The country genre holds a considerable portion of songs that top charts nationwide. It’s easy (for me, at least) to scoff at every artist that falls under the label of a country artist, even for frequent listeners of the genre. Stereotypically, if a song is in this category, it must revolve around alcohol, tailgates, and girls in “painted on jeans.” Every so often, an artist comes along to break this tradition.
1. Eric Church
Eric Church has been stretching the boundaries of country music since he released his debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” in 2006. He is one of the few artists who writes all of his own material. In fact, there seems to be no subject that Church won’t write about. His songs range from a man on death row (“Lightning”) to reminiscing on a memorable concert (“Springsteen”) and every subject in between. Church even goes so far as to call out phony country artists, singing “If it looks good on TV, it’ll look good on a CD/Shape it up, trim it down/Who gives a damn about how it sounds?” in “A Lot of Boot Left to Fill.”
His most recent album The Outsiders arguably belongs under the rock genre, rather than country. Electric guitar solos, honest lyrics, and even a song titled “That’s Damn Rock ‘N’ Roll” are what set this album apart.
2. Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves defies the common traits found in the genre. She didn’t win a Grammy for nothing.
With her song, “Follow Your Arrow,” she sings about gay rights, religion, and double standards that plague our society. These concepts aren’t indicative of any genre, especially country. Musgraves is honest and unafraid to cover topics any artist would shy away from. Much like Church, she also writes her own music. She sings of life in a small town, most notably in “Merry Go ‘Round,” and the trouble with working a horrible job in “Blowin’ Smoke.” Her lyrics prove she is wise beyond her years, even though she’s only 26.
3. Frankie Ballard
Frankie Ballard is a newcomer to the genre, releasing his first No. 1 single, “Helluva Life,” just earlier this year. His debut album was listed on Rolling Stone’s “The 26 Albums of 2014 You Probably Didn’t Hear But Really Should Hear.” His bluesy voice carries through the album with the spirit and determination of someone who’s been paying his dues for a long time now. Like any good artist, Ballard’s lyrics are relatable. In “Helluva Life,” he sings, “Bad times make the good times better,” a line fans have memorized and repeatedly sing back to him at shows. The climb to the top may have taken 10 years, but Ballard isn’t going anywhere.
4. The Cadillac Three
The Cadillac Three is a group country fans have unknowingly heard. Lead singer Jaren Johnston, has written songs for Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, and Rascal Flatts. There is no doubt the band has awesome material for songs and, with an array of authentic instruments, they are unstoppable. Having just signed with a label in 2013, the band has been hard at work releasing singles and touring. The band sticks to their roots, singing about what they know with songs like “The South” and “Days of Gold.” With only three band members, the complexity and all-out recklessness of their music is mind-blowing.
5. Little Big Town
Little Big Town has gained momentum since their release of “Boondocks” in 2005. The group is comprised of the original four members who formed in 1998. All members alternate on lead vocals, avoiding much of the conflict that can occur in any music group. LBT’s music fluctuates from emotional ballads to kick-back-and-enjoy songs, such as their first No. 1 single, “Pontoon.” The group is a hot commodity, being featured on many artists’ songs, like Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and David Nail.