I Can Get You To Like... Country Music

Owen Bleakley Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 01:01 AM EST

hiya please check out my new song "another four letters' on www.myspace.com/owenbleakley.. i hope you like it...

Owen Bleakley Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 01:00 AM EST

hey check out my new song "another four letters' on myspace.com/owenbleakley..

MusicNation Fri, Jun 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM EST

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Country rocks Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 01:58 AM EST

I used to hae it unil i heard toby keith and tim mcgraw from there I went on to others like racsal flats, bradpaisley JOshturner(the best) kenn,y and brooks and dunn you old skools caslling new country uncountry i am sorry to tell you this but music evolves each generation it is inevitable but i like old countrylike i like old rock even though i like the new music the old one will never die for me... bbut mosly i am mostly new skool thou

Andrew Sat, Sep 8, 2007 at 02:48 PM EST

Todays country is about life and love and of course your occasional alcoholic beverage. I would suggest Online by Brad Paisley, or Little Man by Alan Jackson, althought with as many people going to Wal-Mart these days, I don't think people would understand that song. Anything at all from George Strait.

Cowboy Sun, Aug 19, 2007 at 02:35 AM EST

I can't stand the new mainstream country. THey're all sell outs. I was raised on George Strait, Hank Williams Sr and Hank Jr. (Boseephus) and ALL classic country. If you're wantin' to get somebody into our music, introduce them to Texas Country. Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Cory Morrow, peeple like that.

texas john hurt Sat, Mar 10, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

I'm a song writer - wording on a song called "that ain't right" about what's gone wrong with country music: sample line: "... but now you've got fireworks shooting out of your guitar - and a song you call Night Raider where you dress up like Darth Vaider -- it's driving me to drinking twice as hard"
if anyone wants to hear it, let me know

Alana Sun, Mar 4, 2007 at 09:09 PM EST

Those songs are all songs that are temporatily popular right now. You need to mention songs by greats like Garth Brooks and George Strait. I'm a huge country fan, I have been all my life, by I'm just saying, if you're trying to swing people, you need legendary songs that aren't boring. A good choice for teen girls would be anything by Taylor Swift or Rascal Flatts, and adults - maybe some love songs by Alan Jackson or Vince GIll will do the trick.

ryt Fri, Oct 27, 2006 at 10:03 AM EST

Anything by Richard Shindell (arguably folk, but very country sounding). "Are You Happy Now?" is the best breakup song in all of music history -- plus it's Halloween themed, so good for the time of year. Other great ones are "A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress", the post-9/11 ballad "Last Fare of the Day", and "Reunion Hill".

Roman Fri, Oct 27, 2006 at 03:01 AM EST

Faith Hill is the bomb, Martina has one of the best voices in any genre, and I dare you not to shed a tear when Vince Gill breaks out that terrific voice. Indeed, I am a country fan through and through.

lj Thu, Oct 26, 2006 at 07:12 AM EST

i was an everything but country girl until i heard "wild angels" by martina mcbride. agree w/ all the posters on alison kraus -- her "when you say nothing at all" is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard.

AD Mon, Oct 23, 2006 at 04:34 PM EST

I'm a huge country fan, but listening to that list would turn me off of country forever. I was a "Anything but country" girl for a long time, but someone played me some Steve Earle, some Lucinda Williams and from there, I got into Kelly Willis and Jack Ingram (I love him, but "Love You" should not be on that list -- it's one of his sell-out songs) and Bruce Robison... Now I prefer to listen to twang.

Fatima Sun, Oct 22, 2006 at 12:30 PM EST

Country's not my fav genre, but I respect it, listen to it, and really get annoyed by people who dismiss it easily.

However, I don't think you picked very good songs. Rascal Flatts is exactly what's keeping most people I know from country.

I, and most others I know, prefer the more bluegrassy down homey stuff. You know, Dixie Chicks, Julie Roberts, Leann Rimes last album, Lee Ann Womack's last album, Miranda Lampart, Sugarland, Dierks Bently, Old Crow, Allison Krauss, etc.

If you seriously think Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk will win over new fans, your perception on why people dislike country must be seriously skewed, because the answer is all in that song.

aloha Sun, Oct 22, 2006 at 12:26 AM EST

I don't think people see the beauty in country lyrics. I can relate more to country than almost any other genre because the lyrics actually mean something to me. You may not like the twang, twin-fiddles or steel guitar, but just look at the poetry of a song like "Red On a Rose" by Alan Jackson and you'll see what I mean.

jason Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 08:32 PM EST

oh yeah and billy currington, GOOD LORD!!!! did you see him in playgirl??? yikes

jason Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 08:31 PM EST

hey jakesboy, I LOVE THE PICS OF JAKE!! YUMMY!!

JakesBoy Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 11:58 AM EST

Good Lord - I LOVE TIM MCGRAW!!

He's all over my blog at:

http://jakesboysbigbadblog.blogspot.com/

Shirtless and just Tim!!

Check it out!!

http://jakesboysbigbadblog.blogspot.com/

Jen Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 11:08 AM EST

OK, the country stuff you listed is way too mainstream to get anyone to like it. As others have said, the best way to get someone to like country is to get them listen to those with long-established country careers. Nothing against those you mentioned, but you should really introduce someone to Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nickel Creek, Trisha Yearwood, stuff that's not on the pop edge & not "twang".

Jacqueline Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 10:48 AM EST

I'm not buying it. I still can't get into country. Maybe old school country and western stuff, but the new stuff just sounds like really bad adult contemporary to me. Doesn't seem authentic at all.

Sizzler Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 10:15 AM EST

"Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" is the reason why I hate country music.

Judy Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 09:13 AM EST

Little Mandi!! I miss you so much! Look at you--writing for EW! Write me back!
Judy
p.s.-I still love country music, but I won't ever watch "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and you know why!

Kristen Sat, Oct 21, 2006 at 02:02 AM EST

Miranda Lambert is great. Give her music a chance! Billy Currington though? No thanks...

Oh, and I must admit that I think Brad Paisley is hilarious/adorable.

(reluctant country fan and former anything but country person)

Tommy Marx Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 07:44 PM EST

Lists are subjective, but it's great to see someone say out loud what most country music fans have long suspected: people that say they like all music except country usually haven't listened to very much country. Like most other genres, country music embraces many different styles and moods. Just because you don't like certain artists doesn't mean you wouldn't like other ones.

MB Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

People really don't give country a chance...it's a shame that they don't. I used to hate country but I love it now...

poochie Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 03:37 PM EST

As a young black male we know the best singers come out of the church. that is why Old School R& B and country music has the best pure voices in music!!!

cbc Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 03:26 PM EST

Sugarland is the best. Their whole album is amazing and I hated country before I heard Something More. Baby Girl is also great as well. I cannot wait for their new album next month.

Steeb Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 03:12 PM EST

As a songwriter, I can't listen to today's country music. Musically, it's unsophisticated and lazy. I can't get past the mediocre songs to even give the lyrics and musicianship a chance. If I happened to write ANY of the songs you listed, I would dismiss them from my repitoire without a second thought. I would expect more of myself.

Pitchmeister Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 03:09 PM EST

wow - no mention about Garth... He and Reba are really the only 2 main country stars that I listen to.

Liz Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 02:59 PM EST

NEVER NEVER going to happen. Any esemblence of country music makes want to tear my ears off my head. I'm industiral/rock/punk girl and country music is like arsen. I don't liek that twangy sound. I hate the cheezy lyrics. Just it does nothing for me musically.

Emily Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 02:19 PM EST

I have played the Rascal Flatts version of "Bless the Broken Road" to the most country music-hating people, and they've all fallen in love with it. The song is so gorgeous, it's impossible not to like!!

Wendi Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:46 PM EST

I don't think of the stuff that's out now as country music - to me it's pop music with a twang. Even Jimmy Buffett couldn't get me to listen.

brandonk Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:38 PM EST

Who lays around in the surf like that? Seriously! LOL
I don't like much country, but I LOVE Dolly Parton. I also like the Dixie Chicks and Reba, plus others who are semi-country, like Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt. Brad Paisley's nice to look at. :0)

Eddie Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:31 PM EST

I forgot about Gary Allan, his remake of "Best I Ever Had" is as good as, if not better than, the original. "Life Ain't Always Beautiful" is fantastic. Keith Urban is a great singer/songwriter/musician, Little Big Town is new and great. Lots of good things happening in country.

Shaun G Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:26 PM EST

A better way to get people to like country music:

Refer them to Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, the hallowed punk-rock cover band, who just a few days ago released an album of punkified country covers.

It's called "Love Their Country."

Details here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Their_Country

Tom Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:22 PM EST

I've always loved Suzy Bogguss - her voice is just so beautiful. However, I don't think is really country, more bluegrass or folk. Def. check her out though, esp. early 90 stuff.

Alex Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:21 PM EST

Ah, poor misguided EW contributor. As couragreous are you are to attempt what amounts to an impossible mission, I'm afraid country music will never be anything more to me than the evolution of yodeling...

Except for Johnny Cash. That guy was badass. Because his voice doesn't break like a 13-year old boy every five seconds.

Dave Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:18 PM EST

I'm sorry but those selections are universally mediocre from my perspective as a long time country fan. Maybe they are great for someone with a pop background. How about, Dierks Bentley 'Lot of Leavin', Paisley & Krauss 'Whiskey Lullaby' maybe something by Gary Allan or Toby Keith, but "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" (!?!?) The title alone tells you all you need to know about this novelty song.

Eddie Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 01:07 PM EST

Trisha Yearwood has always been a favorite of mine. She's got one of the best voices out there. Country does have many different types of music under the very large country banner. I agree with most of your list (not that Kenny song, that song is hideous, he has done much better), at one time I would have disagreed with Sugarland. Turns out, I only hated "Baby Girl", that song was wretched, everything else is good. And as for country music cable channels, stick with GAC. Viacom turned CMT into another clone of MTV, VH1, etc with too many shows, not enough music. Plus GAC has video shows dedicated to different types of music at times as well.

Paul Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:45 PM EST

You did forget Brad Paisley and Allison Krause on "Whiskey Lullaby." How about Alan Jackson's delicate "Like Red on a Rose?" Or Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley's duet on "Where I Get to Where I'm Going." I would also suggest weaning pop people over to country with Carrie Underwood, Josh Gracin, and Kellie Pickler. They have an American Idol connection, so the music may appeal to them more. Also Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw" - another great new track that would appeal to younger listeners.

Jess B. Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:45 PM EST

If you wanna' talk good modern country, I suggest the following:

- Ryan Adams (with or without the Cardinals)
- Whiskeytown (Ryan's old band)
- Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins

I live in NC, so I hear mainstream, radio-friendly country all the time, and it generally makes me wanna' stick a fork in my ear. Except the Dixie Chicks. I do like them.

daisyj Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:42 PM EST

Good list, but you left off one important genre: the country tearjerker. I'd pick "Whiskey Lullaby", by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss, as a beautiful, traditional-sounding song that'll even get to my cold, bitter little heart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrvEh13zLAM

The video's a little heavy on the intro, but stick with it.

dan cullinane Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:38 PM EST

I Can Get You To Like... Country Music...uh, the HELL you can...everything you just mentioned made me shudder so hard my spine cracked...the closest thing to country i can get to is hank iii...now if you were talking bluegrass, thats a different story...check out old crow medicine show and find your life changed...

sd Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:21 PM EST

Ep Sato is right- 'old school' country like Patsy Cline, Cash, Willie, etc. had soul and feeling. This stuff now is like a cheesy, slick cartoon. I hate it when country artists try to have the best of both worlds and be 'rockin' (see 90% of CMT). Rock fans would do better to try Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Whiskeytown and others under the 'alt country' umbrella (though I do despise that name).

sd Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:20 PM EST

Ep Sato is right- 'old school' country like Patsy Cline, Cash, Willie, etc. had soul and feeling. This stuff now is like a cheesy, slick cartoon. I hate it when country artists try to have the best of both worlds and be 'rockin' (see 90% of CMT). Rock fans would do better to try Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Whiskeytown and others under the 'alt country' umbrella (though I do despise that name).

sd Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM EST

Ep Sato is right- 'old school' country like Patsy Cline, Cash, Willie, etc. had soul and feeling. This stuff now is like a cheesy, slick cartoon. I hate it when country artists try to have the best of both worlds and be 'rockin' (see 90% of CMT). Rock fans would do better to try Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Whiskeytown and others under the 'alt country' umbrella (though I do despise that name).

Vance Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM EST

Josh Turners "Your Man" and Rascal Flatts "What Hurt's The Most" are probably two of the sappiest and BEST songs out there right now. This is coming from a city slicker minority usually far from the country music scene.

LSB Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:12 PM EST

Watch out, world. Mandi Bierly is changing us, one cowboy hat and "Hey Driver!" shirt at a time.

Citygirl Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:08 PM EST

I used to be one of those people who could listen to everything but country, and I have to say, Mandi, you are so right. Once you find your country niche, you're set. There's Alt Country, Bluegrass, Pop Country, etc. It took living in Nashville for several years to get me to see the light, but now I'm basking in it.

Ep Sato Fri, Oct 20, 2006 at 12:02 PM EST

I like Hank Williams, can jam to a rockabilly tune any day of the week and love old Johnny Cash. Patsy Cline's got some goodies as well. Otherwise, I'm in that 'anything but country' category.

That Achey Breakey Heart stuff just doesn't have any soul, and most of the jingoistic songs seen a little too opportunistic, except for 'Freedom isn't free".

And we got us all kinds of music at this here jukebox. Country AND western...