I know what you're thinking: "Country? Really?" Hear me out. I was a country music hater once. I was born and raised in Northeast Florida, and we certainly have our fair share of country radio stations. Growing up, my mother and father constantly played country stations when I was with them and most, if not all of it, made me sad and nauseous.

Almost two years ago, I started working at my current job and was forced to listen to music played by country radio stations constantly. I slowly grew to tolerate country music and, now, I really enjoy (some of) it. There are some country diamonds out there. Trust me. Here are just a few of the songs that piqued my interest in the genre:

1. "Once" by Maren Morris.

I first heard this song during the 2017 Grammy Awards, and I fell in love with it instantly. Maren Morris has one of the best voices I have ever heard - I'm obsessed with her. This is now one of my favorite songs of all time.

2. "Heaven" by Kane Brown.

When you look at Kane Brown, the last thing you would expect is how deep his voice is. However, while it doesn't match his looks, it's incredible. This song is romantic and will surely make you feel things.

3. "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood.

This is one of the few country songs I grew up listening to that I actually like. My sisters and I used to belt our hearts out and watch the music video over and over again, despite the fact that none of us could relate to Carrie Underwood's pain in any capacity.

4. "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton.

Chris Stapleton won a Grammy award this year for a reason. His voice is soulful, emotional, and he's released some incredible music. This song is one of my favorites of his, and who doesn't love a good metaphor or simile?

5. "Life Is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts.

This is one of the most iconic covers of all time. I would listen to this on repeat all day if I could, and as a child, after Cars came out, I definitely did.

6. "Still Fallin'" by Hunter Hayes.

When I first listened to this song all the way through, I sobbed like a baby. This is one of the sweetest, mushiest, most romantic songs I have ever heard. Hunter Hayes is also adorable and every girl my age was obsessed with him in middle school.

7. "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum.

It's been more than seven years since this song was released, and it still makes me cry. As a child, I was obsessed with this song, and honestly, nothing has changed. It's one of the most iconic songs of all time, not just within the country genre, and you've been living under a rock if you've never heard it.

8. "Crash and Burn" by Thomas Rhett.

I know Thomas Rhett sways more towards the pop side of the country music spectrum, but he's quite possibly my favorite country artist. His music is diverse, and he's also an incredible lyricist. Not to mention his family is adorable. I couldn't pick just one Thomas Rhett song, but this song, in particular, solidified my love for his music.

9. Every song on "Taylor Swift", "Fearless", and "Speak Now" by Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift might solely make pop music now, but that doesn't mean she's not one of the most iconic country artists of all time. Her first three albums are some of my favorites, and it's impossible to narrow down her best songs. Some of my favorites are "Picture to Burn", "Our Song", "Fearless", "I'm Only Me When I'm With You", "Last Kiss", "Sparks Fly", "Forever & Always", "Love Story", "You Belong With Me", and "Fifteen."

10. "Gateway Love" by Thomas Rhett.

Like I said, there is no way I could pick just one Thomas Rhett song. This one from his newest album and is one of my favorite songs. It sounds a lot less like traditional country music. Well, besides Thomas Rhett's strong southern accent.

11. "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton.

I know there are a few versions of this song floating around, but this one is my favorite. Also, it's another one that makes me cry. Rest in peace Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's relationship.

12. "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts.

This is one of the saddest, most emotional songs I have ever heard. The video that accompanies it is the saddest music video ever produced. I will be on my deathbed and will still be obsessed with this song.

13. "Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum.

Lady Antebellum has produced countless country bops, so there is no way I could pick just one of them. The video for this song is so sad and romantic. As a child, I couldn't help but belt this out constantly.

14. "Babe (feat. Taylor Swift)" by Sugarland.

Yes, this song came out only a few weeks ago, but it's amazing. Taylor Swift is not only a good vocalist, but she's an incredible lyricist as well.

Thank you to all of these songs and artists for making me fall in love with country music.