Over the past seven years I have gotten into the American country genre of music. I wrote about this previously in 2016 https://amyoncloudnine.home.blog/2016/06/03/country-music/ . I find the genre easy to listen to plus the lyrics relatable. I think technically the sound I like is contemporary country.

Taylor Swift

Taylor is the main reason why I branched into country music, as she transitioned from country to the pop genre almost a decade ago. She was a huge artist when I was a teenager, like her, I believe she is the same year group as me. I remember at break times during college her music videos playing on the TVs. It actually wasn’t until I left that college at 18 that I became interested in her music when my friend recommended I give her a listen. She is one of my all time favourite artists. Her country albums are so relaxing and I still love them to this day.

Try listening to: Fearless, Mine, Everything Has Changed

Carrie Underwood

I believe I started listening to Carrie around 2016. She has a strong distinctive voice, with catchy songs that usually tell a story. I’m still not familiar with her earlier albums outside their singles but I love her albums since the 2015 Storyteller. Before that I listened to her greatest hits album. She has some great Christmas hymns and holiday songs too.

Try listening to: Clock Don’t Stop, Southbound, Crazy Angels

Sam Hunt

Sam is one of my favourite male singers now. I love his style of music that seems to me, to merge country and RnB. There are a fair number of his songs that are on my relaxing country Spotify playlist. I love every album that he has released and look forward to his next one! I’m usually always in the mood to listen to his music.

Try listening to: Take Your Time, Kinfolks, 23

Miranda Lambert

This was part of an earlier draft. To be honest I don’t listen to Miranda much anymore but I love her album Platinum. She is the most country sounding of the main artists listed here, clearly she is deep rooted in the genre. I find her songs more emotionally charged than other artists when they are about love and her own experiences. I can’t quite explain it but there is something unique about the intensity somehow. She is a sassy lady, especially on Platinum.

Try listening to: Gunpowder & Lead, The House That Built Me, Holding on To You

Cassadee Pope

Cassadee is another singer with a powerful voice, especially at a higher pitch. I confess that I prefer her earlier albums best, I need to listen to her newer ones. I love the lyrics of those earlier songs, the songs themselves are pretty catchy too. I believe Cassadee is going back to her pop punk roots.

Try listening to: Summer, Alien, Original Love

Kelsea Ballerini

I like Kelsea’s lighthearted, coming of age love lyrics. The focus on love and romance songs keep me hooked. Both this lady and the next have lyrics that make me think.

Try listening to: Dibs, Legends, LOVE IS A COWBOY

Lauren Alaina

Again like the above I like her coming of age love songs, though she sprinkles some sass too. Lauren is featured in a few songs from other artists that I like too.

Try listening to: Next Boyfriend, Country In Me, Road Less Traveled

Breland

One of country’s new rising stars is Breland. He creates such catchy songs that get me hooked, he mixes the genre with hip hop and RnB, stretching the limits. For the most part his songs cheer me up and provide a boost. He has a lovely voice, I’ve been quite taken back at how quickly I fell in love with his music.

Try listening to: In The Woulds, For What It’s Worth, Praise The Lord

Luke Combs

Luke is one of the most recent artists that I’ve been interested in, my husband likes his music too. Although I’ve enjoyed a couple of his singles for years, I am now taking time to listen to his albums. He has a lovely voice with thoughtful lyrics, his songs are mostly chilled out.

Try listening to: Hurricane, Beer Never Broke My Heart, The Kind of Love We Make

Other country stars

Other country artists that I like but haven’t got their own section are: Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Dylan Scott, Russel Dickerson, Keith Urban.

Hot Country Playlist by Spotify

This is one of the best ways to catch up on all the hottest country releases.

All images are screenshots from Spotify and are posted in the context of a review.

Hope you enjoyed reading.

Amy xx