Music, without a doubt, is incredibly important to cultures all around the world.
Country music, in particular, is a large part of southern U.S. culture.
However, country music has certainly changed from the days of Johnny Cash, a musician whom I greatly respect.
I am not a fan of country music, but it is still important to have a critical view when it comes to discussing any genre of music.
Country music has always touched on women and relationships, but the overall tone of the music has shifted greatly.
Comparing Conway Twitty to Luke Bryan in how they portray women will show greatly different tones and messages.
In fact, Luke Bryan can be thanked in part for helping to establish “bro country.”
But what is bro country music?
Bro country songs are radio friendly, often do well in the charts and appeal to teenage boys and young men.
These are the kind of songs you’d likely hear at a party.
Women are often the subjects of these songs, along with partying and generally looking for a good time. This has shifted from the “good ole days” when country music was always about beer or dogs.
There isn’t anything wrong with writing songs about partying and trying to have fun, but the way women are treated in many modern country songs is disrespectful.
Ever notice how singers often refer to grown women as simply “girls”?
The lyrics of some of these songs give off some uncomfortable vibes.
In Bryan’s song “Blood Brothers,” he sings, “Shootin’ bad booze outta Dixie cups. Chasin’ every girl that wasn’t fast enough.”
Look dude, if a girl is running away, chances are… she isn’t interested.
Another famous… infamous… “bro” country track is Florida Georgia Line’s song “Get Your Shine On.”
The song encourages a girl to keep consuming alcohol so the singer can “rock all night long.” Classy, isn’t it?
Country music isn’t the only genre guilty of making tracks like these.
“Bro” rock music also exists in today’s mainstream airways.
Listen to anything Nickelback has put out since Y2K for some examples of “bro” rock.
I’ll admit that I’m guilty of enjoying bro country and rock songs at parties and other occasions.
However, I would still like to see artists showing more respect for the women… and don’t get me STARTED on modern rap music.
