I would consider myself a lot of things: a student, a sorority sister, a foodie, an aunt, a risk taker, a makeup junkie, a woman. A country music fan is not one of those descriptors. For the longest time, I detested the entire genre. And to be frank, I don’t know if it’ll ever grow to be one of my favorites. But in an effort to be a more open minded individual and to better understand my close friends who can’t get enough, I forced myself to get past my judgments and dig deeper. I can’t hate an entire genre of music, right?

Turns out I don’t! Hate the entire genre, that is. Most of it is still rocky territory. To be concise, I’ll instead link you to comedian Bo Burnham’s parody on the classic “stadium country” song.

If Burnham’s bit isn’t enough to pass the message along, take a look at this mashup of six different country songs that all sound the same. It’s clear to see that country music has shtick, and it’s not even the rhinestone-clad, adventuresome variety of the greats like Hank Williams and Dolly Parton. Wikipedia considers it a certifiable subgenre called “bro-country,” defined by its songs about “attractive young women, the consumption of alcohol, partying, and pickup trucks.”

For someone on the outside, country music is daunting, especially when it seems that at first our only options are Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” or whatever other half-spoken/half-autotuned song is crooned straight from the bed of a pickup truck by a rich white guy in a cowboy hat. Rest assured, there is are a plethora of incredibly talented female artists out there who are making a home for themselves in the industry, and their music is better than a cold beer on a hot day in blue jean shorts on a lake. They also have more to sing about than such an image! The following are a handful of my favorite songs that showcase these ladies’ sounds. Give them a listen and give country one more try! Do it for America!

Kacey Musgraves Feat. Willie Nelson – Are You Sure

I completely blame Kacey Musgraves for getting me into country music. Pageant Material, her second studio album from which this doozy with Willie Nelson originates, was one of my most listened to in 2015.

Ashley Monroe – On To Something Good

An Ashley Monroe song is like the equivalent of a Starbucks Frappuccino: delightfully basic and sweet, but will at least wake you up a little. Add whipped cream to account for her stellar hair and makeup.

Maren Morris – My Church

Maren Morris is a goddess and her entire album HERO is to be worshipped. Also she played at Bonaroo this year, and is BFFs with Kacey Musgraves, so you know she’s cool.

Maddie & Tae – Girl In A Country Song

This duo is adorable and this song is hilarious. Being able to critique a problematic industry in a way that will appeal to the masses is a genius move. Feminists come in all forms!

Miranda Lambert – Vice

Lastly, the queen of country herself, Miranda Lambert. To brush her off is to dismiss an insane amount of vocal and songwriting talent, and Miranda is an awesome inspiration to young women. Plus, I’m totally into breakup albums and you know that her ex-husband Blake Shelton’s new relationship with Gwen Stefani will have inspired plenty on her upcoming one.