Today’s Country Music: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

A light-hearted look at today’s country music scene, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good

There’s no denying that country music has changed a lot over the years. The genre has evolved and mutated, taking on new sounds and styles while still holding onto its roots. But through it all, there have always been a few constants: the twang of the guitar, the stories of real life, and the heart-wrenching emotions of love, loss, and hope.

Today’s country music is filled with all of those things, and more. The best country songs of today are a mix of traditional values and modern sensibility, bringing the genre into the 21st century with a fresh sound that still feels familiar. If you’re looking for the best of today’s country music, look no further than this list.

The Good:
“Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
“My Church” by Maren Morris
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban

The Bad

There is a lot of bad country music out there. Most of it is sappy, clichéd, and just plain boring. Thankfully, there are a few diamonds in the rough. Here are five of the worst offenders:

1. “Stupid Girl” by Garth Brooks. This song is just plain sexist. It’s about a guy who is glad he didn’t marry a “stupid girl” who would have just held him back.

2. “She’s My Kind of Rain” by Tim McGraw. This song is about a woman who is beautiful and perfect… until she cries, and then she’s just annoying.

3. “I Wanna Talk About Me” by Toby Keith. This song is completely self-centered and obnoxious. It’s basically just one big brag fest masquerading as a country song.

4. “As Good As I Once Was” by Kenny Chesney. This song is incredibly depressing, and not in a good way. It’s about a guy who was once great, but is now just a shadow of his former self.

5. “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. This song is patriotic to the point of being jingoistic, and it’s been used to death at political rallies and sporting events.

The Ugly

In today’s country music, the ugly tends to be the over-produced, cookie-cutter songs that are more about making a quick buck than about making good music. These songs often lack originality, soul, and feeling, and are usually sung by pretty faces with perfect teeth who are more concerned with their image than with their music. If you’re looking for something real, chances are you won’t find it in the ugly side of today’s country music.