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Has the popularization of country music led to a drop in its quality?
Results so far:
| Yes | 65% | 56 votes | Total: 86 votes | |
| No | 35% | 30 votes |
Yes
by Rachelle Mangum
Created on: February 26, 2011
When you look back over the decades, it’s interesting to see how music has changed and progressed. Some would say for the better, others disagree. Whatever your stance is, there’s no denying that the majority of musicians out there strive for that “commercial” sound. It’s what gets them noticed. It’s what pays. There’s nothing wrong with that, if that’s truly what your goal is. However, if a musician says he is only in it for the music and to inspire people, and then turns around and sells himself out to a label company, that is where I feel the quality does get compromised.
It happens all the time in just about every genre of music, and country seems to have the most prominent commercialization in the last decade. It’s a very opinionated topic, and don’t get me wrong, I was raised on country and I love it. I will say, however, that a lot of the artists I loved growing up have followed this “commercial” trend. Some, more than others.
Take, for example, Rascal Flatts. They released their first album in 2000, and country music ears perked up at the heavenly sound of Gary’s vocal abilities, and the upbeat, fresh harmonies of Jay and Joe Don. Mix that with thoughtful lyrics, driving guitar riffs, and beautiful piano melodies and you’ve got perfection. The band started picking up popularity fast and by about mid-2000’s, they skyrocketed into mainstream fame. It was around this time I started noticing changes in their albums. From the over-produced music, to the straining of Gary’s vocals, they had become 100% commercialized. A band that was trying too hard, when they already “had it” from the beginning, without hardly even trying.
Sadly, my list of these types of instances is long. Does it mean I don’t care for any of these musicians anymore? Definitely not. I admire their achievements. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make it in music. My only beef is when artists/songwriters start mass-producing songs just to make more albums. They no longer are thought-provoking lyrics and inspiring melodies. Just good radio material. I’m glad country music has gained such a large following, I just miss when country was country, and not country “pop”.
Of course, as I said in the beginning, music evolves constantly. There’s no stopping it. We just have to accept it and move on. Cheers!
Learn more about this author, Rachelle Mangum.
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No
by Roberto Alvarez-Galloso
Created on: September 03, 2010
While there are rumors that the popularization of country music has lead to a drop in its popularity, the opposite is occurring as people are going to alternative sites in the internet to find the real country music or as it is also called Americana Music.
It is a phenomenon that will continue while Hollywood, Nashville, and New York continue their course in stagnation, personality cult, and mediocrity.
The radio stations that have the real country and rock music exist in Texas and are numerous. The internet is full of stations and websites such as Radio Free Texas, My Texas Music.com, and Dewberry Jam Radio. The above mentioned sites are more popular than the mainstream country music from Nashville.
The people whose records are played in these stations are those who have real talent but are never appreciated by a conglomerate that churns out fast food music which leaves people wanting the real thing.
The unsung heroes of the real country music are also people who down to earth and write [as well as sing] about the reality of life in the USA. It is a reality of life that is different from the fantasy world of Hollywood and Nashville.
The examples are numerous.
Jessica Shepherd is one of the artists whose music has reached the people of Australia. Her latest album “You’re Country Now” has a song dedicated to God and challenges people to do their work instead of pretending to work at work.
Jessica Shepherd has even written music for a movie which is being released in different parts of the country. She still finds time to have a Gospel Concert with other musicians in her town of Austin Texas.
Katherine Dawn is another example of Country and Americana Music. She has been singing true country and Americana Music since the 1970’s. Katherine Dawn has combined the style of rock and country music of the 1970’s to form a sound that is unbeatable.
One of her songs was heard in Venezuela in the 1970’s at a house of one of my fellow classmates from high school. I remember the song was called “Carrousel” and it was beautiful. Katherine Dawn has even formed the Texas Lady Bugs with other singers from Texas.
The latest album from this newly formed group called “First Rodeo” received hits as people went to buy it. The reason is her natural way [as well as the rest of the Lady Bugs] in interpreting true country music.
Brenda Kay is another singer who has recorded the album “Dirt’s Still Red”. Her song “How You Get To Me” has received numerous plays in stations around the country.
Christen Sawyer with her hit song “Crazy” captured the market around the world as well. She was even interviewed in ESPN Radio for a sports event.
The people have also been stomping and dancing to Chip Murrey and Texas Underground. Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are a very popular group with their fusion of Southern Rock and Country in the style of Lynard Skynard without copying.
The latest CD from Chip Murrey and Texas Underground called “Pay Dirt” is an example of what music from the USA should sound like. The concerts I have been told are examples of the musical contact that exists between the artists and the public.
John Arthur Martinez and Mark Allan Atwood are artists whose music are examples of why country music has not decreased in popularity. Both artists have contributed to recovering the body and soul of country music.
The music of these two great artists have even been heard in Europe much more than the Nashville and Hollywood sounds. What can be said about country music declining as a result of its increasing popularity is false. It just simply woke up people who wanted true country music.
Learn more about this author, Roberto Alvarez-Galloso.
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