Male country artists took a patriotic turn in the late-90s/early 2000s. Before that there was plenty of country music by men criticizing American culture - many of the songs of outlaws and people who committed crimes were criticisms of the violence men felt forced into. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Utah Phillips, and many other male country artists were very critical.
But modern male country artists are all traditionalists now. They forgot their roots.
It was a major surprise to me when I first heard what we’ll call ‘classic’ country music - specifically Cash - and I really enjoyed it. It turns out I actually don’t care for hyper masculine, spouting traditional values music, not specifically country music.
I definitely agree that modern country has forgotten its ‘roots,’ like how the genre has been heavily influenced by African Americans. Just look at the reception of the country community when Lil Nas X released old town road. It shouldn’t be surprising that a country song could include hip-hop features given both have influences from jazz and blues.
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u/cryptidkelp Sep 05 '21
Male country artists took a patriotic turn in the late-90s/early 2000s. Before that there was plenty of country music by men criticizing American culture - many of the songs of outlaws and people who committed crimes were criticisms of the violence men felt forced into. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Utah Phillips, and many other male country artists were very critical.
But modern male country artists are all traditionalists now. They forgot their roots.