Opinionated Writing Final

Country Music Revolution- Old or New Country?

Article by Sadie McDonald

Although country music was originated in the Deep South of the U.S. by fiddle players in the late 1910s, but it’s sound has evolved to a more modern pop-country genre. Although old country is authentic, I believe that modern country music is significantly better because of its upbeat sound, country roots and pop music additions that appeal to the new-aged modern ear.

I think that new country music is better music than old country music because it is has more hype, more relatable lyrics and is more exciting to sing.

While original country music has hit many top charts, country-pop music has broke though the charts in the recent years due to popularity in younger people. There has been a 54% increase in country listeners between the ages of 18 to 24 and a 21% increase in ages 12 through 17 in the past 10 years. This is due to the fact that new country music has brung in many young kids to the genre. While old country is about complex ideas that many kids today haven’t experienced like drinking in sorrows, living on a farm, etc. many new country songs are relatable for adolescents which makes country more appealing.

Not to mention, country music has a very diverse appealing percentage for all ages. Because of this diversity, in 2015 8% of adolescents, 32% of millennials, 35% of gen x and 33% of baby boomers like country music.

Also, country music is growing at a fast rate due to the comeback of pop-country. Infact, country music has rocketed sky high in the past 4 years. Upping by 51% total in the US since 2015, the popularity of country music has gone up by so much!

One problem with this idea is that it is so controversial. While some authentic and root-based people think pop-country is fake, others believe it is amazing. Since this topic is on people’s opinions of music, it is hard to give a solution. One solution is for people to eliminate the harsh talk they speak about the genre of country or it’s variation. By keeping rude or offending opinions to yourself, you can stop arguments from happening.

I believe pop-country is better because while it still has a roughly old sound, modern sound additions have improved the overall beat to the music. While the concepts of the music haven’t changed much, the ability to relate to the concepts has gone up with the growing genre of country-pop music!

 Country Music Revolution Writing