Although country music has always been popular with its catchy guitar riffs and harmonious sounds, the genre has recently been dominating the music industry. Morgan Wallen, a country singer from Tennessee, has surpassed expectations on the Billboard Hot 100 with his new album, I’m the Problem. Songs “Just in Case,” and “I’m the Problem,” have charted on the Billboard’s top 10 positions. Artists, Riley Green and Ella Langley have grown in popularity since the release of “you look like you love me,” in 2024, which continues to remain a fan favorite.
Recently, music listeners are noticing more and more singers transition from their previous genre to country, causing mixed reviews from all parties. Tate McRae has received backlash from her fans for collaborating with Morgan Wallen on “What I Want.” A song that charted the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans argued that McRae’s fanbase consists of young women and the Queer community. The majority of her supporters take offense to her working with an artist that has a problematic past and are confused as to why McRae would be featured in a country song as a rising Canadian popstar. Despite the backlash, McRae promoted the song and has not spoken about the controversy surrounding it.
McRae is not the only artist as of late to pursue country. Post Malone has recently transitioned from hip-pop and R&B to country with his album F-1 Trillion, released in 2024. Although some may believe this transition is abrupt and came out of nowhere, Post Malone’s tweet from 2015 proves otherwise. Malone stated, “WHEN I TURN 30 IM BECOMING A COUNTRY/FOLK SINGER.” Proving that it was always his intention to make the move to the country. Malone has had a positive response from country fans as his album features Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, and other popular country singers. The impressive list of features placed Malone on a smooth transition into the new space.
Some artists, however, have a harder time being welcomed into the country space. Beyonce released the country album, “Cowboy Carter,” in 2024. Fans expressed their distaste for Beyonce’s ‘snub’ at the Country Music Association Awards, considering that the album was not nominated for any awards. Die hard country listeners proclaimed that the album was not a part of the country genre and that Beyonce is not a country singer. Despite Cowboy Carter winning a grammy for “Best Contemporary Country Album,” many argue that Beyone, a Texas native, is participating in ‘culture appropriation.’ This exhausting debate is a complete contrast to the warm welcome Post Malone received in the same year.
As more artists create their intricate discography, especially a transition into country, the public can expect more controversy and discussion. Regardless of fans selectively choosing who they will support, these passion projects should be treated delicately. Fans should worry less about what genre the music belongs to and more about how the music makes them feel.