Inside the Intern's Mind: Country music isn’t what it used to be

Growing up in the South, country music had a big factor in what I would listen to. It was one of the genres that would be playing in the background no matter what I would be doing or where I would be.

Hanging out on the lake? Country music. Fishing in the gulf? Country music. Sitting outside by the fire pit with family and friends? Country music. The list goes on and on. There was always a variety from George Strait to Willie Nelson to Texas country artists. Even now most of the concerts played or performed are country, especially in West Texas.

One thing I can’t really stand is some of the more recent country. It’s almost like it is turning into this pop country. Some of these new artists I’ve never even heard of and the songs playing on the radio are terrible.

Take for instance, Luke Bryan. His songs are catchy but I’m very curious who his writing team is. For example, his most recent song “Sunshine, Sunset, Sunburn, Repeat,” I’m honestly surprised it is a hit. Yes, it’s a summery song but it is awful and way overplayed.

Admittedly not everything I listen to is country music, but there’s just something about every time I’m driving in my hometown it’s the only thing I want to listen to. It just makes sense and feels right.

Not all recent country is like this. There are artists who have that classic country sound and are bringing it back so I’m not losing faith in it just yet.