Country music is the type of genre most people either enjoy or despise-- there is not much of an in between. I have heard many complaints about country music such as, “We live in the North, why do you listen to that?” or “Why do you like listening to a guy sing about his tractor” and numerous other Country music stereotypes. My parents raised me on Classic Rock and some Top Forty hits when I was growing up. I never listened to Country music until I started dating my current boyfriend and moved in with my roommate at college. I believed the stereotype that all Country songs were about beer, trucks and girls in tight jeans. To be fair a lot of them are, but not all artists fit that mold. Some of the most amazing song writers are in Country music (remember Country is where Taylor Swift received her start). Country music is more than just “hillbilly” music-- it is about having fun and falling in love mixed with a guitar and banjo folk sound.

Country music has some of the best party anthems. From “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith to “Anything Goes” by Florida Georgia Line, having fun is one of the biggest themes in this genre. Country inspires a let-loose attitude with a drink and some friends. Country concerts are where the real party is. There is no better experience than being outside on a hot summer night, singing and dancing under the stars. Country is a music genre that provides a soundtrack to feeling infinite.

Love is another theme in Country music. Some of the most romantic songs I know are in this genre. Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” is a beautiful song inspired by his wife. It is about the little romantic moments in life like a nice glass of wine and dancing in the rain and not needing anything more from life. Additionally, Brad Paisley’s “Perfect Storm” is about loving someone passionately. Country love songs are commonly about being with a significant other and missing them when they are gone, but it is poetically done. “What Hurts The Most,” by Rascal Flatts is a perfect example of a beautiful break up song about missing someone. Moreover, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” is one of the most empowering post-breakup songs. This genre depicts all aspects of love.

These are just a few of the underrated themes in Country music. Yes, there are songs about trucks and tractors, but there are fun and romantic songs as well, especially in Contemporary Country. I was against Country music for the longest time, but I slowly succumbed to the genre’s catchy music.