Country music, while being one of the most popular genres in the United States, is also one of the most polarizing. It isn’t uncommon to hear people say they’ll listen to “anything but country” and avoid it at all costs. Critics typically target country music’s lack of diversity in sound and lyrics as their reason to hate the genre.
However, with over almost 50 subgenres, country music can’t be put into any one category, like “mainstream” pop country (while it isn’t inherently bad). This playlist — while by no means completely showcases the rich history of country music — offers a small sample of the genre with songs anyone can enjoy. The songs were chosen with representing different subgenres, eras and artists in mind — as well as quality and public reception.
