I still come out strong.
The birds sing and I sing along.
Stay tuned,
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