Country

Do you love waking up in the morning, pulling your boots on and throwing in a dip? Are you one to hop into your truck to go sling up some mud with the windows down and eagles soaring above screeching sounds of freedom? Then country music is for you. Don’t think that quite fits your style? Maybe you just want to sit back and relax with a little something to set the mood for your special friend? Don’t sweat it, we got you.

If you’re not already a fan of country music, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the genre? If you’re thinking trucks, women, and beer, I guess I can’t say I blame you entirely because you’re not exactly wrong. Plus, a lot of my personal favorites are exactly about  that. But let’s be honest for a second here: country music isn’t just for rednecks and hillbillies as not all songs are about trucks, women, and beer. Country has so much more to offer, especially now with emerging artists like Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan; who’ve all helped usher in a new sound to country.  

These three have all released great music over the last few years and have accumulated tons of fans, many of whom have never listened to country at all. While I certainly suggest you check them out and give them a listen, I won’t be sharing any of their music today. Instead, I have three other artists that I’m very excited to share about because I think their music is great too: Florida Georgia Line, Granger Smith and Earl Dibbles Jr., and lastly but definitely not least, Luke Combs.

Whether you’re just getting into country music or you’ve been listening to it all of your life, check out Florida Georgia Line’s latest album Dig Your Roots. Headlined by the pre-released popular hit, H.O.L.Y., Dig Your Roots is an album you can play on repeat all day. I know I do. “May We All” is my personal favorite on the album, with the album-titled song “Dig Your Roots” in a very close second. I love those songs and the album as a whole because they express a relatable story and/or feelings. After all, that’s what country music is all about. It’s music for the soul.

One of my favorite up-and-coming artists, Granger Smith, has seen his fame rise significantly within the last year. In spring of ‘15 when I was looking to go to one of his shows, he was only performing at very small venues and bars. March of ‘16 though, Granger Smith released his latest album, Remington which features many great songs including fan favorites “Backroad Song” and “If the Boot Fits.” The release of this album helped propel his popularity and favorability among fans. So much that in this past summer, Granger could be seen on tour opening for Florida Georgia Line. Additionally, he is performing with Luke Bryan later this year in September. My favorite part about what Granger has to offer that is unique to him is his alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr. All he does is change his voice and become a major redneck. It’s absolutely fantastic. He is featured on the album Remington as well, with songs “Merica” (my personal favorite) and “City Boy Stuck.” It provides a good laugh and has a good overall loose, relaxed feel to it. Plus, who doesn’t love a good patriotic song? ‘Merica.

The last artist I want to introduce you to is Luke Combs, a very young and new artist from North Carolina. I’ve been following Luke Combs for quite some time now and he’s quickly made a name for himself in the country music industry. When you listen to his music, you find out why very quickly. He is a very gifted artist with a great voice. In much of his early music, Luke takes a bit of an outlaw approach to his music. While I love it, is a little different than his most recent work. His biggest hit, “Hurricane,” which was inspired by a friend dealing with a tough break-up, features an entirely new sound. While it was new for him and his fans, it was an immediate hit and helped launch him to the next stage of his career. If you’re interested in hearing what some of his old stuff is like, I’d suggest: “Let the Moonshine”, “Out There”, “Can I Get an Outlaw”, and “Beer Can”.

I love talking country music and hearing new songs. Got something you’d like to share? Comment below or shoot us an email and let us know what you’re thinking! Looking forward to hearing from you.

-Lucatero