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
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
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