Articles tagged: country music


Halftime Leisure

In “Country Song Came On,” Luke Bryan finds escape in the honky-tonk

Although certainly showing a new side of Bryan, “Country Song Came On” is rather consistent with the general traits of more recent country releases. 

Leisure

On Higher, Chris Stapleton’s signature sound stays steady

Higher is a solid album, consistent with Stapleton’s well-established reputation in the country music sphere.

Leisure

On his self-titled album, establishment-rejecting singer-songwriter Zach Bryan turns inward

Bryan’s second official album is a triumph of authenticity and self-examination in a concise format.

Halftime Leisure

If you go down, I’m goin’ down too

Solidarity—standing up for a group you do not belong to and putting your own comfort aside in the process—is the linchpin to social justice. Historically, however, celebrities have dropped the... Read more

Music

Taylor Swift dives “headfirst, fearless” into the re-recording process with Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

On the heels of Taylor Swift’s historic Grammy triumph, where she received her third Album of the Year award, fans celebrate the re-recording of her first AOTY-winning album. Fearless (Taylor’s... Read more

Halftime Leisure

“Old Town Road” Signals a Shift in the Music Industry

The music industry has a new reason to worry, and it’s all because of a certain country-rap meme song. Lil Nas X, a 19-year-old singer-songwriter who was virtually unknown a... Read more

Halftime Leisure

The 61st Annual Grammy Awards: the Good, the Bad, and the Unlistenable

As we approach the dreaded/celebrated season in which celebrities gather in expensive outfits to recognize the best in television, film, and music, the Grammy Awards often stand out as the... Read more

Halftime

The Weekly List: Jason Isbell Highlights

At the age of 22, Jason Isbell joined the rock band The Drive-By Truckers, kickstarting an impressive country music career with the band. After dangerous habits including excessive drinking drove... Read more

Leisure

Critical Voices: Thomas Rhett, Life Changes

Life Changes is country pop act Thomas Rhett’s third studio album since his 2013 debut. It is reminiscent of the transition seen in Taylor Swift’s Red, with the sound caught... Read more

Halftime Leisure

Country Music Can Be Yours, Too

Five years ago, I would have laughed at the thought of writing this article. Country was one of my least favorite music genres. Though I’d hardly listened to it, I... Read more