Prompt: 2. Pick one of the three following topics and describe what you like or appreciate most about it: your favorite meal, your favorite sports moment, or your favorite music.
For this prompt, I'm diving into my favorite genre of music: country. Back home in Seattle, it's definitely not a popular genre. To be honest, I've gotten a lot of criticism on my music preferences, whether that be friends who refuse to let me play country music in the car or my parents who simply don't understand the appeal of listening to southern artists reminiscing about their favorite beer, trucks, and women. Nonetheless, I enjoy it and, odds are, if you see me walking around campus with my AirPods in I am probably listening to Morgan Wallen. Don't get me wrong - I used to be anti-country, as many are. However, I started listening to it after my cousin got my sister hooked on country and I was forced to listen to Florida Georgia line during the drive to school everyday. I think I like country music because it's easy. It's easy to listen to, it's easy to sing along to, and, most importantly to me, it's about an easy life. Sometimes when I'm stressed I'll turn on some country music and listen to Luke Combs sing about how his only worry in life is whether or not the beer is his fridge is cold. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but listening to country music almost transports me out of my stressful life and into a setting where nothing matters except for the simple stuff. So, if you're ever stressed out or just looking for something new to listen to, I'd highly recommend checking out Spotify's country section! Some of my favorites are Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Sam Hunt.
Hey Audrey! I didn't know you listened to country! I loved belting out country-pop in the car when I was younger (Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, old Taylor Swift etc.) but I've never really listened to straight country. Obviously I've hear the big hits, but I've never really delved into the genre. However, what you said about it being "easy" makes it sound like a very nice stress relief and makes me want to give it a listen sometime. If I can get over my unfortunate internal anti-country stigma, maybe I will check out that section on Spotify you mentioned :)
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey, unfortunately I am one of those country haters. I think the only country songs I've enjoyed were old Taylor Swift songs back when I was in elementary school and my sister was a big fan. That's not to say I haven't tried though. I pride myself on being really open to all music and not try to confine myself to a genre, so of course I had to give county a shot. I tried a few playlists and even agreed to go to a Dan and Shay concert, but try as I might, I still don't like country.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! As someone who tries to be open-minded about music, I can't say newer country music is as interesting to me as other genres. I think the genre hasn't innovated in a while, but I would love to see it change and evolve into something new! That being said, old country music is certainly a favorite of mine. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you give Zach Brown Band a listen, as they are my favorite country band. Country is big on my mom's side of the family, so I can respect it's integrity, but I don't think it is for me, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! While I'm not a big country music person, I love that you intentionally chose a blog topic that was controversial in a fun way. Some of my best friends from high school were obsessed with country, and I know they would be framing your post on a wall if they could read it right now. So while I may not be able to relate to your love of country, I can definitely relate to using music to escape a stressful setting. Music can filter into your subconscious and push out all the pointless worries and anxieties, and I'm so happy you've discovered that too!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of country music in that way before and appreciate the fact that you are sticking to your choice no matter what other people tell you or let you do. I personally have never hated nor loved country music but I like reading about your own perspective of it and how you changed from hating it to loving it. I never really considered the fact that country singers sing about the simpler life and in the future I think I might take your advice when I am worried and listen to some country music.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! I loved hearing your perspective and passion for country music! As an avid music listener, I will admit that the whole genre of country in general tends to be one I'm very much unfamiliar with. But it was nice to hear your recommendations so I'll definitely have to check those out because my only familiarity with country is probably Dolly Parton and early Taylor Swift. I'd have to agree with your thoughts that music is a great stress reliever for you. It sure is for me.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! I totally agree with everything you said about country music! It's like a small escape from the stress of reality. Also, Morgan Wallen is my favorite artist also! I really wanted to go to his concert back home and was so sad I had to miss it. One day I will definitely see him though! If you haven't, I'd recommend listening to Zach Bryan or Tyler Childers; their country is slightly different from the regular pop country, but it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey! I absolutely love country! I’d definitely recommend listening to Luke Combs’ cover of “Dive” by Ed Sheeran. Country also helps me ground myself and find more joy in the little things. I’d love to know your favorite Morgan Wallen songs!
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! I totally agree that country music can be nice to listen to in order to escape a world full of stress. It feels nice to be reminded of the simple things that we are gifted, whether it's beer or trucks or football Sundays. However, I can't say I'm a big Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs fan. My favorite country artists are Darius Rucker and Kenny Chesney. In my mind, I doubt there will ever be a better country song than "Wagon Wheel!"
ReplyDeleteSo this post is close to my heart. When I first met my wife, I was afraid her love for country music would be a deal breaker. Now I love it, but I have to confess that I'm not always a big fan of country music radio, which seems to play the same small rotation of artists and songs over and over and leaves out a huge swath of the genre and a lot of its most interesting (to me anyway) artists. I like finding country artists who don't get as much attention but deserve it, like Elizabeth Cook, Charlie Crockett, Amethyst Kiah. I do like Chris Stapleton, though...
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey, I have been anti-country like your were except it still has not changed. However, your reasoning as to why country music can be useful when dealing with stressful times resonated with me. I never thought about how the simplistic topics of country music can be so appealing. Maybe I'll have to give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteTo me this is a great pitch for country music, because I completely relate to that care-free, distracted feeling that you described. Rock and Roll has always been the genre that consistently provides that experience for me, and although I have never personally dived into country music I have had my fair share country music-filled weekends at friends cabins or country themed events. I would not be opposed to giving country a closer listen in the future. Although I've never been convinced to go, Water Shed sounds like a tiring but fun chance to meet tons of Seattle country music fans.
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