WARNING : This may offend some country listeners...especially those of "REAL"/Classic country.
Ok, as many of you know, I am a fan of pop/modern/current country, as well as most country in general.
I have seen the many influences on country music...rock, pop, and yes rap (please don't post the "country rap is crap" joke AGAIN and think it's original ;))
Anyway, I really can't find the country in this song. It's not a song I hate or love or anything. It's ok. I was driving and it came on and I though I my kids had switched the station to a pop station. Nope! THIS was being played on a country station.
To clarify, I'm not looking to start a complaint-fest about country music. I'm just asking what elements qualify this as being a country song? So far, I've come up with, the guy is known as a country singer...anyone else have anything?
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Although our genres of preference are far apart....to me....this sounds like just another contemporary, pop love song template catering to the teeny boppers. That applies to the vocal, arrangement and instrumentation. I wouldn't label it country at all.
I don't usually listen to country music, but when I do its hard to escape the thought that the genre is trying to reinvent itself with a younger demographic. Songs like this are clearly targeted at the same group that might just as willingly listen to teen pop on another station.
As Nashville's traditional demographic dies off and the young 'uns take over the mainstream market segment for virtually everything, Nashville has a vested interest in remaining relevant.
So, in answer to your question: I think it isn't about luring the young people to country music, its about Nashville adapting to where the young people are already. And that's why it's not country but it's playing on a country station.
I like Pat's answer (for the most part). I'm sort of surprised you thought the channel had changed... it sounds a lot like most of the stuff on Country radio these days (to me). I listen to it for a while each time I get in the car... I call it "arm wave music" - it all sounds like it is produced so that kids at a concert can put them arms in the air and waved them back and forth... It is evolving, like it always has, to appeal to whatever direction new listeners are coming from. Those of us who prefer last year's model will need to look elsewhere to find it. Much like what happened to the Country fans of the 70's when 80's Country came about. 90's Country evolved to something different (that incorporated more of the 70's sound). 2000's Country changed again and has continued to morph into what it is today. The biggest part of the "problem" is that we (old guys) don't buy music anymore. Kids do. You have to market to your (paying) audience. That buying audience is pushing Country to be more and more arm-wave-music all the time. And in today's short-attention-span world, the people making that music need to adapt quickly - or get left behind....back here on the old-man-pile...
I always enjoy your posts, Caaron...
...and..btw... I like the song - cool sound, cool production, cool vocal. I don't like that it is labeled "Country".
Okay, here's what makes it Country. At 29 seconds he says "No-ow" with an Oklahoma accent. At 1:46 I hear about 6 plucks on banjo strings. And, the guitar in the video looks like a Telecaster. So, yeah, that's country music.
Who's the guy with 2 first names trying to pass off a song with the hook line, "She was like, Oh my God. That's my favorite song" as country music? That just drives me crazy.
Perfect response Floyd. I would have posted basically the same thing if you hadn't.
Us old guys on this forum have to be careful (IMHO of course) to NOT turn into a bunch of grandpa's sitting in their rocking chairs on somebody's front porch complaining about how crappy the world has become.
Seriously. Don't do that.
Why? First because this isn't the forum for that, maybe Facebook is, dunno. Second, the fastest way to scare off younger Biab users is if they come on here and that's what they see.
Perfect response Floyd. I would have posted basically the same thing if you hadn't.
Us old guys on this forum have to be careful (IMHO of course) to NOT turn into a bunch of grandpa's sitting in their rocking chairs on somebody's front porch complaining about how crappy the world has become.
Seriously. Don't do that.
Why? First because this isn't the forum for that, maybe Facebook is, dunno. Second, the fastest way to scare off younger Biab users is if they come on here and that's what they see.
It isn't "country". Of course when I was listening to the am transistor radio on the beach, the radio station I listen to played top 40. There was the standard crap, but there was rolling stones, beatles, "love is blue", classical gas, boy named sue, okie from muskogee, frank sinatra, loving spoonful, hendrix, ... and so on and so forth.
Those pesky kids of today are missing out on the variety us old fogies grew up on. Maybe -- perhaps their listening is as varied as ours was, but they are not getting it from radio.
The song is an example of the country music industry trying to stay relevant in a shrinking market.
Just about any contemporary country artist has some song releases that most forum members would call country. However the classic, country sounding songs are not in airplay rotation because format programmers do not believe those songs will pay the bills. There is ever increasing pressure for each radio and satellite station to maintain market share and perform in an ever diminishing market so programmer focus more on what pays the bills than what is good.
Roseanne Cash made an observation that has stuck in my mind. She was talking about how not only has the music industry changed but has literally reversed and switched directions. To paraphrase what she said it was something like you use to record albums with a wide range of songs to drive fans to your concerts; now, you play a wide ranging song set in concerts to drive fans to your albums.
The industry's whole approach to music has changed.
You gotta remember the CMA show just featured Beyonce and the commie Dixie Chicks together.... so, you figure it out.
Ha...no can do....I heard that too and don't get it either.
Makes one wonder is she that much of an attention [*****] to just show up or did some suit within the CMA staff think it was great idea and actually invite her?!
Seems like every time something new comes along folks who were comfortable with what came before start wringing their hands and waxing nostalgic about the good old days. Kinda silly but we have all seen it with our grandparents, our parents and now many of our peers.
"But" . . . it's "not new", you can hear this on any pop station in the world.
So what? Really, who cares what they call country? Not me! If I like it I listen. If I do not like it I don't listen. If someone wants to listen to "real" country (whatever that is) head on over to Amazon or Spotify or wherever and you can grab enough to listen to for the rest of your life!
Bill Clinton said it depends on what the meaning of is is I've listened to country off and on since the late 50's and I'm not sure I can adequately define what it was at any time point. Anybody remember the strings in some of Patsy Cline's productions? The country crooners (Eddie Arnold, et al)? Owen Bradley's productions? This discussion could have taken place 50 years ago.
Recently Americana has outsold country. Why? IMO because it has become a haven for roots rock, many styles of country, singer/songwriters and the blues. I think this is a watershed moment for country. Previously when it "evolved" a large portion of its audience went along and new ones were gained. I feel that today's "bro country" has created a backlash - more so than prior evolutions. But I'm one of the aforementioned old pharts.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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