I think it’s pretty disappointing that people here will downvote songs just for being country (yesterday’s Luke Combs song too). Not for violating the community rules, or spamming, etc., just downvote for being a song in a genre you don’t care for. A song that you probably didn’t even listen to. What’s the point then? Only upvote a song that you already like? Is the point then just to circlejerk about songs you already know?

You know I used to think too that “country is garbage” which I’m sure you’re thinking right now. But I gave it an honest chance. I was really surprised by how much my feelings towards country have changed. Is it just the same old themes and riffs? Well ya you know that is sort of true. But then that’s really true of lots of music. Latin music tends to be love songs. Pop is certainly the same themes. Punk rock is only a few poorly-played chords played out of time with the same lyrical themes repeating (fight the system, get drunk). In that way, country isn’t very different at all. It has musical and lyrical themes it follows.

I’ve found that people enjoy country music because it makes them feel good. It tends to be fun music that doesn’t take itself too seriously. My friends that enjoy country want to smile and laugh and dance and be happy. What’s wrong with that? I went to a country music open mic in Nashville TN and found musicians being so supportive of each other, radiating joy and positivity while they sing about their love for their family members and each other. Beautiful! Is country music homophobic or racist? Some is, just like some people are. But there is a lot that isn’t. You might really be surprised. In fact many of the most famous artists in country are liberal and do not tolerate hate. Chris Stapleton here says Black Lives Matter.

So give it a try. Chris Stapleton is awesome.