Country In The Mainstream

In the first of our Deep Dive series, we take a closer look at Country Music.

Listen along on Spotify here.

Beyoncé’s latest album "Cowboy Carter" has ignited a worldwide discussion about what country music really is. Can country be pop? Can R&B and dance music be country? Where are the lines that separate one genre from another now?

The influence of country music on mainstream pop isn’t something new. In this article we’ve spotlighted a few moments that demonstrate the evolution of country music’s effect on the global mainstream.

1990s

Country music plants its seeds beyond its traditional boundaries with crossover hits such as Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and Faith Hill’s “Breathe.” These songs, blending country authenticity with pop appeal, lay the groundwork for the genre’s future integration into the mainstream.

2000s

Madonna’s “Don’t Tell Me,” released in 2000, adds a pop twist to country influences with its twangy guitar riffs and Americana aesthetics. The song showcases the versatility of country elements in mainstream pop, garnering commercial success and further blurring the lines between genres.

2010s

Taylor Swift emerges as a trailblazer, blending country storytelling with infectious pop melodies. Hits like “Love Story” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” catapult Swift to superstardom.

Collaborations blur genre lines, exemplified by Florida Georgia Line’s partnership with Nelly on “Cruise” and Bebe Rexha on “Meant to Be.” These groundbreaking collaborations redefine musical boundaries, captivating audiences with their genre-defying sounds and setting the stage for deeper integration.

Avicii releases “Hey Brother,” a track that incorporates country elements into electronic dance music. With its banjo-driven melody and anthemic chorus, the song bridges the gap between country and EDM, further blurring genre distinctions and captivating audiences worldwide.

Beyoncé releasing the highly praised album “Lemonade” including the country song “Daddy Lessons” which she later released featuring the legendary country group The Chicks.

Country artists like Kacey Musgraves rise to prominence, earning critical acclaim and mainstream recognition. Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” sweeps the Grammy Awards, affirming country music’s relevance and artistic merit on the grand stage.

Lil Nas X’s genre-bending “Old Town Road” becomes a global phenomenon, fusing country twang with hip-hop beats. Its unprecedented success sparks discussions about the evolving definition of country music and its influence on contemporary pop culture.

2020s

Lana Del Rey announcing her upcoming country music album, “Lasso” after have teasing the departure from her signature dreamy pop sound with the cover of “Take Me Home Country Roads”.

Beyoncé releasing her album “Cowboy Carter,” going straight to the top of the charts and have created a world wide country craze.

As we navigate the present musical landscape, one thing is abundantly clear: country music’s influence on mainstream music is undeniable and ever-expanding. From its humble origins to its current prominence, country music continues to shape and redefine popular culture, forging connections across genres and audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, the evolution of country music from niche genre to mainstream powerhouse is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance. As the lines between musical genres blur and artists push creative boundaries, one thing remains certain: country music’s influence on mainstream music is here to stay, enriching the musical tapestry with its distinctive sound and heartfelt storytelling.