By Charlotte Cornman, 17, Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, Md.
Charlotte Cornman, 17, writes that The Chicks’ cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” will make a country music lover out of you.
Honky-tonk rhythms with lyrics about beer, trucks, and women really don’t appeal to everyone, including myself. In the past, you would’ve had to pry pop music out of my cold, dead hands if you wanted me to listen to any country. I thought all songs in the genre sounded the same; that they were slow and not particularly catchy. After some exposure therapy, I found out that I was just wearing the wrong-sized boots. If you are anti-country music, listen to these songs (in order), and you will find yourself intrigued by the twangy guitars and swoony croons of country.
“Landslide” by The Chicks
This cover of the 1975 Fleetwood Mac song adds a bluegrass twist, with a banjo and mandolin accompanying the guitar. The song’s heartachingly nostalgic lyrics transcend genres, giving the listener a dip into the world of country without diving all the way in, a poignant remake of a classic. Lead singer Natalie Louise Maines’ vocal breaks hold a hint of southern twang, but not enough to deter the most skeptical of country critics.
Listen to this song if: You think country music songs can’t hold a candle to the classics.
“Charleston Girl (Live)” by Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers’ raspy yet steady voice frames this Appalachian folk song, introduced by a jumpy banjo, backed by a fiddle, and bolstered by a harmony between the accompaniment singers. Childers’ personal anecdotes in this song tell a story, making it raw and real, with lyrics such as “Don’t know why but every time I cross that river / Lord, there’s somethin’ tears me up, makes me wild.”
Listen to this song if: You think all country music sounds the same.
“Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton
As one of the most well-known country artists, some might be deterred by Chris Stapleton’s fame, out of the notion that his songs are overplayed. The lyrics are what really set this song apart from others. With sweet, endearing lyrics like “I can be your lucky penny, you can be my four-leaf clover,” Stapleton shows the value of simple, straightforward love and partnership. This is emphasized by simple guitar chords and a catchy, repetitive (but not exhausted) chorus throughout the song.
“Heartache Medication” by Jon Pardi
Once you are more acclimated to the country music drawl, this song provides an excellent example of more “traditional” country — a strong beat and deep, twangy vocals. This song will hook you in with its chorus, which will get stuck in your head for days, whether you like it or not. With backing vocals, three kinds of guitar, and a fiddle, this song has the works: country, tried and true, but still catchy and fun to listen to.
Listen to this song if: You think country music isn’t catchy.
