Someone should write a song..."Country ain't Country Anymore". I'm not knocking modern country, but in my opinion, it has become modern rock light.
It's almost impossible to recognize who is singing unless you already know who it is. Having grown up with the likes of Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Charlie Pride, Roy Clark, Merle Haggard, Ferlin Husky, Loretta Lynn, Jim Reeves, Charlie Rich, and several others, you could tell within a few notes who the artist was. They had unique sounds and styles. It was the same for the musicians. Boots Randolph, Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins, all instantly recognizable.
At some point, the record producers decided that a certain sound sold, and instead of searching for new and different talent, they searched for people who could emulate that sound of sameness. Oh, there are some artists who still have country in their soul, but they are few. Since Brooks & Dunn retired, I can't think of anyone who could do a song like Brand New Man, or Neon Moon. Ronnie Dunn was one of the last instantly recognizable voices in the business. I guess I just like strong singing voices, not wimpy sound-alike and look-alike guys that have become the norm. Seems like scruffy beards, uncombed hair, dirty tee-shirts, and a voice that matches, is what it takes to succeed today. Unfortunately, Willie already did the unkempt appearance thing, and it's not attractive on him, but Willie has a voice that will never be mistaken for anyone else.
My wife was step-mother to a well known singer who topped the charts for several years, so she is quite knowledgeable about the country music industry. Like everything else it has changed a lot, and not always for the better.
I still love the sound of country, but find myself changing stations trying to find something that doesn't sound like it was selected or generated by a computer.
