How to Appreciate Current Country Music

You say you wouldn't be caught dead listening to country music? Maybe it's time to reconsider. Some pop stars (like Kid Rock, Jewel, Jessica Simpson & Darius Rucker) are being lured over. So are you willing to have a listen? You might enjoy a good laugh, find inspiration, or feel more in tune than you ever expected.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Country music station on the radio
• Country music CDs (available to checkout from many libraries)
• An internet connection
• A computer
• An open mind
• Some quiet time
• Optional: Headphones, if you really don't want to be caught listening ;)

1. 
    
   cmt.com

   Have a look at today's hottest country stars.
   
   Keith Urban. Tim McGraw. Faith Hill. Taylor Swift. Alan Jackson.
   Country music stars, while predominantly Caucasian, are normal folks like you and me. Okay, okay, I hear you. They have stylists, hairdressers and makeup artists; they have extraordinary musical and vocal gifts, and they get to entertain for a living. Not like you? But take a listen to their music.

2. 
    
   cmt.com

   Listen to the beat.
   
   Not so unsimilar to pop and rock, is it? While the fiddle, banjo and acoustic guitar still make their presences known on occasion, most music has a great combination of drums, guitars, keyboards ... you name it.

3. 
    
   cmt.com

   Listen to stories in the music.
   
   If you can get past the twangy country accent, you'll hear stories of love, strength, pain, laughter, inspiration, faith, love los t... you name it. Download the lyrics off the internet (search song title + lyrics)and sing along. You might find a new theme song.
   
   (to hear some of my favorites, you can visit my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/EdenSharpe )

4. 
    

   Reevaluate your original opinion.
   
   If you still don't enjoy the music, thanks for giving it a shot. I hope you come back to visit. If you find that you've enjoyed your visit, welcome to the world of country music! I'm so glad to see you here. :)

Tips & Warnings

• Sample music from several artists before you make your decision. There are many sources available free online. (see resources) Maybe you'll identify most with some of the more recent country talent (Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Sugarland Jessica Simpson & Jewel), or maybe to the men of country (Keith Urban--my fave, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney) or the classics (Reba McEntire, Dixie Chicks, Vince Gill, Randy Travis). Some of my least favorites are consistently top performers.
• You may become addicted. :)

Resources

• My myspace page with lots of great music
• Country Music Television
• A Great Online Free Music Station (with free on-demand videos)
• Videos On Demand
• Great American Country Music TV

[hawaiianstyle]

on 2/19/2009 There are so many amazing country artists. Hopefully people will give this music a shot.

[Kilogramm]

on 10/23/2008 I'm into all genres of music, thanks for this great how to!

[slphilbrick]

on 10/20/2008 Today's country music, in my humble opinion, far surpasses that nasally twang of my parent's generation. Although, I doubt they'd agree. Unfortunately, those who still say they don't like today's country are usually thinking the old style. I, personally, am a big country music fan ! Great article and photos ! 5*