The rise in popularity of country music among teens over the past few years has been undeniable. The people who in 2020 wouldn’t be caught dead listening to country music now have a playlist solely dedicated to it. Despite this recent widespread acceptance of the genre, there are plenty who still won’t give country music the time of the day. Whether it’s because of the often predictable lyrics or overdone storylines, country music critics persist. Aside from these critics, country music is unique and often holds meaning, so here is a guide for getting into it.

Morgan Wade
What really got me into country music after years of dreading it every time it came on the radio was female artists. You may recognize the name from her most popular songs, “Last Cigarette” or “Wilder Days”, but Morgan Wade has way more than just what plays on the radio. From her first album “Reckless” to her most recent one “Psychopath”, Wade is heading up the charts with country music. Not only do her songs vary from slower to more upbeat and fun, her music also tends to avoid the cliche ‘heartbreak’ plots of a lot of other country music. While avoiding overused topics, Wade still spreads meaningful messages related to sobriety, and growing up. Junior and country music connoisseur Emma Sove shares that she feels a lot more people would like country music “if they listen to the lyrics because many people can probably relate” and Morgan Wade’s fan base is a great example of this. Beyond her two hits mentioned previously, a few other great songs of hers that will help ease you into country music include “Run” and “Phantom Feeling”. If you are looking for a more laid back vibe, be sure to check out her acoustic albums. Despite only having two albums, Morgan Wade is definitely one of the lead female artists in country music right now.

Morgan Wallen
Not to be confused with Morgan Wade, Morgan Wallen is the most well known artist in country music. Famous for songs like “Last Night” and “Chasin’ You”, Morgan Wallen is a great place to start your country music journey. Junior, Kayline Matthews says she doesn’t like country music because “the lyrics aren’t relatable and the beats are often sad.” For those like Matthews who are looking for something “more in between country and modern genres,” Wallen’s music caters to that. My favorite Morgan Wallen songs include “Heartless” and “You Proof”, both of which explore typical country themes while borrowing R&B/pop beats. Although Wallen definitely fits the criteria for country music, he really does have something for everyone.

Chris Stapleton
You may have heard that Chris Stapleton is the ‘right way’ to get into country music and to that I say you are not wrong. You’ve probably heard some of his classic songs like “Cold” and “Fire Away” but there’s plenty more where that came from. With five albums there is really no wrong place to start, but if you want to get a feel for ‘true country’ I would start by listening to “Traveller”. Stapleton definitely takes the classic approach to country music so it might not be for you at first but if anyone can do country, and do it well, it’s him.

Overall, country music isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely worth seeing what the hype is all about. Sove adds that “It’s hard to persuade people who don’t like country to give it a chance, but if you find one artist you really like, eventually, you will listen to it all.” You heard it here first folks: country music truly is a gateway drug.