The Redemption Arc of Country

Unleash your inner hillbilly with these Texas bluegrass grooves and knee-slapping jams. 

Written by Kaileen Rooks

Photo courtesy of Shane Kislack

In recent years, the internet has made country music its punching bag. A mob of music elitists have written it off as little more than a cash grab. To an extent, they’re right. Complaints about country becoming “corporatized” are not unfounded, and much of mainstream country music touts idealisms about a rural, Americana lifestyle from the high perch of a mansion in Beverly Hills. Bo Burnham summed this up perfectly in his satirical song “Pandering,” criticizing the inauthentic nature of mainstream country. Still, it’s time to get off your high horse and stroll through some Southern prairies with “Texas Afternoon” by Eleven Hundred Springs. Or stop by your local honky-tonk, and slap your knee to some twangy banjo with “‘Til It Does” by Randy Rogers. Or if you’re looking to dip into the feminine side of the country, channel your inner murderous broad with “Gunpowder & Lead” by Miranda Lambert. Take a load off, raise some hell, and drink some beer.