Lainey Wilson is a formidable presence in the world of country music at the minute. Her latest album, “Bell Bottom Country”, has catapulted her to the top of Country royalty – she’s even bagged herself a Grammy for Country Album of the Year. Her newest track, ‘Country’s Cool Again’, is a declaration that the comforting, relatable music is having its moment once again.
But, why? Why is the UK – and the world, perhaps - suddenly embracing the whiskey-drinking, heartbreak-singing, sometimes tractor-loving southern style?
It’s been brewing for a while. While icons like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline laid the foundations in the ‘70s and ‘80s, artists like Shania Twain and Kenny Chesney walked the line (ha!) between country and pop throughout the ‘90s and ‘00s, propelling the genre into commercial success – you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard “Man! I Feel Like a Woman”. Country music has continued to gain traction and now musicians like Luke Combs are bringing their southern drawl to sell-out arena tours across the UK.
It's also everywhere. Look at the Super Bowl – the last two years have seen two country music legends singing the national anthem: Chris Stapleton (2023) and Reba McIntyre (2024). Beyonce is rumoured to be releasing an entire country album (which has had the seal of approval from none other than Miss Dolly Parton herself), Ed Sheeran teamed up with Luke Combs and said he wanted to make the transition over and now Drake and Morgan Wallen are pals? These crossovers have blown a hole in the secret door that country fans are so protective of, inviting people in for some of that southern hospitality.
Being a country fan used to be something to hide away until you knew you were in safe company – like, say Nashville’s Broadway or Music Row. It was reminiscent of the Jesus Fish – we’d draw one half of a cowboy hat and if someone completed it, we could start talking about the latest country news. Now, we’re scouring StubHub for tickets that are triple their face value to try and see the big names across the UK. Part of me is protective – for that very reason – but most of me is so excited to share the music.
But what is country music? This newfound popularity has sparked many debates over what constitutes country music but for me, it’s simple. It’s the storytelling lyrics, the community and the song for every mood. It’s the intimate gigs, the arena tours and the festivals. It’s the hats, the beers and the whiskey.
Listening to country music is like coming home and that’s exactly why it’s cool (again).
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