The twang of a steel guitar, the earnest sincerity of a storyteller, and the unwavering conviction of a voice singing about dirt roads and broken hearts. For many of us who came of age in Texas, country music was less a genre and more the very air we breathed, the soundtrack to our childhoods. I grew up immersed in this world, surrounded by the anthems of resilience and the ballads of everyday life. Today, my thoughts turn to this enduring genre, to my early, formative influences, and to a surprising, joyful truth: Growing Up with Garth and Reba, Then Walking Away—Until the New Generation Brought Me Back.
This isn’t just about music; it’s a nostalgic, humorous, and deeply personal journey through the evolution of a genre, and how new artists, by embracing authenticity and challenging outdated norms, reignited a passion I thought had long since faded into the rearview mirror. It’s about finding clarity in the present by understanding the past, and realizing that the heart of country music can still beat strong, even as its atmosphere shifts.
The Original Pull: Garth, Reba, and the Glory Days of the 90s
My earliest memories of country music are inextricably linked to the titans of the 1990s. This was the era of explosive popularity for country, a time when its artists sold out stadiums and crossed over into mainstream pop culture with undeniable force. For a kid growing up in West Texas, these were the superstars, the legends who defined the genre.
- Garth Brooks: You couldn’t escape Garth in the 90s, and honestly, why would you want to? He was a phenomenon. His live shows were electric, his songs told compelling stories, and he brought a rock-star energy to country music that was unprecedented. Songs like “Friends in Low Places” and “The Thunder Rolls” were anthems. He made country music feel massive, accessible, and endlessly entertaining.
- Reba McEntire: The reigning queen, with a voice that could convey more emotion in a single note than most artists could in an entire album. Reba was a master of storytelling ballads, transforming heartache into art. Her powerful vocals and her undeniable stage presence made her a true icon. She represented the sheer vocal power and dramatic flair I always appreciated in my divas (like Mariah Carey!).
This era of country music was a constant companion through my complex childhood, offering a sense of stability and simple joy amidst personal challenges. It was the soundtrack to a childhood that, as I’ve often shared, was marked by trauma and the quiet struggle of being “different” (biracial, gay) in a conservative environment. These artists, through their sheer charisma and relatability, provided a comforting hum in the background of my formative years.
The Drifting Away: When the Genre Lost Its Way (for Me)
As the 90s faded, my relationship with country music began to fray. The genre, for a period, seemed to narrow, becoming increasingly homogenous, often losing the storytelling depth and diverse sounds that had initially captivated me.
- The “Bro-Country” Era: This period, characterized by songs about trucks, beer, and predictable party anthems, often felt superficial and repetitive. The lyrical complexity diminished, and the emphasis shifted from genuine narrative to generic party vibes. It felt less like sincere storytelling and more like manufactured product.
- Lack of Diverse Voices (and Perspectives): As the genre became more streamlined, it felt less inclusive. The voices and experiences reflected in the music often seemed narrower, failing to resonate with my own evolving understanding of identity, social justice, or the complexities of modern life. As a gay, liberal atheist (a perspective I’ve explored), much of the mainstream country didn’t reflect my reality or values. It felt like the musical atmosphere was no longer breathable for me.
- The Politics of the Periphery: The genre also became, at times, overtly intertwined with conservative political stances that directly contradicted my own evolving beliefs. This created a profound dissonance. When the music felt like it was indirectly or directly invalidating my existence (as I’ve discussed with “Mind Your Biscuits”), it became impossible to fully engage.
I slowly drifted away, seeking my musical sustenance elsewhere—in the raw honesty of 90s alternative (Alanis Morissette!), the vocal power of pop divas, and the vibrant creativity of artists like Lady Gaga and Rihanna who embraced authenticity and inclusion. Country music became a distant echo, a fondness for the past, but not a living, breathing part of my present.
The Grand Return: The New Generation’s Unapologetic Authenticity
Then, a new wave began to emerge, a generation of artists who, while honoring country’s roots, dared to challenge its unspoken rules and redefine its parameters. And that, my friends, is what brought me back from the wilderness.
- Kelsea Ballerini: The Pop-Country Pioneer with a Conscience:
- As I’ve explored in a previous blog, Kelsea Ballerini was a key catalyst in my return. Her blend of pop sensibility with genuine country storytelling was instantly appealing. More importantly, her unapologetic authenticity and vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community (like her CMT Awards performance with drag queens) was a revelation. She proved that you could be a country star and a fierce ally, breaking down traditional barriers. Her willingness to discuss real-life emotional landscapes (like her divorce in Subject to Change) resonated deeply.
- Maren Morris: Glitter, Grit, and Unflinching Truth:
- Maren Morris is another force of nature who solidified my renewed passion. Her ability to blend “glitter” with “grit,” her sharp wit, and her unapologetic embrace of progressive ideals (her anti-religious “My Church” and the relational honesty of “The Bones”) spoke directly to my soul. She sings about finding personal truth in unconventional spaces and celebrating love in all its forms. Her willingness to call out bigotry and use her platform for justice (as I’ve written about) makes her a true leader in the genre.
- Chris Stapleton: The Soulful Purist with Unspoken Depth:
- While not overtly political, Chris Stapleton’s raw, bluesy voice and his profound lyrical honesty represent a return to the genre’s soulful roots. His authenticity, his sheer talent, and his focus on the emotional core of his songs resonate with a purity that transcends any genre boundaries. He simply is real, and that’s powerful.
- Brandi Carlile: The Genre-Bending Advocate:
- Brandi Carlile, though often bridging folk, rock, and Americana, has a profound impact on the broader country ecosystem. Her powerful voice, her raw emotional honesty, and her unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights make her a beloved figure who subtly expands the genre’s reach and message of acceptance.
These artists, and others like them, represent a new generation that understands authenticity is the most powerful currency. They are not just making music; they are making a statement. They are proving that country music can be inclusive, intelligent, emotionally complex, and politically aware, without losing its essence. They are cultivating a new place in the genre, one that produces a more diverse and vibrant musical essence.
The Forever Fan: A Return to the Fold
My return to country music isn’t about abandoning my love for pop divas or alternative rock; it’s about an expanded appreciation. It’s about recognizing that a genre, like a person, can evolve, grow, and surprise you. The new generation of country artists, with their unapologetic realness, their fierce advocacy, and their willingness to simply “be,” has not only brought me back to the fold but made me a permanent resident.
The air in country music feels different now—more inclusive, more honest, more resonant with the messy, beautiful reality of life. And for that, I am profoundly grateful. The journey back to this familiar landscape, guided by these new stars, has been a welcome, harmonious return.