Ever-evolving, country music has come a long way from being about cowboy boots and pick-up trucks (there’s still the odd song about a dog by the river, though).
Here’s five contemporary country artists who should be on your playlist:
Luke Combs
Bursting onto the scene in 2014, Combs is now a full blown superstar of the genre and won the 2021 Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards.
Combs has released two number one albums – ‘This One’s For You’ and ‘What You See Is What You Get’.
Kelsea Ballerini
Ballerini became the first female artist since Carrie Underwood in 2006 to send her debut single to number one when ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ landed in 2014.
She’s since become one of the most popular young artists in American country music, and is set to release new music later this year.
Maren Morris
Perhaps best known for her pop crossover hit ‘The Middle’, Morris is one of country’s great success stories – rising from constant rejection to now being one of its biggest stars.
She finally “made it” when ’80s Mercedes’ and ‘My Church’ smashed their way up the charts, and has just released a new album.
Thomas Rhett
Known for his catchy lyrics and upbeat tracks, Rhett carries on his family’s tradition in the industry and has six studio albums, the latest of which was released this week.
Rhett’s albums ‘Life Changes’ and Center Point Road’ both went to the top of the country charts.
Chris Stapleton
Probably the biggest name in contemporary country music, Stapleton combines his rich voice with powerful lyrics to deliver hit after hit.
A mix of traditional country and soul with modern rock, Stapleton’s biggest hits include ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ and ‘Starting Over’.
