Even though Michigan is far from being southern, there’s a strong country music presence (shout-out to Michigan-natives Frankie Ballard, Kris Hitchcock, Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion, Kid Rock and Jana Kramer). Let’s be honest, you know you’re from Michigan when you belt out the lyrics to “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock every chance you get. Michigan is privileged to host concerts at The Palace of Auburn Hills, The Van Andel, the Breslin Center at MSU, DTE Energy Music Theatre (Pine Knob, as our parents call it), and countless other venues. We host festivals such as Common Ground and Faster Horses, which reel in some of the hottest names in the industry. As a country music enthusiast, I’ve narrowed down six of the most prevalent types of country music.
1. I'm single and miserable.
“All I want is what I had / I’ll trade it all just to get her back / She’s moving on, But I guess I’m not / Yeah, we all want what we ain’t got.” I promise you that even famous people can feel the way we do, as displayed by Jake Owen’s lyrics from “What We Ain’t Got.” I think it’s safe to say that most people involved in the world of dating have also gone through some kind of heartbreak. Whether it was a crush from afar, a spring break fling, a short-term relationship or a prior spouse, you relate to the sense of attachment that was once so strong (according to Sam Hunt, it’s even more difficult to overcome when you “Break Up in a Small Town”).
2. I'm head-over-boots in love.
This category is self-explanatory, and pretty well summarized in “Head Over Boots” by Jon Pardi, in which he sings “You’re the one I want / You’re the one I need / Baby, if I was a king / You would be my queen.” Adorable, right? Another cute song is “Smile” by Uncle Kracker. If your significant other says you make them fall out of bed and sing like a bird, you must be pretty special. Gentlemen: If playing that song in the car doesn’t win over the heart of the lady sitting next to you, play “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett. I guarantee that she will be begging you to keep it on repeat while she serenades you (or she’ll be begging you to pull over). At this point, switch to “Let’s Make Love” by power couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, which is sure to give you all sorts of feels.
3. God is the real M.V.P.
Can we please cue “Jesus, Take the Wheel?” Carrie Underwood is known for sliding in a Christian reference or two, but she’s not the only one. According to Blake Shelton’s hit song, “God Gave Me You,” God is practically his matchmaker from Heaven. Although, if you were to ask his ex-wife, Miranda Lambert, there may be differing views about that (her 2005 hit, “Kerosene,” paints a pretty good picture of how she may feel today). Many country artists sing of God in the sense that he wrote their destiny (at least that’s how Rascal Flatts interpreted their love lives). “Every long lost dream / Led me to where you are / Others who broke my heart / They were like northern stars / Pointing me on my way / Into your loving arms / this much I know is true / That God blessed the broken road / That led me straight to you.”
4. Hell yeah, I'm single!
Have you ever ended a relationship and been so overjoyed about it that all you want to do is rally and shout it from the rooftops? Don’t worry, there are country songs related to that, too. For starters, you can’t beat Shania Twain’s anthem, “Man, I Feel Like a Woman!” It’s like the country industry’s version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. Besides, what better way to celebrate single life than with best friends, short skirts and your newly colored hair (Ladies, am I right?)? And to the jerk who knows he made a mistake, keep in mind that it’s NOT what the group A Thousand Horses claims… it really IS a “Drunk Dial.”
5. The key is beer and whiskey.
For those of you who have ever been to a country concert or music festival, you understand the importance of beer and whiskey. And for those of you who have been to a saloon/Western bar (shout-out to Whiskey Barrel in Lansing), you understand that these are not only types of alcohol, but secret weapons. They make you laugh a little harder, care a little less, dance a little more and gain some major bravery. If you don’t believe me, refer to “Alcohol” by Brad Paisley, because he reminisces about all the good (and bad) times alcohol has provided him. And if you’re suffering from heartbreak, whiskey is said to help mend a broken heart (Crown Royal Canadian whiskey worked best for Lady Antebellum in “Bartender”). Whether you enjoy taking shots of Jack and Fireball, or would rather chug some beers, grab a cup of something because it’s basically a FACT that country music is better when accompanied by alcohol. In the words of the great Toby Keith: “Red Solo cup / I lift you up / Proceed to party.” And when you get too plastered, you and Luke Bryan can call a cab while chanting, “Take My Drunk Ass Home.”
6. Beaches and babes.
When you’re able to say “I’ve got my toes in the water / Ass in the sand / Not a worry in the world / A cold beer in my hand / Life is good today” like Zac Brown Band did in “Toes,” you know you’re doing something right. As for finding some stereotypical beach babes? Don’t worry, they’re out there! Gentlemen, I assure you that if you head down to Georgia you’ll find plenty of girls that make you want to go for a “Cruise” (I haven’t forgot about you, Florida Georgia Line). With spring break around the corner, I think it’s safe to say that college students across the nation are excited to admire the view with a koozie in hand.
Cheers to country music because no matter how you feel, there’s a song to sum it up.
