Country is Taking Country by Storm


 

Can you hear it?

Can you hear it coming?

With immense passion it’s gaining momentum,

Like a huge thunderous cloud rollin’ in.
 

Do you know what it is?
 

It’s Country.
 

And I can’t believe I’m going to do this.

Never in my life would I think of confessing to this.

I am going to admit to something I never thought would ever happen.

And that is…
 

I am listening to…
 

Country.
 

Yes, as in, Country music.

And I’m not alone.
 

Country has even taken over The Voice. Which is now taken over the Country.
 

I’m not talking about Hillbilly, Bluegrass or Honky tonk.

No, this is not the music Grandma and Grandpa used to play.

Somehow, over the last several decades, Country has infused with Rock.

Don’t ask me how it happened. But it is hap-pen-ing!
 

Hubby and I got an invite over the weekend to attend a free outdoor concert over at the Irvine District Mall in southern Orange County, California. This invitation came from some friends of ours that we’ve known, well, almost forever. It involved their son who is playing in a band called Black Label.
 

Well, may I just say this Country Band rocked!
 

Black Label is a group of five very talented musicians, whose background is mainly Rock. Confused? I was. That was until I heard them play. Or should I say sing. Well, sing and play actually.
 

But I was suspicious. Why would a group of obviously talented young men who lived and loved Rock ‘n Roll play Country?
 

It was the Voice.
 

No, not that Voice.
 

The Voice.
 

Let me explain.
 

The minute Hubby and I walked into the outdoor mini-amphitheater we heard it.
 

We heard—the Voice.
 

The voice was belting out notes with immense passion, like a thunderous cloud rollin’ over the crowd. It was powerful. It was resonating. It was captivating. It was a little Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks, all mixed into one. It melted like butter seasoned with grit. And it, the voice, is the reason why this group of musicians sacrificed Rock and made the switch-a-roo…
 

To Country.
 

So can you hear it?

Can you hear it coming?

Country is taking country by storm.
 

Here’s a little of what I’m talking about…
 


 
And Lady Gaga no less! Not bad, eh?
 
And if you live in the vicinity, Black Label will be appearing for a free concert at the Surfin Cowboy in Capistrano Beach this Friday, June 14th. Should be lots of fun! 🙂
 

So what do you think? Do you think that Country is taking over Country? What kind of music do you enjoy? Are you a little bit Country or a little bit Rock n’ Roll? Does your mood reflect the type of music you listen to? Do you find that listening to music stimulates your creativity? Got plans for a summer concert? Who are some of the musicians that you like to listen to?
 
 
Thank you everyone for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts!
Karen

 

49 thoughts on “Country is Taking Country by Storm

    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Alarna! How are you girl? Believe it or not you have been on my mind. As in, I need to drip in at your digs. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. And yes, how true. Our mood plays an important role as it influences all music and what we listen to. So I will colour you country if you’re in the mood. It’s so good to see you! 🙂

      Reply
  1. Jason Andrew Bond

    Karen,
    This post made me laugh. I grew up in mill towns in Oregon and had country everywhere, but would NEVER listen to it. Then, sure enough, it sucked me in. I went through a phase of country, but I have to admit that I’ve faded away from it. I have to admit that I think Garth Brooks brought it into the mainstream and there has been some good work to move it into a more mainstream audience, which I think is good. I just never could get into old Hank Williams. 🙂 Now… there is ALWAYS time for Johnny Cash though. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey there Jason! I am so glad you laughed. I take that as a compliment dude. Oh, that is funny. I would imagine that living amongst the rurals of Oregon, country would be everywhere. And it does kinda suck you in. Especially now. It’s more country rock. Which is probably why I like it. Although you are right. Garth did bring it forward into mainstream. But I too could never get into Hank. But Johnny? Yeah, he’s a classic! Take care Jason and thank you for your comment! I loved your input! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lynn Kelley

    I must have read this post on my new phone (Yay! Finally got an iphone 4 – free!) while babysitting the kids and couldn’t leave a comment. I’m glad I came back. My middle daughter is big on country rock now. Every time I see her, she has to share her latest favorites with me. I’m just not completely hooked yet. I love that cloud photo! Wow!
    Lynn Kelley recently posted..My Dad in PlaidMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynn! Yay! You got a new iPhone! I am so excited for you. Don’t you feel like you’ve finally caught up Lynn? I am so enjoying mine. It takes a while to learn everything on it. But you must be having a blast. With your grandchildren and the new phone. Good things are happening over at the Kelley house! Now to catch up on some of that country music Lynn. It’s happening right now and you’re missing out girlfriend! lol. Hey, always great to see you girl! Thanks for taking the time and stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey there Julia! So good to see you, as always! Yes, country has come a long way. Who would have thought, eh? Thanks for your patience to my response. Better later than not at all I say. Life just got a little crazy. But I do hope that you and yours are enjoying your summer! Take care Julia and thanks for your comment and for your support! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Stuart! Welcome to my blog! Just when you take the time to pop in for a visit, my life blew up! And now I feel so rude for not responding sooner to your lovely comment. Do please forgive me! Yes, you clever man. Country and Western rocks! Thanks for your comment and enjoy your summer! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lynette M Burrows

    I grew up listening to bluegrass and hillbilly music. And as a teen I rebelled against that, for a while. But I learned a long while ago, good music is good music. I will listen to music that entertains me no matter what ‘genre’ it’s assigned. That said, I left to my own devices I listen to pieces with great melodies and strong harmonies with a rhythm that sets my foot to tapping and my heart to singing along. 🙂 Fun post, Karen.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynette! Really? Bluegrass and Hillbilly eh? You are not alone. Where have I heard that expression before?!?! lol. Yes, good music is just that…good music. Ooh, keep those feet tapping girlfriend and sing right along! Thank Lynette for your comment and for stopping by. Do forgive me for taking so long to reply. My life sorta got out of hand. But thankfully it’s calm now. Yeah, for summer! Have a good one girl! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Sheila! Yes, I am just now getting back to my commenters. I know, bad blogger! I am doing penance for this one. lol. And yes, I’m with you. I’m a little bit country and a little bit Rock and roll. Enjoy your summer Sheila and crank up the country girl! Thanks for your comment and your patience! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hey there Kassandra! See, I was trying to keep up with your new book tour and neglected my blog. Ah, we cannot do everything, can we girl? Thank you so much for your comment. I hear ya on the folk music and yeah, I am that old too. lol. Don’t tell anyone Kassandra! That remains between you and me. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kristy K. James

    I grew up with country-loving parents. I’m not sure how old I was when I realized that there were other genres, but by the time I was 13, I had my own alarm clock/radio that I wouldn’t have put on a country music station to save my life. But in the same way I finally had to admit that ‘mom’ was right about the best way to fold towels, she was right about country music.

    Sort of. While I still enjoy some of the older music…I avoid the worst of the twang like the plague (except for Randy Travis, and I really like his music).

    Mostly though, I’ll listen to just about everything. I try to keep my playlists in some sort of order, but I’ve found Boz Scaggs and Aerosmith in classic music files, and can every everything from those two bands to Dean Martin to Garth Brooks to the Backstreet Boys…all in one list. In fact, my ‘boy bands’ list starts off with Eternal Flame by The Bangles. Definitely not guys…
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Kristy! Do pardon me for my late response to your lovely comment girl. Things kinda got away from me lately. I especially love your comment, “I finally had to admit that ‘mom’ was right about the best way to fold towels, she was right about country music.” Though you have a very eclectic love for music Kristy. I too listen to different music genres. I think as someone else pointed out, it depends a lot on our moods, doesn’t it? So keep playin’ that country music girlfriend! And Dean, and Garth, and the Backstreet Boys. Oh, and Boz Scaggs! Yes, love him too! Thanks Kristy for comment and for your support! :0

      Reply
  5. Patricia

    Welcome into the light, Karen! Country music is everywhere and it’s gaining momentum. It’s not just for rednecks any more (although there are some redneck country songs better left unplayed).

    I’m glad you’re enjoying the switch. I’m sure you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else. Except maybe show tunes. They’re a close second for me.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt
    Patricia recently posted..What Haven’t I? Redneck edition.My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Patricia! Please forgive me for not responding to your comment sooner. My life blew up and I neglected you all. I am a bad blogger. Yes! I welcome the light! Lol, “there are some redneck country songs better left unplayed.” LOLOL! You crack me up Patricia! But, I’m not sure about listening to anything else my friend. I, like Bob Seger, like my old time Rock ‘n Roll! And a few show tunes. Thanks for coming by and for your patience. You’re awesome girl! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Eden Mabee

    Good music is good music. Not that I feel strongly either way about this piece, but it’s not bad… I do think we need all kinds of music. Our moods differ, our needs for sound and ambiance change regularly… There would be times when I would want to listen to something like this. I suspect the same goes for many people.

    The best thing in the world is to have new experiences, ne?
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Eden! I am sorry for this belated reply. Life just got away from me. Yes, good music is good music. And it’s true. Our moods set the tone for the type of music we’re in the mood for. But isn’t that great? It keeps life interesting and ever changing. Yes, new experiences are the best! Thanks Eden for your comment and for your support! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kim Terry

    While I was growing up, “country” translated into “hillbilly” — corny and laughable. My parents laughed at it. When life got serious for me, somewhere between 1969 and after, I started listening and relating to its themes.

    I do agree, though, about a lot of the new stuff. Even though I danced to it, I didn’t recognize it as true country music.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Kim! Yes, I agree. I too was led to believe that “country”/”hillbilly” was corny and laughable. Not so much did it come from my parents, but how it was portrayed on TV growing up. Yet, country music has always had the best lyrics. They’ve always been so meaningful and heartfelt. And you may not recognize the new stuff as pure country because you’re wise to how they’ve infused rock into it. No, the new stuff is definitely not the same. But keep dancing Kim! And thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Yahoo! Viva le country! Thank you for sharing this Lisa. I can tell from your smiley face that you’re very proud of your country background. I always hated the music my parents listened to. lol. So I’m wondering how does one pass this right down from one generation to another? What is your family secret Lisa? Are your children loving the country music? Cause that would be really cool! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jennette Marie Powell

    You’re not alone, Karen, but I think I am. I have never cared for country, though it seems more of my friends are turning in that direction as we get older. I will just hide out with my headphones and mp3s of classic rock and metal, industrial, and old progressive rock. 🙂 And yes, I listen while I write – could explain why my books are a bit weird… 😀
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    1. Karen Post author

      He, he, he! Nope, I guess not Jennette. Listen, I am shocked that I’m liking as much as I do. I’m a good old rock and roll kind of girl. Yep, classic, metal. Uh, I don’t know what industrial is Jennette. You’ll have to clarify that one. lol. Okay old progressive rock as compared to new? You’re on top of it I can see. Oh, yeah, you have older teens at home. Um, that does make a difference. And no, you are not weird! Stop that girl! Keep listening and writing. Apparently it’s turned out to be a good combination! Take care Jennette and thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jennette

    Great post! I listen to pretty much everything. Grew up with country and the oldies. My mood really determines what I listen too. I like to listen to soundtracks like Pirates of the Caribbean or Lord of the Rings when I write. Some of my favorite musicians are: Enya, Third Day, Delirous, Plumb, Big & Rich, Il Divo, Plumb, just to name a few. 🙂
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Jennette! You have an eclectic taste girl. I love it! Isn’t it interesting how music can affect us? The way the rhythm, whether it be rock or Bach can move us? That is so great that you have a wide array of music choices to go with your moods. Thank you Jennette for stopping by! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Coleen Patrick

    My music tastes probably fall somewhere between a little bit of country and a little bit of rock and roll. 🙂 I love to listen to music while I write, but it has to be a playlist I’ve created. I’ve tried listening to streaming music, like Pandora but then I get distracted when I hear something new. A lot of my writing playlists are made up of acoustic covers of popular songs. I do like that country Ga Ga!
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    1. Karen Post author

      I’m with you Coleen! I’m a little bit country and a little bit rockin’ roll. Well, to tell the truth, maybe more rock. lol. You love to write with music. I find that interesting because I too enjoy writing with music, but, it has to be the right melody or it will mess with my subconscious. A lot of peeps are lovin’ that country Ga Ga. Not bad eh? So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by Coleen! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Catie Rhodes

    I am the lone dissenter who is not fond of the new country. When I’m in the mood, I like hillbilly, bluegrass, and even honky tonk. I like the new outlaw country–artists like Hank III, Shooter Jennings, etc. I like classic country (Waylon, Willie, and Jerry Jeff). I like progressive country–Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, and Guy Clark. But I do not care for the new country.

    To my ears, the new country is just pop without the “club beat” in the background. Don’t get me wrong. I think it serves its purpose. It is good dance music, and it appeals to a different demographic than the “rock” pop (which I also loathe).

    I have an extensive music collection which ranges from Opera to Robert Johnson to Pantera. Just about anything has its time and place on my iPod…except for modern pop. The only pop I’ll listen to is my beloved 80s hits from my teenage years.

    Just call me Picky Catie.

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    1. Karen Post author

      Rock on Picky Catie! Thank you so much for expressing your opinion. This is exactly what kind of dialogue I want to see on my blog. And I have to agree with you. The new country does sound like pop, or a little like rock. Yeah, they’ve switched it up a bit. And that’s why I think I like it more because I’m a rockin’ roll girl. But, when you’re talking about hillbilly and bluegrass and even honky tonk, you’re talking about true, traditional country. It’s where country music got its roots. Now see, I didn’t know there was a Hank lll. I remember the grandfather and dad. I have listened to Willie, not so much Waylon though. And I like Kris Kristofferson. Now what about Townes Van Zandt? Is he related to the Van Zandt brothers of Lynard Skynard? Remember, I’m a Bonnie Raitt girl! 🙂

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      1. Catie Rhodes

        Karen–Townes is not related to Lynyrd Skynyrd (that I know of). He was a troubadour, a storyteller, and a poet who sang what he wrote to very simple accompaniment.

        Willie Nelson famously covered a Townes song called “Pancho and Lefty.” You might have heard that one. The Cowboy Junkies have covered Townes’s songs. So has Emmylou Harris. But I like the way Townes does it. The first time I heard him, I said, “Hell, he sounds like I feel.”

        If you’ve never heard Hank III, try “Country Music Heroes.” I mean, Hank III is doing his thing, yanno? He looks and sounds a lot like the first Hank Williams. Gave me chills the first time I heard him. And he’s got that same…approach to life.

        Like you, I like rock. Most of the new(ish) stuff I like is alt rock and the new folk.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Why thank you Marianna! Oh yes, Carrie Underwood has a wonderful voice. Wasn’t she the winner one year for American Idol? See what kind of talent comes out of these shows? Amazing. So glad you enjoyed the band. It was fun to introduce them to you all. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week Marianna! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Julie Glover

    LOL. I started listening to country a few years ago. It’s not my grandpa’s country music indeed. I love some of the artists. Much of it sounds similar to the pop I grew up with, and the lyrics are good. Enjoy!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hey there Julie! Yep, me too! I think there’s a whole cross-over thing going on because a lot of it sounds like it can go both country or rock, don’t you think? Got to love country music lyrics. They’re like no other, truly. So LOL for sure Julie. The cats out of the bag now! 🙂

      Reply
  13. shannon esposito

    Yep! I just started to listen to country this year because of Miranda Lambert…just love her! I find I like the female country singers more than the male, they sound a bit too country most of the time. I would watch that band! Especially live, love any kind of music live.

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      You too Shannon? Wow! Oh, Miranda Lambert has a wonderful voice. She’s just so talented. Interesting that you prefer the women singers over the male. Yeah, perhaps hey don’t sound as twangy. Glad you liked Black Label. The lead singer did try out for The Voice. They’re all talented musicians. Yep, going to see them live! So glad to see you girl! I hope everything is well with your family and that you all have a wonderful summer! Thanks for stopping by Shannon! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      I am totally with you Marcy! I love listening to anything between Bocelli and Cold Play. But lately I have found myself listening to the new country. I felt I had to come clean on this. Never in my life did I think I’d ever like country music. Just proves that our taste may change over the years girl. Who knows what I’ll be listening to next. Be afraid, be very afraid. lol. Thanks Marcy for coming by! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Tameri Etherton

    I’m definitely smitten! I had to listen to country growing up (we’re talking OLD SCHOOL country) and while I was a rock ‘n roll kid, I secretly liked the story telling of country. I like the new mix of rock and country. It’s still got the twangy story telling, but pumped up a bit. Black Label is gooooooood. I’m going to try to head up to Capistrano to see them Friday! Will you be there?
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    1. Karen Post author

      Really? So you liked them Tameri? Cool! Yes, hubby and I are planning on making the trek down that direction on Friday. Oh, by the way, I had so much fun with your post yesterday! Maybe we’ll see you down there in Capistrano my friend! You never know! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Suzanne, you awesome, brave women you! Thank you for such a nice compliment. So glad you enjoyed Black Label. I’m not usually a country music fanatic either. That video is 6 months old. They sound even better now. So yeah, it looks like I’m a little bit country and a little bit rockin’ roll! lol. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week girl! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Pru! Yes, I have to agree. That is a clip that was filmed over 6 months ago. When we saw them last Sunday, they’ve really improved. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! 🙂

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