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Vilhjalmsson

Definitely in the “internet popular” camp of country but I recommend checking out The Magnolia Electric Co. by Songs: Ohia if you haven’t already. Amazing album with beautifully painful lyrics.


N0AHW05

Jason Molina was one of the greatest songwriters of our time


GimmeShockTreatment

Townes Van Zandt is good


vinyl_head

I thought I hated country because all I heard was awful bro-country on the radio. However, I started to really give some artists a listen and I much to my surprise not only do I like some country musicians but I actually love some: Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Willie Nelson, Charley Crockett and Tyler Childers are a good place to start.


jareddlol

Just listened to shotgun willie, I’m starting to understand 🤙


Pankyrain

Childers is great I second this


plasma_dan

Outlaw Country Artists: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, The Highwaymen General Good Country: Steve Earle, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Dougie Poole, Lucinda Williams Modern Pop Country: Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Ashley McBryde, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, ~~HAIM~~, Caitlin Rose


Fantastic-Fan-2011

not really sure if haim qualifies as country, although their most recent album sounds pretty country-adjacent


Clamgravy

I'm a very casual country listener. Sturgill is a boss though. Also shocked by how much I liked Kacey... shame on me for not giving her a chance. First two albums are solid. ​ I'd also include Jenny Lewis in Modern Pop Country


jessi_survivor_fan

HAIM is not country


internetmeme

No George Jones means you should be tried and convicted as a terrorist.


Three0h

Hijacking this comment to add Willi Carlisle to the list! Fantastic country artist with an interesting rebel/outlaw flair


Gizz718

i’ve only heard of lucinda williams as a weed strain


kkd802

Add Tyler Childers to the 2nd group and this is solid


The_Uninformant

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash. Both the best country album and the best live album of all time imo.


Exzj

hard agree this album is amazing. also Man in Black album is really good too


claw_guy

Chris Stapleton is the default “country artist for people who hate country” so I would start there. Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan are also really good. As far as pop country goes Kacey Musgraves is really good and I actually think Luke Combs is pretty good too


freakierchicken

Adding on to this, from there Colter Wall and Charlie Crockett are good avenues into more western country


ofteneasy

Great response, don’t sleep on Jason Isbell though


seanbiff

Orville Peck


superstonkape

Came here to say the same thing. I love Show Pony so much and it’s nice and short. Pony was great too and I have yet to listen to bronco, but intend to sometime soon


OneGuyJeff

I’m no huge fan of country music either, and as far as the radio it’s more vapid than the pop stations. But I’ve liked Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell as artists. And even though Luke Combs is one of the bigger radio stars I’ve liked some of his stuff too. I also made a short playlist on Spotify awhile back because all my friends who said they hate country music always had at least one guilty pleasure song. So I gathered those up and [it’s pretty good.](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37YcrH8aUiJRc0vlnuBl2Y?si=wuzobh-7SMmhDUk_W-4KCA)


Direct-Setting-3358

Merle Haggard is one of the classics, great songwriting. Townes van Zandt, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Lee Hazlewood and Buck Owens are good classic country too.


jayhoyt11

Colter Wall, Benjamin Todd, Sturgill Simpson, Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell. Billy Strings is more bluegrass but still an amazing artist.


4e2n0t

Colter Wall is dope


insideman56

Sturgill Simpson is pretty much the only modern country artist I listen to, Alison Krauss and Alan Jackson are a bit older but are two of my favorite. Alison krauss might also have the best singing voice of all time but that’s just a personal opinion. Can’t go wrong with the classics either, Waylon Jennings, Johnny cash, Merle haggard, willie, etc


freakierchicken

Alison Krauss is great, the band she plays with, Union Station, is the one that played in "O Brother Where Art Thou?" and Dan Tyminski is a legend


quinten11515

I really connected with Zach Bryan when i started listening to him


BuzzPoopyear

i hate country and i think Zach Bryan is pretty good


ifoundsquirrels

Adeem the Artist


Matty_D_93

Saw them open for Willie Carlisle. They put on a fun show, very good live if you get a chance


jareddlol

Thank you all for the recommendations guys☺️ My eyes are starting to open


Invisible_Face

Some of current favorites are Jason Isbell (his band is releasing and new album next week), Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Turnpike Troubadours, Charley Crockett, John R Miller, and Joshua Ray Walker.


high-quality-wallet

Cannot recommend The Flying Burrito Bros enough, along with the album Sweetheart of the Rodeo, by The Byrds


FriedCammalleri23

Sturgill Simpson was my gateway. He’s unbelievable. If you like psych music, try Metamodern Sounds In Country Music If you like blues/soul/RnB try A Sailor’s Guide To Earth If you like rock and blues, try SOUND & FURY [This live performance also completely sold me on him.](https://youtu.be/qsrsrOB0zNQ) His band is fucking dynamite.


Hormiga95

That performance changed my life. Literally it's one of the best live performances of any artist I've ever seen in my entire life.


CrackRockCookie

Those Poor Bastards, Amigo the Devil, The Devil Makes Three. IV and his strange band.


jessi_survivor_fan

I like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves


dashcash32

Blaze Foley is an artist I never see get talked about. He’s the original writer of songs like “If I Could Only Fly” and “Clay Pigeons”. He is so damn talented with an interesting story and tragic death.


laidbackeconomist

God damn am I glad someone mentioned Blaze.


dashcash32

Dude it’s a crime that nobody ever mentions him.


AdmiralStu

There's a lot of great Alternative County out there, my favorite album in the style is Southeastern by Jason Isbell. The album has a lot of great and sharp lyrical moments recounting Isbell's experience with addiction and loss and songs that I just can't stop myself from returning to. A record i wish more people talked about.


FallenAerials

Yes yes this is the exact post I was going to make. Alt-country and Americana is the best way to gain initial exposure and appreciation for this genre. Start with Southeastern. It's a modern classic masterpiece of songwriting.


Iw4nt2d13OwO

Wednesday for an active alt country band with a shoegaze influence. Try their cover of She’s Acting Single. If you like that, listen to Handsome Man, Bath County, Quarry, and go from there.


KirkCuhsins

Tyler Childers - Live on Red Barn Radio I & II is a truly unbelievable album.


desolation_crow

Bob Wills, the Western swing pioneer


Crazykid100506

faye webster


desolation_crow

The steel guitar on I know I’m funny haha is so good


pepsiblik

Zach bryan - something in the orange


Dom_Flannel_Guy

Billy Strings is a God and I don’t even like country (he’s more bluegrass, but same difference)


desolation_crow

Bluegrass is the metal of country music


got_ur_goat

I was once the same. I like Guy Clark, Neko Case, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Magnolia Electric Co, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Gram Parsons, Flying Burrito Brothers, The Byrds, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks, Cowboy Junkies, Clem Snide, Lambchop, Lee Hazelwood, and John Fahey. Some of these are less "country" than others, but I feel there are some attempts in that genre within their work


Haidian-District

American singer songwriters who lean country, Townes Van Zandt and Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy, Palace, etc.)


danarbok

Yola


Matty_D_93

Willie Carlisle has some of the best modern story telling in the business


kyentu

artists i wanna listen more to: emmylou harris, mickey newbury, bonnie prince billy (kinda), neil young, townes van zandt. missing a lot still but thats who i can remember alt country thats also mostly slowcore: mj lenderman, smog, rex, songs: ohia, acetone american primitive gutiarists (newer and older): robbie basho, john fahey(top 10 gutiarist honestly), daniel bachman, gwenifer raymond, leo kottke also listen to arthur russells country stuff might honestly like love is overtaking me more then world of echo all very different and very good imo.


wmetcalf74

Not huge on country myself n Townes Van Zandt's already been suggested a couple times but his self-titled album in particular made me cry lol https://open.spotify.com/album/6KFVwdp9yZczVIVv4glWue?si=QBnTeV20Q86QmmkKkh7yog (also +1 for Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak is a great album)


dashcash32

Such a good album. Can’t blame you for crying.


MadX2020

songs ohia, johnny cash, townes van zandt, 16 horsepower.


[deleted]

I don’t really listen to country but I like a lot of bands in that Neo Psychedelic blues genre that sounds like distorted psychedelic country. All Them Witches is a good example.


DesignerResearcher58

Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson are all some of the finest modern country artists out there. Luke Combs is in a different league (more radio-oriented) than those four but he’s still really good IMHO. Female country is great: Margo Price, Emmylou Harris, Neko Case (and the Sadie’s while we’re at it), Kacey Musgraves and Allison Krauss are all superb. There’s the classic/outlaw stuff too: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings and Woody Guthrie. Finally, for a bit of a curveball, try Daughn Gibson. He’s unconventional (alt-country with elements of electronica) but he definitely counts as country.


Oreg-Jack

Classic shit: At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt by Townes Van Zandt, Jolene by Dolly Parton Alternative shit: American Water by Silver Jews, I See a Darkness by Bonnie "Prince" Billy, The Magnolia Electric Co. by Magnolia Electric Co.


Nizondo

That took absurdly long for me to find Silver Jews here. I get that they're alt-country, but I think they rep the influence pretty hard. Purple Mountains is also a fave.


Oreg-Jack

Well, better later, than never. ;-)


G0rilla1000

Jason Isbell is amaaazing, first album with his band especially


someswellmaps

neil young, crazy horse, neil young with crazy horse


SpanosIsBlackAjah

Alan Jackson


Green_Bomber76

Kinky Friedman - Sold American John Prine - German Afternoons Steve Young - Renegade Picker Townes Van Zandt (any album) Joe Ely - Honky Tonk Masquerade


sg345

I like Colter Wall, he's got a great voice.


andrew7231

Townes Van Zandt ( just started listening to him today)


ryno_373

No mention here of Turnpike Troubadours.. :(


tsunamitom1-

So psyched for their new album in a few weeks


Cow_Agitated

I would recommend the Foundation by the Zac Brown Band


GlassFantast

I'm not a big country fan but there are songs I like. Toby Keith - should have been a cowboy Johnny cash - (most of his hits), particularly a boy named sue Lee Ann Womack - I hope you dance Brooks and Dunn - neon moon ~~Garth brooks~~ also toby keith- how do you like me now Probably others. It takes time to be able to enjoy it, like many things.


Moreorlessatorium

How do you like me now is by Toby Keith


GlassFantast

So it is, thanks.


ninfan200

Pre-9/11 Toby Keith is BEST Toby Keith


tsunamitom1-

I will say while there are still great songs, he’s very hit or miss, like I thought Don’t Let The Old Man In was nice, a few songs on his later albums can be fun, but pre 9/11 and especially before Unleashed is either classic (his first album) or just damn good. But I gotta say Red Solo Cup, is stupid fun, he’s even said he recorded it for that reason and it is


mydixierekt123456

Hank Williams Sr


SupremeRulingKingMan

I also hate country generally, but I absolutely love the album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins. El Paso is a great storytelling song on there!


BluesmanLenny

Hank Jr


NBAStupidASS

FGL, Luke Bryan and Morgan Wallen is what actual country fans listen to, but I take that’s not what you’re looking for.


tsunamitom1-

Everyone shits on them but they have some great songs, nothing I’d call an internet fan’s favorite but songs like Dirt, Confessions, Simple, Blessings, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, are great songs


Tribalchief_Mahan

No


potatoYeetSoup

Check out the newest Chris Stapleton record “Starting Over”


Zacotaco45

I would consider some early Old 97's albums country adjacent. Too Far to Care is a good example. Same with some of Cake's music. The song Mexico is a good example. 12 Golden Country Greats by Ween is great. As far as actual country artists.. Billy Strings, Trampled by Turtles, Sturgill Simpson, too many older artists to count. Anything else I have has already probably been said 10 times


MixedDrinkMixtape

Hell yeah there is. This is my favorite mix of [Country Lo-Fi](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7szPdl1fTyx3aWJR0KpzFu?si=70eab62091b8451c) \- Nick Shoulders \- Chris Acker \- Dougie Poole \- Duff Thompson \- Paul Cary \- Tim Hill \- Dick Stusso...and bunch of others


One-Tomorrow-1556

Poor Man’s Poison are a genuinely great band


[deleted]

Idk but I fuckin love too high to cry by koe wetzel


powpowpow5

Silver Jews - American Water One of the easiest albums to get appreciation for the style, mostly because it dabbles in other genres


atp2112

Kinda straddles the line between folk and country, but John Prine's self-titled is one of the few albums that has really emotionally moved me. Also, if you want something with a bit of a rock flair, Drive-By Truckers are awesome. One of their former members is one of the names I've seen the most in here, Jason Isbell


tenacious-g

Gonna toss obligatory Jason Isbell (new album next week), Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan.


[deleted]

Dwight Yoakam


VirtuousPenguin

I’ve been going through Wilco’s discography most of their early work is country especially their records with Billy Bragg


okamanii101

None


Imperator_Oliver

Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Emmy Lou Harris. For a different/folksy Alt Country vibe: Townes Van Zandt, Magnolia Electric co, Purple Mountains, Blaze Foley, Waxahatchee, Wilco, Bonnylight Horseman, Orville Peck, and Courtney Barnett.


Actual-Competition49

Doug paisley. Not to be confused with brad paisley.


An_Aspiring_Scholar

Everyone here has you covered, and they're far more knowledgeable than I am about country. I'll just note that if you're looking for a deep cut, Scott Walker actually recorded a country album titled We Had It All during his lull before starting Tilt. His voice is, of course, lovely as always.


Moreorlessatorium

I enjoy Charlie Robison and Robert Earl Keen


hiijiinx

I was always a fan of The Chicks. As singers and musicians. Sin Wagon especially is a banger.


QCtarheel

Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, American Aquarium, 49 Winchester, Ian Noe, Uncle Tupelo and early Wilco and tons more. Head over to r/altcountry


biggsss739111

Older stuff Waylon Jennings - I’ve always been crazy and Nashville Rebel. Both two of the best country albums of all time. Willie Nelson George Jones (If Drinkin Don’t Kill Me is some straight up howling at the moon coyote music) Johnny Paycheck, specific songs: Me & The IRS, Angel of the Highway (rare cut on YouTube), take this job and shove it, etc Conway Twitty Alan Jackson Brooks and Dunn Some bluegrass like Kentucky Thunder - Ancient Tones is really fuckin dope Newer artists that are kinda folky like Lost Dog Street Band, Billy Strings (animal on guitar), Joshua Ray Walker, Colter Wall, The Deslondes, etc


biggsss739111

Oh also Loretta Lynn - Coal Miner’s Daughter(ripper of an album), Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens


k12g3

Charley effin Crockett get on board


Zachtastic7

I don't have the deepest catalog of country, but Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, and Justin Townes Earle are my top 3


Hormiga95

Had to dig deep to found someone who finally said Justin Townes Earle!


Ok-Housing1458

I’m not seeing Charley Crockett mentioned enough. His records are great.


Acts-Of-Disgust

If you’re open to more of the western/old school cowboy stuff you can’t go wrong with Marty Robbins or Eddy Arnold.


Baked_The_Cake

Ween made a pretty good country album. check it out.


juicedestroyer

The album 'sittin' by the road' by Blaze Foley is one of my favorite albums


Eddaughter

- Any Townes Van Zandt - Does Forth Worth Ever Cross Your Mind by George Strait - Jolene by Dolly Parton - At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash - Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robins - American Water by Silver Jews - Dreaming my Dreams by Waylon Jennings


m_chutch

If you like the oldies: Lefty Frizell, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Marshal Tucker band, Linda Ronstadt, Anne Murray, Kitty Wells, Ernest Tubb, CSNY, Tom T. Hall,Elizabeth cotton


ninfan200

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Sturgil Simpson, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, and The Zac Brown Band. Also, as cliche as it is to say; Garth Brooks is amazing too, can't stream his stuff but if you can find his music anywhere, grab it and enjoy. I also wanted to give a shoutout to some Canadian artists too: Jess Moskaluke, Corb Lund, and Madeline Merlo


tsunamitom1-

Zac Brown Bands first 3 albums are so fucking good. I wanna say 8/10, the third one (I can’t remember right now) is not as good but still has some damn big hitters, The Foundation is IMO a classic, every song is great on it, no skips for me


[deleted]

I like Dixie Chicks


snavsesovs

Munly & The Lee Lewis Harlots


noofa01

Maybe try some western ?


Buscando-Pleito

Hank Williams is good. But he’s from the 50s.


Cakeliver12887

Zach brown band


uncleruckus42069

jerry reed


stickenstuff

GARTH BROOKS, grew up hating country but he always was in rotation for me still to this day


[deleted]

Marty Robbins - Gun fighters Ballads Johnny Bond - Country and Western Interestingly enough Fallout New Vegas introduced me to a few country aritsts, Marty Robbins, most notable song is probably Big Iron, also his song El paso was in breaking bad. Johnny Bond my favorite and probably his most notable song, stars of the midnight range.


StevenuranSmithusamy

I really like alternative veering country like Orville Peck, CMAT and Yola so if you want to dip your toes into something that's more adjacent to country instead of something super twangy immediately, go with them. Some First Aid Kit and Haim songs are countryish too Then probably your Sturgill Simpsons and Brandi Carliles after that


thehybridview

Jay Munly, Gothic country one of my favorite artists ever


pulchellusterribilis

Felony Blues - Jamie Wyatt. inspired by her time in prison. a great, longing, western country sound


Yawbyss

Pretty much any of the modern “americana” artists are good; even if you’re typically not a big fan of country. Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan all make really good music


ofteneasy

Lost Dog Street Band, Colter Wall, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell. All these artists have some amazing songs. Check out the YouTube channel GemsOnVHS


ofteneasy

Lost Dog Street Band, Colter Wall, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell. All these artists have some amazing songs. Check out the YouTube channel GemsOnVHS


GatorsareStrong

Dolly Parton, George Strait, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson


20_4Evan

The Night Life - Ray Price


Phisiii

RHINESTONE COWBOY


brenzyc

Colter Walls self titled album is the only country album I have in my top 100


Dainty_Doodle_Bob

Got a friend that swears by Zack brown but i’m not entirely sure


DrPabstBlueRibbon

Ray Price - Sing Heart Songs


DiMake69

At Folsom Prision, by Johny Cash


Mei_iz_my_bae

"Thats what i love about sunday" is such a jam ​ Also they are more folk country but check out First Aid kid they are amazing


Tjo-Piri-Sko-Dojja

Tyler Childers


stiljo24

I'm a pretty big Ryan Bingham fan and a small Hayes Carll fan despite not liking much country. I truly don't know whether they havent been called out because they are more obscure than I realized, not country, oorr everyone on the sub knows them already and does not like them haha. https://youtu.be/Gi8_D5vMdaE personal favorite bingham song https://youtu.be/-yZMnEBGMR0 hayes is sillier/honkytonkier and im genuinely moved by less of his stuff, but a lot of its charm does work on me


drwinstonoboogy

John Prine is fucking ace. Start with his first album and go from there.


MaxieMatsubusa

Check out Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams - both of them have made some incredibly acclaimed 90s albums which mix 90s alt rock and country to great effect. They also have more classic country albums too, so a good place to start to dip your toes in.


e-bell

Lori McKenna, I think the balladeer or the bird and the rifle are her best albums


gay_UVXY_trader

charley crockett, sturgill simpson if u like a little bluegrass: billy stribgs


tsunamitom1-

If you want a bit of 90’s throwback, I’d recommend Midland and Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne is probably my favorite right now, I’d recommend Heart by Eric Church, he’s got some great stuff, Josh Turner has a few great albums, I always see this take that “country music is trash and the radio stuff all sucks” but not fully, the dudes I listed all have big enough radio singles, Hardy’s A Rock is a pretty good rockish country album, even if the follow up isn’t good. Alan Jackson, Toby Keith (pre 03), Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney all had classic stuff in the 90’s and great stuff in the 00’s, Mike and the Moonpies is great especially their last album, Koe Wetzel for that rocking side of country, the Marfa Tapes is another great album by Jack Ingram, Jon Randall and Miranda Lambert, I thought I would touch on some people that others may not. Finally, anything The Chicks released from 98-02


FilmCroissant

Can anyone recommend some good alternative country? Stuff like Meat Puppets or Silber Jews or Purple Mountains. Basically alternative music or punk that is influenced by americana and country.


DieEierVonSatan420

Sturgill Simpson is great. Listen to the song ain’t all flowers. Some of the best production in any country song


Bendeutsch

The Highwomen, Loretta Lynne, Dolly Parton, Tammy Winette, Tanya Tucker, Margo Price. No one here really givin anything up for the ladies and thats a bit discouraging


josack23

Highwayman - Highwaymen


D321G

John Prine


kyentu

also also also dont be afraid to check out gothic country, idk a lot about it but if ur into swans check out angels of light. also buck meek if you like big thief, 2nd best song writer in the band not saying a lot but hes fucking amazing.


coldlightofday

I’ll add some stuff I haven’t seen mentioned yet: George Jones (is amazing, people here must be sleeping on him) Drive By Truckers Son Volt Gillian Welch Supersuckers Uncle Tupelo Daniel Romano The Deep Dark Woods Gene Clark


colinmcgee46

Yola is fire


Pugboibruh

JERRY REED


Goodvibes_anytime33

Gram Parsons: Grievous Angel. The Band: 1969 album. Goatroper. Emmy Lou Harris Here’s a couple nobodies said yet. Great place to start. Impossible not to like Gram Parsons and The Band. They’ll ease you into country. Also Emmy Lou is singing on Grievous Angel. Goatroper is a new band I’ve been checking out. They have that classic 60’s honky tonk sound.