country music

Beyoncé Is Redirecting Country Music to Its Black Roots

Allegra Walker, University at Albany - SUNY

With “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyoncé ushers in a new era of understanding Black peoples’ influence on Country MusicKP: Country Music …

March 4, 2024

In an article about Noah Cyrus, the singer, dressed in all white, stands in front of her name, spelled in red letters on a black background.

Noah Cyrus Is Exactly What Music Needs

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Noah Cyrus has battled the pressures of addiction and being forced into fame at a young age, but has emerged triumphant as a rare lyrical talent.…

September 10, 2023

In an article about Dolly Parton, a woman with blond hair and sparkly pink outfit stands in front of a bright pink background. The phrase "rockstar" is bright above her head

America Loves Dolly Parton

Shannon Strenfel, Arizona State University

An overview of the prolific singer-songwriter from her 1960s roots to today.…

August 15, 2023

in article about spotify wrapped, image of a phone displaying the spotify homescreen

What Your Spotify Wrapped Says About You

Valentina Palomino, SUNY Old Westbury

Your taste in music is oftentimes reflective of who you are as a person.…

December 22, 2022

Country Music for Those Who Don’t Like Country

Melissa Wade, Northern Arizona University

Country music often gets a bad rap, sometimes for legitimate reasons. However, there is a lot of good country music out there that even country haters might enjoy.…

June 30, 2022

Image of Johnny Cash in his music video for his song Hurt.

The Politics of Old Country Music Live on in the Music of Johnny Cash

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

Although the man himself has passed on, his musical portraits of those who live on the margins continue to resonate.…

June 6, 2022

An illustration of a judge's gavel hitting '1989,' the title of a popular music album by Taylor Swift.

How Legal Issues Are Affecting Future Re-Releases From Taylor Swift

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Although the re-recordings of ‘Fearless’ and ‘Red’ were met with overwhelmingly positive reactions, copyright and trademark cases may prevent other highly anticipated albums from releasing any time soon.…

April 21, 2022

A photo of singer songwriter Cooper Alan in front of a crowd at a concert.

All You Need To Know About Cooper Alan, The King of Smash Ups

Angelica Rovinski, Arcadia University

The Nashville-based musical artist is renowned for his talent for mixing up genres to create fresh, modern renditions of the old.…

January 19, 2022

Photo of Southern Gothic band Delta Rae onstage during a show.

10 Southern Gothic Songs To Get You Into the Haunting Genre

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

These macabre, 'dark country' soundtracks are bound to stick with you and make you think about the American South in a different light.…

December 15, 2021

A graphic of Tennessee featuring images of cowboy boots, a treble clef and a star

6 ‘Must-Do’ Attractions To Check Out in Nashville, TN

Julianna Steen, Auburn University

If you're planning on heading to the city, check out the list below for some super fun activities to do while you're there!…

June 10, 2021

An illustration of Taylor Swift, who recently released the song You All Over Me

‘You All Over Me (From the Vault)’ Perfectly Embodies Taylor Swift’s Talent

Kieran Benson, Luther College

The American singer-songwriter's latest song is both nostalgic and fresh, reminding listeners of the musical ingenuity that she has always had.…

April 11, 2021

A Snowman Sings Along To Christmas Music

Spruce Up Your 2020 Christmas Music Playlist With These New Additions

Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Except for Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas,' most contemporary Christmas songs aren't very well known. Here are some excellent candidates for a new 'Christmas classics' list.…

November 23, 2020

Maddie & Tae Are Much More Than ‘Girls in a Country Song’

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

The two women have turned the tables on a music genre that's usually dominated by men.…

September 23, 2020

Practicing Tolerance by Getting Rid of My Anti-Country Music Attitude

Tess McGrinder, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

While arguments over music may seem trivial to some, learning to accept genres outside of your usual taste can lead to an open mind in other areas of your life.…

September 1, 2020

The Storytelling of Taylor Swift Includes a Rainbow of Colors

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The artist’s renowned songwriting has gone from red to monochrome to the full spectrum of colors to create vivid imagery in every line.…

August 18, 2020

Illustration by Shelly Freund in article about Spotify

You Need To Hear These 5 Spotify Users’ Iconic Playlists

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Playlists are king on the streaming platform. These five users take their playlist curation to the next level.…

August 12, 2020

Photo of Taylor Swift for her new album, Folklore

‘Folklore’ Lets Listeners Enter Taylor Swift’s Mythical Realm of Music

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The singer's latest album, an unexpected surprise from isolation, is an ode to storytelling with empathetic lyrics and mystical sounds.…

August 7, 2020

‘Gaslighter’ by The Chicks Is a Companion for the Brokenhearted

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

On their latest album, the band embraces the complexities of divorce and heartbreak with a radical vulnerability that enchants every listener.…

August 4, 2020

Lady A and Lady A Battle for the Same Name

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

Will the real Lady A please stand up? Lady Antebellum renamed themselves to shed racist connotations, but didn’t realize their chosen moniker was taken.…

July 28, 2020

Dolly Parton’s Message of Acceptance Unites Fans From All Walks of Life

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

The famous country singer, who has been called the Great Unifier, has a diverse group of fans because of her all-encompassing love for humanity.…

July 11, 2020

Country singer Zach Bryan stands in front of the ocean holding a dog

Zach Bryan Brings Authenticity and Soul to the World of Country

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

While country music has grown overproduced and glamorous, this young, gritty musician embodies the traditions that built the genre.…

June 17, 2020

Long After the ’90s, Shania Twain Remains a Symbol of Girl Power

Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Canadian singer took the world by storm, and now with a newfound voice, she is determined to defeat the odds set upon her by the media.…

June 3, 2020

Country Music Provides Perfect Examples of Storytelling for Writers

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

The genre gets a bad rap, but those willing to dig deeper will find some clever ways of composing tight, compelling stories.…

May 10, 2020

Sturgill Simpson Rebels Against Nashville on ‘SOUND & FURY’

Bradford Smith, Louisiana State University

The outspoken critic of the country music industry has returned with an experimental tour de force of an album.…

February 18, 2020

Kelsea Ballerini Feels Homesick on Her Latest Release, ‘La’

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Her new single finds the country singer caught between her Tennessee home and the fast-paced life of Los Angeles.…

February 5, 2020

Overlooked Music Festivals You Should Attend for Summer 2020

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

Skip Coachella. Here's why these festivals with under 10,000 attendees are the best.…

January 27, 2020

Taylor Swift illustration by Ashawna Linyard for Kristin Auld's article

The 2010s Have Been the Decade of Taylor Swift

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

The pop star's presence was inescapable.…

December 12, 2019

The Highwomen Are Breaking Barriers for Country Music

Cameron Rapata, Columbia College Chicago

The supergroup gives traditional outlaw country a powerful, all-female twist.…

October 27, 2019

Kacey Musgraves Is Changing the Face of Country Music, For the Better

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

Giddy up boys, Spacey Kacey is the new sheriff in town.…

August 2, 2019

Think You Hate Country Music? Think Again

Madison Feser, Seton Hall University

It’s not all about trucks, beers and hometown girls.…

August 1, 2019

Will Country Radio Finally Embrace Kacey Musgraves?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be an award-winning musician, but country fans are hesitant to embrace the left-leaning songwriter.…

March 15, 2019

For Her ‘Continuum’ Project, Lindsey Ell Re-Recorded the Entire John Mayer Album

Kiersten Lynch, Seton Hall University

Originality is overrated.…

August 8, 2018

Meet Kirt Webster, the Harvey Weinstein of Country Music

Sema’Jay Hall, San Francisco State University

Despite multiple sexual-harassment allegations, Webster has managed to remain out of the spotlight, a problematic sign for the country music industry.…

February 26, 2018

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