Some Hearts

The theme of heartache and failed relationships is one that has been prevalent in country music since its beginning. Something about that southern drawl and slow, steady beat that is common in this genre allow for these songs to be all the more powerful. Carrie Underwood is a master at using break-ups and heartache to her advantage by allowing them to fuel the inspiration for her music. In her album “Some Hearts” released in 2005, heartache is a very common theme. In this album she describes how relationships can be wrought with issues such as alcoholism and infidelity, which can cause the relationship to end in an even worse manner. However, failed relationships are something that almost everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives, making it a topic that is easily relatable and can evoke emotions from a variety of people. Examining the psychology behind Underwood’s break-ups is a way that this album can be examined further, since the type of person she is and the situations she faces are what primarily fuels her emotions. The reasons for the termination of her relationships, along with the ways in which she dealt with them afterwards are intertwined to create tracks that rose to the top on the Billboard charts.

                This album starts off with the track “Wasted,” which title reflects its message. This song plays with the double meaning of the word wasted when Underwood sings about how she does not want to “wake up one day and find that [she] let all these years go by wasted,” and then when she talks about her alcoholic boyfriend getting wasted to try to forget their relationship troubles. The almost pleading tone in her voice and dramatic build-up at the chorus add to the sincerity of her message. The slower parts of the song when only the drumbeat and steady electric guitar are present also show that she is going through a tough period of heartbreak at the end of a bad relationship. Addiction is a serious issue that can put people in a relationship through a tremendous amount of strain. Audiences are usually able to sympathize with people facing this issue because of the suffering the addict faces and hard-won knowledge they earn from going through this ordeal (Ross vii). Integrating such a topic into her song creates a sense of pathos by allowing the listener to get a sense of the heartbreak Underwood feels due to the man she loves being an addict.

                “The Night Before (Life Goes On),” follows in this theme of a relationship coming to an end. However in this track it is due to Underwood going off to college and having to leave behind her hometown boyfriend. Instead of there being animosity between the two, they are cherishing their last night together before what will most likely result in a break-up. Underwood’s soaring voice is the main focus of the song, allowing the minimal instrumentation of the acoustic guitar and its slow and steady rhythm to set the tone of lingering sadness mixed with a sort of new hope for the future. This song represents what many teenagers have to go through in the transition to adulthood. Leaving behind people they love and going off to an unfamiliar place are common scenarios which Underwood aptly describes the underlying feelings of.

                In “Lessons Learned,” Carrie Underwood is able to find the good that comes out an ended relationship. As she states it, “I’m thankful, for every break in my heart.” This track is a reflection on the past mistakes she has made and how she has grown from them to improve herself. She starts out slow and soft on the track, but her voice builds at the chorus to show she is no longer ashamed of what she has done. Instead, she is coming to terms with everything that has happened to her and showing that she is strong as ever. Heartbreak is extremely difficult to deal with no matter who you are. However if someone is secure with their own identity prior to being in a relationship they will be able to deal with it ending in a much more productive fashion (Choo, Levine, Hatfield 143). Underwood shows young women to be confident in themselves, including their past, to grow from such experiences. This is one reason why this is a great album; it goes beyond talking just about being sad after a failed relationship, and instead explores how it can change you for the better.

                “Before He Cheats” is that guilty pleasure song that we all need to hear after a difficult break-up. No longer is Underwood soft and gentle with her words; she is pissed and going to do something about it. The chorus is hard-hitting and filled with emotion. She is not holding back anymore, and the listener can hear it in her voice. Infidelity has been described as one of the top four reasons relationships fail, since it can cause the other partner in the relationship to have feelings of anger, betrayal, and insecurity (Melanie). Underwood felt these emotions following her boyfriend cheating so she, “dug [her] key into the side of his pretty little suped up four wheel drive.” There has actually been research conducted on this topic of women versus men and how they handle break-ups. Researchers at Binghamton University conducted a study in which they asked participants to rate their levels of physical and emotional pain following a break-up. The study showed that while women reported higher levels in the short run, there was a switch in the long run to men reporting feeling more pain (Prigg). While Underwood is expressing her anger now, her boyfriend will have to deal with the consequences of his actions for a long time after this. As she puts it, “'Cause the next time that he cheats... oh, you know it won't be on me!” She has had her revenge, dumped him, and showed all of us that she is a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man.

                The album takes a sharp turn at the next track, “Starts with Goodbye.” Underwood is breaking up with her partner, knowing that it will be a very tough road ahead without having him by her side. However, she knows it is what needs to be done, and therefore is following through. This track has a much slower, depressing vibe than the previous. The piano and violin featured in this song diverge from the normal instrumentation in her more upbeat tracks. Severing ties with an individual that one was previously very close with is an extremely difficult situation, as it is described in this track. When people are in a relationship for an extended period of time they begin to rely on each other throughout their daily activities. Learning how to cope being on one’s own is not an easy process. A study was done on this topic in regards to college students’ emotions following a break-up, and many recorded more negative intrusive thoughts, and an increased use of first-person singular words (Boals, Klein 252). Underwood knows she is going to have to deal with a lot of pain following this decision of hers, but she is staying strong because she knows it is what is best for the long run.

                In “I Just Can’t Live a Lie,” Carrie Underwood describes how she is in a bad relationship in which, “hurtful words are all that [they] exchange.” However, she still is deeply in love with this man, and does not want to lose him. This track differs from the rest of the album in that even though she knows that she is in a worsening relationship, she is attempting to still save it. In this album the listener is able to see all sides of Underwood, even the struggling, unsure of what to do part of her. Break-ups are something that do not come easy, even for country/pop stars like her.

                Carrie Underwood’s hit album, Some Hearts, describes break-ups in all their forms. Some with a silver lining, some with trouble letting go at all, and others with anger and revenge. Dealing with a failed relationship is something that is experienced and can be understood by people world-wide, making this album one that can be personally related to by a variety of people. She is able to further this albums reach by also including a mix-up of various genres including country, pop, rock, and singer/songwriter. One way that this album can be understood further is by examining the psychology behind her motives described in these tracks so that the listener can understand her point of view and how she handles these situations. In Some Hearts Underwood explores multiple themes of how relationships fail; such as alcoholism, infidelity, and simply growing apart. Her overall theme seems to be that everyone has to deal with these situations, and it is only how you come out in the end of dealing with it that defines who you are as a person.

Works Cited

Boals, Adriel and Klein, Kitty. "Word Use In Emotional Narratives About Failed Romantic Relationships And Subsequent Mental Health." Journal of Language & Social Psychology 24.3 (2005): 252-268. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.

Choo, Patricia, Timothy Levine, and Elaine Hatfield. "Gender, Love Schemas, and Reactions to Romantic Break-Ups." Journal of Social Behavior & Personality 11.5 (1996): 143-160. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.

Greenberg, Melanie. “The Top 4 Reasons Relationships Fail.” Psychology Today. Web.

Prigg, Mark. “Break-ups Hurt Women More in the Short Term but Men NEVER Recover, Researchers Claim.” Daily Mail. 6 August 2015. Web. 20 November 2015.

Ross, Don. What Is Addiction?. Cambridge, Mass: A Bradford Book, 2010. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 Nov. 2015.

Zac Brown Band's "The Foundation" *Revised*

The first studio album by Zac Brown Band, “The Foundation,” was aptly titled as it provided their mainstream introduction to the public, thrusting them into fame. “Chicken Fried” and “Toes” were the hit singles off of this album, both being nominated for the single of the year in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This album introduced the band’s signature eclectic style, featuring instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and ukulele. The sound of the tracks on “The Foundation” do not seem to follow a certain style, instead mixing soft and slow singer/songwriter type tracks together with upbeat, catchy ones that were written to be number-one hits played on the radio. However the album does seem to follow an overall theme of good ol’ southern living. One major concept in this album is the South being of this “other” identity from the rest of America. There are many stereotypes that come to mind when one thinks of a traditional Southerner. Some of these are negative, such as the idea of how hillbillies and rednecks act, but likewise there are many positive ones such as how Southerners have the tendency to act more hospitable and friendly. Southerners also have their own specific customs that are not present in the rest of the United States, such as the food that is eaten here, and specific phrases that are commonly said. Zac Brown Band writing about this Southern identity is rightly so, considering the band is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Southern culture and life is a common theme throughout many country albums, but Zac Brown Band adds their own spin to it based on their personal experiences growing up in the South. That is why this album became so popular, going triple-platinum, since many people can relate to this way of life; and even if they can’t, they’re able to get a pretty good understanding on what it means to be a Southerner.

                “Toes” starts of the album with an island-y feel, interspersed with Spanish lyrics. It describes a man going on vacation with his, “toes in the water, ass in the sand,” until he has to go back home where he is still able to put his “ass in a lawn chair, toes in the clay.” This track lays out the idea that even though it is nice to get away from what can become the monotony of everyday life, it is good to have a nice, familiar place to come home to. Southerners are known for having a slower pace of life. This includes the common image of a southerner sitting out on their front porch, not in much of a hurry. In an article that I read by Orville Burton, a professor of history, he mentions how when he tells stories to his northern friends they want him to get to the point more quickly. Whereas southerners like to tell long, drawn-out stories and overall take everyday tasks slower. “Toes” is a slower-paced song that mirrors this type of southern living. It mainly features guitars and banjos until it reaches the chorus, in which it sounds more like a typical mariachi band. This track seems at first like a typical feel-good summer song, but the Hispanic twist allows cultures to be merged together to give this track a refreshing feel, since it is something that would not be normally expected out of a typical country song.

                “Free” is a smooth, slow, and steady track about two lovers with all the freedom they could ever want, traveling across America. It resonates with the American identity of living in a free land and having all the opportunities one can dream of. The acoustic guitar and violin are the most prominent in this track, keeping with the peaceful vibe. Americans in general are very proud of their culture and the land they live on, and Southerners are no different. Actually, Southerners are known for being exceptionally patriotic. This is especially true in the area of military support, in which Southerners tend to be behind to a great extent, so that this freedom that we appreciate so much may continue to remain ours. “Free” also follows the theme presented in “Toes” of feeling at home in backwoods areas of the South. In the song the two people, “drive until the city lights dissolve into a country sky,” where they “lay underneath the harvest moon.” In these areas of the country, one can feel at ease and calm away from the rush of the city life. There’s just something about a warm summer night in the South that provides ease from the sweltering heat, making it a peaceful, calming experience Southerners understand well.

                Then there’s “Chicken Fried,” an upbeat and traditionally country song about the everyday necessities of southern living. “Cold beer on a Friday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio on,” for example. The banjo being primarily featured add to the country feel. “Chicken Fried” is a toe-tapping song that you basically have to sing along to when it comes on. Even though it may seem a bit unoriginal, it is catchy, and that is what it was meant to be. Honestly, I do not believe that there is a song that is more country or includes more of southern values that this one does. I mean come on, it mentions traditional southern comfort food, hospitality and family, and even throws in a salute to the military at the end. This song is impossible not to love. The “other” southern identity is described here in that southerners overall seem friendlier, more willing to help out those in need, or just more likely  strike up a conversation with neighbors. Zac Brown Band mentions this when talking about a house that is, “filled with love that's grown in southern ground.” Family is another essential part of Southern living, when especially in rural areas, families will grow up in very close proximity to each other. Getting together for a Southern cooked dinner filled with comfort food is a must with the family. “Chicken Fried” is the song that you would put on during one of these cook-outs. Its theme of country living is very relatable and includes everything near and dear to the heart of us Southerners.

                “Different Kind of Fine” is a track that talks about a girl who is not the traditional beauty queen type. Instead, she is a country girl that is a, “lawyer's queen, a trucker's dream [with] a baseball hat fit for a queen.” Southern culture has changed historically in that the traditional southern belle was required to fit the part when seen out in public, and act in a mannerly and obedient way. Now, country songs commonly talk about girls that are free-spirited with a wild side. As this one states, “she make 'em wonder which way to go, make a man change his mind.” Not even that long ago in the South women were not supposed to question their man’s decisions. Southerners hold traditional values near and dear to their hearts, but some of these very much need to be challenged. Feminism is a movement that has been mentioned more and more in country music, and now it is seen as an attractive attribute for a Southern woman to be strong-willed and able to hold her own.

                “The Foundation” ends on a fun and humorous song, “Sic ‘Em on a Chicken.” It’s basically about chicken hunting with the family dog. It’s a silly song, and not supposed to be serious, but it does seem to paint southerners as hillbillies. This is presented especially at the beginning when there is a man’s voice “hee-hawing” throughout the introduction. Southerners are stereotyped a lot of times as being dumb rednecks, and this song perpetrates this idea. However, Zac Brown Band is from the South themselves, so I do not believe they are purposely trying to put Southerners down. It’s more of just a joke, and the song overall is meant to be laughed at. The band is basically taking the Southern “other” identity to an extreme to parody it. 

The South as being this “other” identity is presented throughout “The Foundation.” Southern culture and its practices go back hundreds of years. However, many aspects of it have changed greatly since, and Zac Brown Band incorporates this idea throughout the album. The fact that the band grew up in Georgia allowed them to pull from their own personal experiences to create a genuine sounding album filled with aspects of Southern living. The sonic elements of their album also represent this by the heavy use of the acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Their country accents add a legitimacy to their tracks such as “Chicken Fried” in which Southern customs are the major theme. “The Foundation” set the stage for their later work, while introducing them to the mainstream. They are now a very popular band with their own unique sound that can be easily recognized. Southern culture remains a major part of their identity, and is integrated in some way throughout all of their albums. It is obvious that the Zac Brown Band appreciates their roots and good ol’ Southern living in general. This allows them to put their own spin on country music so that they are able to carve out a unique space in this vast musical genre.

Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" *Revised*

American Saturday Night is an album filled with cultural references, and Brad Paisley’s take on how things should be. Themes presented include women’s rights, racial issues, and depression. At first glance it may just seem like any other country album that is not necessarily trying to make you think, or give you insight on the culture we live in. However, when one takes a closer look at the lyrics and music videos that go along with the tracks, Paisley’s true intentions are shown. He is saying a lot not only about how things are today, but how they need to change in the future. He also looks into the past to reflect on his experiences that were affected by the prominent culture then. This album mainly discusses American culture, and many times specifically southern culture.

                The album is named after the first track, “American Saturday Night.” This track is a feel-good song that you would hear at a summer barbeque. It is upbeat and simple, relying heavily on the electric guitar. It discusses how international cultures have become an integral part of American culture itself. In this track, a girl is going to a fair in her local town in which she will experience all sorts of different cultures without going far at all. The chorus which states, “It's a French kiss, Italian ice, Spanish moss in the moonlight. Just another American Saturday night,” provides a positive view on the coming together of cultures. This is a nice thing to hear due to many people, especially in the south, being against immigrants coming in to America. Paisley even mentions in this song how a relative of his immigrated to America, and how much things have changed since then. Now we live in a world full of opportunity and freedom that anyone can take advantage of.

                Next comes a broken-hearted ballad called “Everybody’s Here.” Paisley is lamenting a lost girlfriend, which is a theme that goes along with the slow and mournful sound of the track which only seems to build at the chorus. It has a very personal feel which is emphasized by his softer vocals and emotional lyrics. In the track he is trying to get over her by going out with some friends. He feels like he has to act like nothing is wrong so that he does not ruin the party. Even though he is hurting inside, he smiles and laughs. In our culture men are not encouraged to express their feelings. When they get out of a relationship they are not supposed to cry or want to stay in when their friends are going out. However, this is completely fine for women, and even encouraged. This song also alludes to depression, and how it can easily be hidden from society. Even Paisley’s friends have no idea how he is actually feeling. Depression can be a deadly disease especially when someone does not have a close friend to discuss it with. A sociological experiment I recently studied stated that while the number of “close” friends one person has, has decreased, while diagnoses of depression have increased in today’s society. Paisley is exemplifying this issue and how it relates to him in “Everybody’s Here.”

                Following this track is “Welcome to the Future,” sounds pretty cheesy in my opinion. I believe it is supposed to be a powerful and meaningful track, but it comes off almost as trying too hard. In the music video children express what they want to be when they grow up, and there are clips of new technology and various cultures. It is just all too much paired with the uplifting sound and soaring vocals, and takes away from the meaning that Paisley is attempting to convey. Nevertheless, it still is discussing prevalent cultural issues. One more powerful line on the track is, “I had a friend in school, running-back on a football team, they burned a cross in his front yard for asking out the home-coming queen.” He discusses how racial tensions have changed from punishing a black kid that asked out a white girl to today in which people have become more accepting. He also mentions how so much has changed in his life since he was a child, like the technology that is so common today that could not even be imagined back then.  

                “She’s Her Own Woman” and “Pants” are interesting because they both discuss how women are the more powerful ones in a relationship, and how they can easily stand on their own. Both of these tracks are presented with a slower vibe, and sound like Paisley is speaking of someone that he loves. This idea diverges from the typical southern view that men control the women. “Pants” even makes fun of men that believe that they are the “head of the household.” Paisley argues that, “It’s not who wears the pants, it’s who wears the skirt.”  I really like that Paisley has expressed his viewpoint on this idea because women can still be seen as inferior in today’s culture.

                “No,” the tenth track on the album, kind of reverts back to the typical southern culture in that religion is a major theme. It is a slow song that shows how young Paisley was taught a lesson in unanswered prayers. In the end Paisley’s grandfather died and he feels betrayed by God for having ignored his wishes to keep his grandfather alive. However, he realizes that all things happen for a reason, and finally is able to accept it. This theme of religion is very common in country songs, and on a wider scale in the south in general. I have grown up in a small southern town and I know how prevalent churches are with one being on practically every street corner.

                
Paisley goes beyond what is typically expected out of a country album to create something original and unique. He discusses important topics such as feminism, new technology, and immigration to reify the traditional values of country music.  American Saturday Night is a progressive album that calls for acceptance for all people no matter their background, gender, or race. Paisley does not shy away from cultural issues, and instead discusses them while adding his own input. This album provides a great deal of information about the society, specifically in the south, that we live in and how it has changed.

Taylor Swift's - "Taylor Swift" *Revised*

                 Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album in 2006 which quickly thrust her into country music stardom. She is one of those artists that practically everyone is familiar with, whether they are a country music fan or not. Swift was only 16 when she released her first album. This becomes apparent in “Taylor Swift,” which mainly reflects her innocence as a young teen crushing over the cute boy next door. Even though Swift has a common theme flowing through a majority of the tracks, she pulls it off well. Most of the songs still have a unique sound based on the genres she combines. Her main influences seem to be pop and rock. This album does not get boring, like how I have found some country albums to be. She accomplishes this by having slow songs that are followed by those with fast and catchy beats. In one track she may be dissing the boy that has so terribly wronged her, and in the next she is beyond elated over the one of her dreams. I feel that it is geared more towards the female population, but that’s not to say males can’t indulge in a little T-Swizzle. This album surpasses the bounds of the country genre to create something special that can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

                “Taylor Swift” begins with a classic country song and her hit single, “Tim McGraw.” A song about lost love, it mingles modern with traditional country music. Swift’s voice is introduced with a twang of a country accent, which has seemed to be lost in her newer music. I would categorize this song as a ballad because of its slower beat and guitar. This song does not refine the country music genre in any sort of notable way, but it is a nice way to introduce the album and give fans what they are expecting.

                Next on the album comes “Picture to Burn” which is a definite divergence from the sound of the first track. It starts off strong with a fast tempo featuring guitars, banjos, and the drums. From the beginning it is evident that this song is highly influenced by rock. Swift is more aggressive in her lyrics; no longer passively reminiscing about a lover. This genre of “country rock” has been around for a while, dating back even to the 70’s, however it has become more and more popular since the release of this album. Country artists have been continuously experimenting within the genre by pulling influences from all kinds of different music. Zac Brown Band is a standout example of this method. Their usage of a diverse range of instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and ukulele allow them to create a sound that can’t be pigeonholed in one genre. Swift is comparable to this band due to the pairing of her hard-edged lyrics and fast guitars in this track alongside country croons in others about the good ol’ small-town life. The combination adds depth to the album and keeps the listener interested.

                Swift again throws the listener for a loop in her next track, “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Suddenly she is back to being depressed about the boy that she’ll never have. Returning to a slow beat with soft vocals, it primarily reflects the country genre with the constant strumming guitar and theme of lost love. 

                I feel that the next standout track on this album is “Tied Together With a Smile.” It seems to be just another slow ballad when you hear the opening, but as the chorus builds and becomes stronger, you see that this is not the case. The theme deviates a bit in that it is more about self-confidence and feelings of unworthiness. I mean, of course this is due to a boy, but at least she’s trying. This track would probably also be listed primarily as a country song.

“Should’ve Said No” is a song on the album that I feel again uses a sort of rock influence to create a very powerful sound, primarily in the chorus with the strong, building vocals and electric guitar. It is a “revenge song” that Swift seems to accomplish in creating so well. The listener can feel her frustration with the boy that has so wronged her. Immediately this track makes me think of Carrie Underwood’s “Before he Cheats.” Carrie Underwood is an artist that has commonly been compared to Swift in terms of how they mix genres to create their own sound, and the themes of their music. “Before he Cheats” incorporates a very similar story of refusing to put up anymore with a man’s uncommitted behavior. Therefore, the only obvious plan is to get revenge. Both of these songs have an empowering feminist approach to the issue by taking the problem into their own hands. No longer will either of these artists rely on these men, they are going to make sure he regrets this decision. It’s refreshing to see a woman taking charge and asserting her place not only in this track, but in the country music scene in general. In a typically male dominated genre, it’s pretty impressive that a 16 year old girl was able to become so popular at such a young age, and retain that success to the present.

                The listener might think that by this point Swift has had enough of the male population. However, they would be mistaken. Of course she has to end the album with the heartfelt track, “Our Song.” It is a purely country track primarily driven by the banjo and a fiddle solo. This song includes all the elements typically expected of a country song: guitars, love, and a strong country accent. I feel that it is a good choice for tying up the album because it allows it to end on a cheerful, even if a bit cheesy, note.

             “Taylor Swift” is an album that varies between straying from the typical country genre, and sticking to its roots. This debut album paved the way for the rest of her career by establishing herself as a successful songwriter and performer. It gave listeners an idea of what to expect, even though she has become much more of a pop artist presently. If there’s something you can be sure of when you listen to a Taylor Swift album, it’s that there will be plenty of songs about lost love, and this album is no different. Her debut album paved her way as a hopeless teenage romantic that just happens to also be a country music star. It assisted in the growing change of the country genre to include more of a variety of musical influences, while still maintaining some of the most important aspects and ideas.

Montevallo Review *Revised*

   Sam Hunt is a relatively new artist that has been quickly thrust into the spotlight. A former college football quarterback, Hunt left his career as an athlete to begin a whole new life as a musician. His first album released in 2014, Montevallo, is difficult to fit into one genre. However that is what makes it so interesting. Hunt grew up in a small town in Georgia where country music had a major impact on him. However, he wasn't only a country fan. He also loved genres such as hip-hop and R&B, which shows in his music. Hunt also reflects the art of storytelling in his songs that is often seen in the country genre. Even his album title itself has a story behind it, it was named after a small town in Alabama that his ex-girlfriend is from. Many of the songs on this album contain spoken word sections that give the album a rap influenced sound, but also help in telling the story of his unrequited love.

               

The album starts off with the track “Take Your Time” which immediately introduces Hunt’s unique way of speaking intertwined with singing. You can tell he’s a sucker for romance right off the bat with this sweet, sad sort of song. All he wants is the girl of his dreams to pay him a little attention. His country accent that has a hint of a bluesy feel gave me the impression right away that this was a country album. However as the song approaches the chorus, it shows some influences of rock with the building guitar and vocals. Hunt accomplishes this feat throughout the album by integrating snippets of each genre all into the same song.

                Hunt switches direction on the second track on the album, “Leave the Night On,” which is the most popular and well-known song. To me, it seems to have the most pop influence. The major instrument that allows this track to differ from traditional country music is the drum, cymbal and bass heavy. It’s a feel-good song basically about staying out to party; something you would put on at a get-together to get everyone loosened up and having a good time. It’s corny, but that’s the whole point.

                Third on the album, “House Party,” follows the theme of partying in “Leave the Night On.” Hunt sings that he is going to “bring the good time home to you." It’s a fun and playful song that is very upbeat. However, two tracks in a row that do not provide any real substantial lyrics or deep thought starts to wear the theme out. In this aspect it is definitely geared towards more of a pop audience. 

                The album takes a sudden turn in “Break Up in a Small Town,” the fourth track on the album. Now this is a track that you could cry about a break-up over. It sounds genuine, probably due to the fact that it's based off an ex-girlfriend Hunt had. He starts off again with a speaking part, beginning to tell the story of how he knew he would see his ex around town, but never would have guessed she would “get down” with a friend of his. The hard-hitting drum beats add to his agonized tone, this track is when Hunt actually starts to sound like he has more substance to him.

                The next track is pretty self-explanatory by its title, “Single for the summer” which starts off with an electronic sort of feel. It picks up with a teenage angst with lyrics like, “I graduated but every year in May I get that school’s out feeling… and I’m drowning in the freedom.”  This song is my favorite off the album because of the different view it gives of Sam Hunt. It paints him as sort of the bad guy that is forgetting about the girl he truly loves so that he can go out and have fun. It is a carefree song that begs to be sung along to.

                “Raised on it” is the track that I believe has the most country feel of all the songs. It talks about growing up in a small town and how this shapes every day experiences, featuring a jumpy beat and prominent guitars. For anyone that lived in a small town, like I did, this song is very relatable. It's that loud barbecue night at the block party with your whole family: from the mailman to your baseball coach.

                Finally, the album ends with “Speakers.” Hunt starts off with a slow and deep voice. This song is about how Hunt feels out in the woods alone with a girl, which even though seems to be a familiar theme, Hunt is able to use imagery such as, “The engine is idling and girl this heat lightning is flashing
pictures of you and burning them in my head,” which would make any teenage girl swoon. His voice rises and falls with the beat, and it flows very well. 

          All in all, I would recommend this album. Even though it mainly focuses on common themes of country/pop such as love and parties, it is a feel-good album that will have you coming back for more. The mixture of genres works well together surprisingly, so fans of many different genres can appreciate Montevallo.

About Me *Revised*

                Hello everyone! My name is Paige, and I am creating a music blog that is going to be centering itself on the genre of pop-country. I know that a lot of the time this genre does not get the best reputation. This is mainly due to traditional country fans feeling that the pop aspect is taking away from what true country is supposed to be, and pop fans that don’t want aspects of country music invading the top 40. Classic country songs are traditionally much slower paced; featuring certain instruments such as the acoustic guitar, string bass, and banjo. Whereas pop music tends to be faster, heavier on the drums and electric guitar, and occasionally seen as having more superficial meanings lyrically. When put together, this genre is not always as widely accepted due to fans of different genres having different preferences. However, it is a fun genre that many great songs have their roots in.

 I was born and raised in South Carolina where country music is very prevalent. I have always loved music, especially as I have grown older. However, I used to completely dislike country music. This fact did not dissuade my boyfriend from blaring it in his car every time I rode with him. Even though this listening may have been forced upon me, I grew to actually enjoy certain songs. I learned about new artists and began to delve deeper into the genre. Now I definitely have a higher appreciation for country music and genuinely like many country songs. I want to bring this same kind of new appreciation to the readers of my blog. Even if you do not think you like a certain kind of music, give it another try. You never know what particular artists or songs will make you reconsider a whole genre. And if you already love it, there are always new albums to be discovered.

I suppose that I should mention how I came up with the name for this blog. During my preteen years, I, among many other girls that grew up in my generation, was a big fan of the Disney TV show, Hannah Montana. If you are not familiar with this show, it is about a girl from the South who lives the life of a normal teenager by day, but with a big secret. She is actually the pop singer and star “Hannah Montana.” Now I won’t go into too much detail because if you are reading a pop-country blog, you probably were born in the right era to be familiar with Hannah Montana. Anyways, the theme song which I can still sing by heart is titled “Best of Both Worlds.” Therefore, I thought it would be an appropriate title for my blog that is going to be mainly focused on pop-country artists and the music they produce. Also, pop and country are two genres I enjoy, so, quoting this masterpiece of a song, “Mix it all together and you know that it’s the best of both worlds.” Music that is able to combine two separate genres and produce something that people will want to listen to is very interesting because it isn’t the easiest task. It provides a new sound that wasn’t available before, and I feel that people appreciate that and will have more of an incentive to explore it.

 I’m excited to not only write in this blog about artists of this genre that I already love and listen to regularly, but to find new artists that I may not have heard before. I believe that it’s a good idea to always be searching for and listening to new music. Many pop-country artists like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Sam Hunt are people we have probably all heard of.  However I know that there are many more great artists that are out there and producing new and innovative music in this genre that should be heard. 

Even though pop-country specifically is my main focus for this blog, I may branch off to similar genres. However, I will still strive to have a connected feel and theme that relates my posts in some sort of way. In doing this I hope that I will provide my readers with interesting, unique content. I hope that you enjoy this blog, and what is to come. My goal is to write about this genre in a thought-provoking and compelling way so that you can appreciate the music from these certain artists. Stay tuned for posts to come!