This Is Country Music's Nirvana Moment

There's a parallel between the Zach Bryan phenomenon and the demise of bro country and the Nirvana phenomenon and the demise of hair metal. And in this video, I explore that.
TikTok: / gradywsmith
Instagram: / gradywsmith
Facebook: / gradysmithwriter
Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...

[@johngleason1776]

I absolutely cannot believe how popular country music is right now. And not just pop country. I never thought I'd see something like this.

[@CongressSux1776]

Country music doesn’t exist in mainstream culture. Don’t call that shut with a slight twang country music

[@DG-rb7bo]

I listened to UK/US rap since for years, for about a year now I’ve listened to nothing but country music, went to Nashville , every country singer that comes to Scotland I go see them, been to about 12 The last year, all sell outs, it’s massive worldwide

[@danculbert6349]

​@DG-rb7bo It's not though..Even if the artists sell out venues, ask the average Brit who "Morgan Wallen" is they will have no idea. Country songs rarely, if ever, crack the top 10 UK charts

[@anthonypicciano3803]

What’s really cool about Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers influence is that yes many people consider them not country. The fact that many people do opens up the genre for those who haven’t discovered it before. I was in great lakes with a busy and when I heard Zach Bryan for the first time, it was completely different to what I was used to . Now I have a 500 song country playlist on Spotify of old country 90s country and so forth.

[@alexbernard6220]

​@@CongressSux1776what do you consider country music then? Few artist examples?

[@PatrickCc]

Sometimes its hard to recognize when we are "in a moment" in culture. But you nailed it 🙌

[@OGxShreddy]

Oh hey dude

[@willbozung]

Hi pat

[@frickenfrick4614]

Pat just out here randomly

[@user-ji3hr5ir8p]

I think he missed it by about 5 years. This has been going on for awhile he just failed to notice it. Zac isn't the first and he isn't who started it. He is just the one that became the most popular.

[@landonstotler5623]

@@user-ji3hr5ir8pwhile this is semi-true, he touched on that in the beginning. 5 years ago people still listened to bro country. it wasn’t until last year with American Heartbreak that people really became aware of this style country. he’s saying that although, yes this started years ago, we are finally at THE MOMENT that country is finding its much needed change.

[@chrisgarrow1]

I think Colter Wall helped a huge amount. I rarely listened to country, but when his first couple albums came out, I remember wishing that more country artists sounded like him. I've since found acts like Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers, The Local Honeys and even started looking back at great artists like John Prine, Gram Parsons and Merle Haggard.

[@paulltyler]

Dude...I have faith that one day the Burrito Brothers will be on touchtunes at my local dive...

[@chrisgarrow1]

@@paulltyler I make it a point to bring up Gram in every conversation about classic country! One day he will get the recognition he deserves from the country community

[@kevinv7178]

Dude, this is me. Colter Wall brought me to country music and I discovered Zach, Tyler, Charley, and so many others including going back in time to the legends like Johnny, Merle, David Allen Coe and Waylon. I was not a fan of the Watermelon Crawl and that genre of country music.

[@collinreece2249]

Austin Snell is doing this Grudge Country thing. Hes currently my favorite artist rn lol

[@codyhuesers]

sturgill simpson, jason isbell

[@Daikenki01]

Honestly I'm just amazed and grateful that Kacey Musgraves FINALLY got a number 1 single.

[@Mtn603]

Amen, Kacey has been making fantastic (if not EXACTLY mainstream country) music for a long time. The girl’s got heart.

[@filthycasualwarrior7118]

Kacey fkn rules. Didn't know that song went number 1

[@luke_cohen1]

How the hell did it take her that long to get a #1 single? She’s been an A tier star (pop stans love her to death) for at least 5 years, if not a decade at this point.

[@theladycata9648]

Same, I haven’t really followed her for a while but I was glad to hear that. I’ve never been much of a country music person, I’m more in the alt/indie rock world, but I fell in love with her first album as soon as I heard it

[@ashleymeggan]

Yesss! I love Kacey. Sweet, smart, beautiful, and talented East Texas girl. Even as she is making crossover music.

[@brianmenard7565]

Grady, don’t underestimate your influence in all of this

[@Turtlesbekool]

Absolutely. From this, to TikTok, to the subreddit.

[@richardkimpel6142]

I've been telling him this for 7 years...

[@dineenking4390]

truth....grady sent me down the texas reddirt country rabbit hole a few years ago!

[@jonbolin344]

Came here to say the same thing! Grady's the man!

[@laurelpais]

the amount of artists who i would not have listened if grady had not covered them in a video i watched, who the heck knows who i'd be listening to now

[@jacob-kf2gf]

Childers introduced this sound to the masses. Zach became the face of it. And tiktok is what’s gonna keep it going

[@User-pu2hz]

Childers is the GOAT

[@matthewmattioli1629]

Childers sound has definitely influenced a lot this new wave of country

[@joshsaeman84]

I think sturgil did it before tyler. Tyler lost me when he defended the blm riots.

[@liamday453]

@@joshsaeman84bc tylers the goat

[@jennifergoetz4716]

​@@joshsaeman84lol the fragility

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

A world in which Jason Isbell could conceivably have a hit is a wild one, and I'm here for it.

[@earlfairbanks6360]

And his stuff is world’s better than what I’ve heard of Zach Bryan so far.

[@brianbishoff]

He is the opposite of all of this though. His politics are strictly mainstream Disney/Government narratives.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

@@brianbishoff Nope. He's a liberal, but so is Zach Bryan. He's also a way way better songwriter than any of the guys who've hit number one recently.

[@Zoe-yr4xw]

Right? I really hope he catches on with any new surge of interest in country. He deserves it more than anyone.

[@Redbird1504]

Ive heard both versions of dress blues and honestly ZBs voice fits it better.

[@draggedout]

Not a huge post 90’s country fan, but got into Colter Wall, Billy Strings and Sierra Ferrell a while back and really hoped they would become the main stream because of how badly country music needs this. This is going to be revolutionary for the mind set of country music fans, this music is going to make people think.

[@BeanDip47]

Well hopefully it doesn't end like the nirvana era

[@GrantH]

Yep, the grunge area really isn’t meant to be glorified. It also came and went quicker than people realize.

[@edgytypebeat781]

@@GrantHThe effects did last years after its official death in 1994 (it really died somewhere after 1996 and the post grunge boom), I mean I feel like grunge died with its co-founder, Chris Cornell in 2017. I do have worries for Zach Bryan because judging by his Twitter and him having to delete TikTok, his mental health is a bit shakey.

[@lynjones9145]

with the country version of a ska wave after?

[@RainierGuide174]

If the music industry follows trends it will help kill country radio like grunge helped kill rock radio today.

[@davidwallenofficial]

Interesting insight, and spot on! I’m here for it!

[@MusicJunkiePlus]

I’ve been begging for a new Nirvana moment in the music industry for a few years now. Never in my life did I think it be a Country version. Regional Mexican music is also exploding this year. I’d love to see some Country, Regional Mexican collabs soon. Luke Combs with Grupo Frontera, Peso Pluma with Morgan Wallen. It could work and bring even more people to both genres that are having a big moment in 2023

[@mojomokie]

Such collabs would be fantastic, but I suspect racial tensions still remain too high to make it happen.

[@luisangelcabreramartinez1290]

Carin Leon and COJO would be amazing

[@frankmaitland1254]

​@@mojomokiethe racial tension is a made up issue with the Media and the former president. Everyone else doesn't care about all of that.

[@superred5]

The best thing about this is that YOU, Mr. Smith, brought me back to Country Music with your 'Stop The Snaps' video and the artists you showcased as an alternative to what mainstream country was. I was already into Jason Isbell, but I found Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, and Sturgill Simpson because of you. I hadn't listened to country is almost 25 years, but this group brought me back. I'm SUPER happy to see this stuff popular. And as so many others said here - Don't sell your own influence in this short :)

[@briandhaze5906]

Spot on.. I'm a rocker from the twentieth century who is diving headlong into this new country stuff. Not since the nineties have I felt true energy behind a genre. Especially the Appalachian artists, though Colter Wall is my favorite today. Thanks for helping me sort these folks out. for the first time in YEARS I am excited about new music again. I think this movement is going to bring some much needed healing and balance to what we as Americans are enduring culturally right now.

[@runningintohistory]

Same here. Not since 90's Country.

[@Zoe-yr4xw]

You’ve got to look into Jason Isbell

[@briandhaze5906]

@@Zoe-yr4xw will do! Thanks

[@connor9023]

Colter Wall 🤝

[@iAvrilFan1]

I love "I Remember Everything" by Zach and Kacey, one of the best songs of 2023

[@annmarie3573]

Same!

[@rjsfarm2534]

You should check out ‘Boyfriend’ by Parmalee. It is a far superior song. 😂

[@camerongoldsmith3223]

Honestly though it was going to be a John Prine cover when I first clicked on it

[@daniellogginsdp]

@@camerongoldsmith3223I did too!!

[@brodofraggins]

I think Tik Tok has done so much for country music in the past few years. It has allowed good music to grow organically without the meddling hands of the industry trying to steer it.

[@kristopherk5454]

Bingo. Natural selection by the people!

[@Lowkii710]

Its truly a double edged sword. While it can be a tool to spread and propagate beautiful art its also an arrow in the knee

[@roywall8169]

There is nothing organic about TikTok.

[@brodofraggins]

@roywall8169 if you're being obtuse and arguing semantics, maybe not. But the algorithm goes by interaction. Videos people are actually watching and enjoying blow up. Things get popular based on interaction, not which record label is throwing the most money around.

[@shaft9000]

One industry replaces the eminence of another, no differently from any other power vacuum. If you'd prefer TikTok, I suppose you can "thank" the CCP if you are so inclined. Find out how reciprocal they are of admiration, and get back to us on that one, eh?

[@jaward51]

The best country music anymore is not heard on country radio. It’s amazing what these guys and gals are doin

[@dylan.swardy]

Proud to say I've listened to Zach since late 2019. I'm glad people are seeing this music in the mainstream.

[@mullethillsound]

I had no idea you were the one who created that “every country song” vid back in like 2013! Anyhow, I’m super glad this is is happening in country music.

[@joshuahahn493]

If we conclude that country will follow the trend that grunge to post-grunge followed, that implies there will be a post-country version of Nickleback in a few years.

[@GradySmith]

You won't even even need a version of Nickelback -- I predict Nickelback, Daughtry, and maybe even Hinder will all be releasing music under the country genre in the next couple years.

[@joejones7852]

Is hardy not this exact thing?

[@joshuahahn493]

@@GradySmith Saving this comment for 2028 when this absolutely happens.

[@joshuahahn493]

@@joejones7852 True, he is leaning into the post-grunge sound pretty hard

[@MrStevieG]

@@GradySmith Actually, Nickelback just headlined the biggest country festival in Canada, Boots and Hearts lol, tt surprised the hell out of a lot of people when they were announced. Their new album "Get Rollin' " is definitely more on the country rockside except for the San Quentin track.

[@davestagner]

By the time Nirvana broke through to the mainstream, that scene had been going for YEARS. The Seattle grunge scene, mostly bands on the Sub-Pop label, had been going since the mid-late 1980s - Mudhoney, Tad, Mother Love Bone, so many others, plus early grrrl punk like Bikini Kill. But the scene was national! Southwest bands (Giant Sand), Boston (Dinosaur Jr), NYC (Sonic Youth), rural midwest (Uncle Tupelo), Oklahoma (Flaming Lips)… and Iowa City, where I lived, was full of amazing post-punk bands that would be called “grunge” today (my friends in Horny Genius got signed to Sub-Pop and toured Europe). Everyone was touring the same tiny clubs, seeing each others’ bands. It was fantastic. And in coffeeshops and restaurants like the one I worked in, the kitchen boomboxes blasted the latest cassettes from these bands - not whatever crappy hair metal the major labels were pushing that week. Then suddenly Smells Like Teen Spirit was a hit, and all us cool kids were like “Where were YOU the past few years?” to everyone thinking it was new. And I suspect exactly the same thing is happening here. You’re having a Nirvana moment in country now because the cool kids have been developing this scene underground for years.

[@PunkThrashMetal]

Also you had bands making the switch from hair metal esque sounds to more grungy sound, my favorite example being alice in chains. I'm assuming there are similar things happening in country too where some relatively small time country artist is going to make the switch to the new style and they themselves knock it out of the park.

[@paulltyler]

No love for the Meat Puppets eh? 😉🍻

[@davestagner]

@@paulltyler Oh, I LOVE the Meat Puppets! But if I listed every great band from that era, I’d run out of room.

[@kevinfischer2924]

I really like how you put this. I was too young for the initial grunge movement but I fully embraced it when I was old enough. I've been jamming to Colter Wall and Turnpike Troubadours for several years now. TT was introduced to me, shoot, nearly ten years ago. I'm so happy for this fluid movement. I honestly couldn't listen to bro country / beach country. No substance. It's pop music with a steel guitar (sometimes). This transition will allow singer/song writers that aren't able to make it to the big cities, to make music that reach out further than local talent shows. I'm really excited about this! You really nailed how the locals help support the grunge transition. Hopefully we can help the Dirt Road transition! Exciting times for country music!

[@davestagner]

@@kevinfischer2924 I’m trying to do my little bit to help the cause! Recently started playing pedal steel with an old friend and a couple of other guys. We run the age range from Boomers to a Zoomer (lead guitar is only 24!). It’s “the intersection where hippies meet cowboys”, and mostly a cover band of classic country and Americana, but we do some originals too, and I’m starting to write for the band some. I’ve been writing songs for years (and won a few awards for it), but it’s interesting to write this kind of stuff in particular. If I can write songs that stand up next to classics like Six Days on the Road, or Old 55, I’ll be pretty happy.

[@RandomGuy1606]

Zach Bryan is insanely good. I've listened to his new album probably 50x already. East Side of Sorrow and Overtime are incredible.

[@ParkerG397]

Move away homework that I’ve been putting off since yesterday, its Grady time

[@GradySmith]

That's right.

[@shawnminnier6117]

This is a very insightful video. I feel like Country Music had its first Nirvana moment in 1986 when Randy Travis released "On The Other Hand." Nashville had no choice but to accept traditional country again, and three years later we had the Class of '89. Garth Brooks credits Randy for helping him get out of Oklahoma. It will be fun to watch a similar movement in 2024 and beyond.

[@inahaze76]

Storms of Life is still one of the best country albums

[@fbass8657]

Ya, between Randy and Dwight Yoakam. 86 was definitley the first year of starting the resurgence

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

And Steve Earle broke down a lot of the walls between country and rock a few years later with Copperhead Road.

[@gaborbe]

The dude on American Idol at 8:33 is a high school friend of mine. Grady you gave me a jump scare waking home to have him appear in your video. I love Colten. He’s a good dude. Really rooting for him and proud of him

[@buffy32684]

Grady I wouldn’t have found ZB if you hadn’t mentioned him years ago. Love your ability to bring me info on music I may have never heard on the radio. Thank you for that.

[@johnbaker4666]

I'm old enough to be the first generation of original Metallica fans and in the 80's they totally had the authentic, DIY vibe going on that Zach has. And then they released the Black album with Motley Crew's producer and PFFT! I quit all that and got into bluegrass, country blues, and all the stuff that built up to this moment. The most amazing thing to me is that Zach Bryan did it without sacrificing the DIY thing that make old punk rock and then underground bands like Metallica was in the 80's so big. In fact that seems to be a big part of what really drives the fandom.

[@NoodlesXmachina]

Black album is absolutely legendary. And so was their previous music in your own spirit what was you thought and why the black album turned you away

[@dreweldon1921]

⁠​⁠The black album has more stand alone songs on it, which is better for radio play, but was overproduced when compared to the quality of Kill ‘Em All, Master of Puppets, and Ride the Lightning. The Black album didn’t have the same thrashy recklessness either, which is why Metallica was able to become popular and stand out in my opinion.

[@The-Crypt]

the DIY spirit was gone @@NoodlesXmachina

[@somebodyandthem]

@@dreweldon1921overproduced? It is top 5 best production album ever. The sound on that album is so huge and sounds amazing.

[@calebc.7818]

I was not expecting a Zach Bryan/Kacey Musgraves duet to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart; it wasn't on my country music bingo card. It's cool to see a variety of artists experiencing the country wave.

[@rjsfarm2534]

It was either that or ‘Boyfriend’ by Parmalee. They were a close 2nd.

[@friedawells6860]

Please pray for Zach Bryan! He's under a lot of pressure to maintain people's expectations. Let's not lose this guy the way we lost Kobain! Also, big thanks to Grady for introducing me to so much good music

[@juliusnepos6013]

Yeah

[@TexasPNW98]

Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, ‘Oliver Anthony’> Zach Bryan

[@ryansurgener1917]

Zach is no where near the level of Kurt lol

[@Floppa-oz1kp]

@@ryansurgener1917OP never said he was lol

[@Floppa-oz1kp]

@@TexasPNW98hahahahaha Oliver Anthony got me lmao

[@khmer06]

At the end of the day, I'm not exactly a country fan, I've always been more of a rock and metal fan myself. But no matter what you like, this is just a damn good video. I think it gives an interesting look into not just country, but the music industry as a whole and the way it evolves over time. It also gives a little peak into how we ourselves evolve over time, which I also really enjoy. I love stuff like this that gets you thinking about the state of music and what the future could hold. Great job with the video, and keep doing what you're doing!

[@GeckoPixel]

On a side note. Kentucky and Texas doesn't care what Nashville says or the mainstream. Both states have had a vibrant underground roots and country music for a very long time.

[@jamesthibodeau501]

Honestly, this is probably one of the best vids you have made. Totally agree, super cool moment and good on you for being able to articulate so well the moment as its happening. I am sure that years from now people will be echoing this sentiment, but you will be the OG. Thanks for another great vid!

[@ashlaww]

It's such a trip going from being made fun of for loving country, to my friends sending me country albums when they drop. Been following you for years and appreciate what you've contributed to the ecosystem of country music!

[@BlackSheepCap]

Love that you cut open a vein here on how exciting this is. I came up on Garth...fell into bro and boyfriend country, and now here I am so joyfully obsessed with all of this good music thanks you sir for giving me and others the road map to find such unsung talent out there. Thanks grady!

[@james.beesley]

Florida Georgia Line got me into country music in 2012/13. Without the group, i would not have explored and loved this whole breadth of country music. FGL will always stay in my heart, i have heard them over and over again.

[@GradySmith]

I think a ton of people feel that way! Certainly some of the main feedback I hear from people at shows and in comments and stuff.

[@brockpifer9929]

But they sure had a good run. They certainly made an impact on country music 😊

[@timwang4659]

Same man same 😥

[@rjsfarm2534]

I am fortunate to have only heard FGL once or twice. Thank God that hot garbage is out of our system.

[@j.775]

Same here, apart from cringy lyrics, sonically they had something which made me want to dig deep into country music Universe. Also, they had really good moments especially on Dig your roots record or tracks like 'Dirt'

[@nathanmotz1011]

One of my most viewed tiktoks on bluffcitysound is about Sturgill Simpson. The man won a Grammy but didn’t get an invite to the CMAs.

[@123person31]

I got into country this last year because of this new sound. My favorite music before was "anything but country" but I always enjoyed a couple songs here and there. The songs I enjoyed then are the songs that are now really popular. Watching this video is me learning that these songs I like are popular lol. One of my most listened to Playlists right now on Spotify is "country music I don't hate"

[@jaredbailey2078]

Grady, you absolutely nailed it. Your music recommendations are what shifted me towards my taste in music, taking things I already knew I liked and finding them in all kinds of country. You broke down this whole situation phenomenally, you touched on everything and gave attention to pretty much every side of the industry. It’s been a wild ride, and although the people at the top of my playlists may not be the ones who are at the top of the charts, lthose people are doing great things for the industry and genre. And like you said when referencing Garth, the spearhead of the movement can change an entire person’s listening style by exposing them to everything else there is to offer everywhere from Ernest to Koe to lesser known people like Chaney, Acuff, so on and so on. Extremely well put, a reminder of how damn good you are of evaluating these situations and putting it into better words than we ever could. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻

[@bcastletx]

I’m 28, and spent my whole life in Texas listening to a ton of Texas Country and Red Dirt Country, praying for the day that this alternative/outlaw country becomes the dominant sound over Bro Country pop shit. Seeing this style along with the Appalachian Country really taking over has been absolutely incredible. I feel like it’s cool to create music with substance and meaning again.

[@WhitetailVigilantes]

Honestly, it's a fitting metaphor. And while I'm not a Zach Bryan fan as a singer, his song writing is truly brilliant and I think it's opened up a brand new chapter of country music. Even some of the bro-est artists like Morgan Wallen are going a little more traditional with songs like "Everything I Love". Like you, I don't see this alternative country lasting super long (and honestly, I'm OK with that as it's not exactly my cup of tea), but I do hope the impact of it continues on. More creative song writing, more traditional sounds, the willingness to try something new. There is A TON of good country music out there right now, and what's cool is there's something for everybody.

[@rjsfarm2534]

I’m waiting for 70s Outlaw movement to have a Nirvana moment… maybe in 2034?

[@romainlettuce118]

If you don’t like his voice, tone, rhythm, you’ve got a terrible ear😂

[@pauldecoster]

With country rising to the top again, I have you to thank for keeping me informed. Your channel is excellent and got me inspired as a songwriter during the pandemic lockdown

[@hisham_hm]

This gives me hope about a rock comeback sometime in the future.

[@Iverson404]

The first time I heard Rich Men North of Richmond i just KNEW it was gonna blow up. Such a powerful song. There's a ton of super talented country musicians making fantastic music right now

[@andrewhesse4201]

Big time in country music, and we have the perfect guy to cover it :) Thank for all your hard work man!

[@randalljthomas]

Great work as always, Grady. Thankful to be experiencing this moment in the country scene and for your channel to that introduced me to many of the artists you mentioned!

[@clarencerswann1360]

I think that your metaphor is spot on. It's one of those things that I believe a lot of us knew in the back of our minds, but either couldn't quite put it into words, or it just never really manifested itself as being worth mentioning. As usual, great content - and always look forward to your videos and commentary.

[@JL-lt3gg]

Normally country music makes my brain hurt unless it's from the 50s and 60s. But my curiosity got the best of me and I listened to a couple of Zach Bryan tunes. I'm impressed! Very back to basics. Country music really needed this. Hope this trend continues for years to come

[@dailyhunterten]

The thing about country music is, it’s relatable and some people have an attached memory to certain music. Country music has moved with the times. We can all agree that it was way more positive back in 2013, 2015, etc. I love watching your videos, because despite your opinions, you never attack anyone. You have valid reasons for disliking certain music, despite its clear popularity.

[@imagreatguy5770]

hey man, i just wanted to say i loved hearing your perspective. i think you’re spot on about what’s happening with country music right now and these cycles that we continue to see with music.

[@zachjohnking]

This might be your best video to date. Spot on. So dang good

[@ephraimvanzante4016]

I remember the past couple of years ago, I would tell people all of my favorite bands, and they never heard of them, now guess who they are listening to?😂

[@matthewroth1]

It's so weird, several of my friends who were almost exclusively R&B, rap, trap, or pop fans have switched to country and treating it with the same pride and appreciation they seemingly had for the formerly mentioned genres. A ton of people, especially younger people on my campus, are suddenly super into county. I don't know what is happening but I am here for it! Newer artists like Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours, Midland, Mike & The Moonpies, Colter Wall, etc. are worth the hype. They've brought back country music to what it is.

[@bob-ei5je2tn7j]

You articulated your thoughts so well in this video and made me better understand what I have been thinking. This may be Grady's magnum opus.

[@rjsfarm2534]

I agree. Probably his best video.

[@MOTLrBlaze]

The thing that is annoying is that everyone that for the past 10 years have been defending bro country will jump ship and start hating it now. Bs fr fr

[@jking54544]

I was in my late teens when the Nirvana moment happened. To go through it (and at that time I was big into that kind of music) was incredible, and those albums will always have a place in my listening collection. Things like Nevermind, Pearl Jam's Ten, BadMotorFinger. These were albums that were groundbreaking but STILL are relevant today and are incredibly listenable. I think the same will happen with the Zach Bryans, the Tyler Childers' and others who are in the midst of this moment. The heart of the matter is it is music that matters to people. It expresses real emotion, regardless of the production. The last several years of tailgates and all that other bullshit was just so much vapid waste. I'm incredibly grateful for outlets BEYOND "country" radio stations these days. Because those stations, especially where I am located it seems, are STILL playing tripe like Luke Bryan, FGL ... jesus, one of them plays "Watching You" by Rodney Atkins DAILY. Who the EFF listens to that these days??? It's an amazing time to be a true country music fan, because we can collectively raise the middle finger to Nashville and corporate radio and listen to our own music, when we want, where we want.

[@shanewoods1980]

I was very fortunate to be born in 1980 and I witnessed the country music scene BLOW up with Garth, Clint black, Tracy Lawrence, Reba, Pam tillis, Shenandoah, McBride and the ride, Alabama, mark chestnut, Daryle singletary, Kathy mattea, sweethearts of the rodeo, desert rose band, John Anderson man those deserved to be front and center and the ones I’m seeing now are just as deserving with their success

[@crazychase98]

Zack Bryant is corporate especially after that stunt he pulled with the cops

[@DadVibe]

Digging giddy, optimistic Grady, telling sad boi Grady to go away for a while. 🤣 Good video, man.

[@creditbuilds9356]

Bro cannot go one video without using a twerking Luke clip

[@brandonmalone5758]

This is a brilliant observation and a great title for the video. As someone who grew not liking "country music" I'm absolutely in awe of these new artists and their songwriting skills. The lyrics mean something and the melodies hit close to the heart.

[@vikingsoup7531]

Grady is the reason I started listening to country music, and I’m sure it’s the same for thousands of others. I never looked back and now it’s my favorite genre, thank you so much for the dedication to this channel!

[@tomhopkins9464]

I’d love for you to do a video on the rise of country in Europe in the last five years, Grady. I’ve seen really interesting stats on the rise of its popularity in the UK in particular and would love to hear your take on why and hear your research into it.

[@rjsfarm2534]

I second that. I think Grady was over their last year doing some investigative work. Even places like Sweden are booking acts. But with bands like First Aid Kit, I’m assuming they have a pretty cool scene of folk indie rock/country over there.

[@thejmsmitty]

Great video Grady! I am a former hip hop head from the PNW and remember the take over of Nirvana in my HS, it was awesome. And that band has been a go to for me since. As I age I find it harder and harder to relate to hip hop and have been listening to country the last few years. And also remember the take over Zach had as you were the one who introduced me to him as well and his music has been the new go to. Witnessing what Oliver did in the last month has been truly incredible! TikTok introduced me to his music and has been a staple on my playlists since. It is fun that I made the switch when I did and I am thankful I found your channel.

[@interstate543]

Excellent video as always, Grady. This seems like a capstone video for your channel, just as This Beat is Killing Country Music was several years ago when I first found your channel. Thanks for using my CWG clip (albeit briefly) at 6:35!!

[@mc39S686]

So you know how people say they hate country music because (like you mentioned) it's always about the same stuff? (trucks, jeans, etc.) Zach Bryan has opened people's eyes to show them that not all country music is like that, and in turn, is bringing in non-country fans. I feel like Nashville has spent the last 10 years making music for casual country fans and they didn't even think to try and switch up the sound. Cause why make music for people who don't like or listen to your genre right? If Zach never caught the attention of non-country fans this explosion never would've happened. You mentioned people like Sturgil and Childers. Traditional country fans absolutely LOVED them but it's not like that made Nashville do anything. It's cause we were the only ones listening, and they never made it past the country bubble. Zach did. I think your compassion is a really good one, and again another great video! :)

[@mrdumbass3064]

I hope a nirvana style band gets big again to be honest

[@nickdistef1072]

Id argue this is in music as a whole. Im a huge rap fan and my biggest thing ive been saying lately is that rap is about to go into a complete alternative change which really came out this year w tons of albums like Utopia. I think people want and need a change in all genres of music and i think by next year it will be in full force

[@Golden2962]

lol utopia is alternative??

[@nickdistef1072]

@@Golden2962 Compared to mainstream trap nowadays? 100% barely any hooks throught the whole album and very much so moving away from the standard trap beats and production thats been dominating for the past 10 years

[@Ashley-do4kk]

This was a great video Grady! I hadn't made that connection, but you nailed it.

[@kennethcollins1581]

I’m really happy about the moment country music is having. As I’ve been becoming a fan of it over that last few years, it’s cool to see the success of these different artists right now.

[@Sabrina_capy]

at first when i saw the title i was like “hmm? what is grady doing this time?😂” but now that i watched it, i totally agree! the comparisons make so much sense and i think it truly does show the nature of what is seen as “cool” and “new” ends up fading away and becoming a joke after 10 years or so. i loved the video and definitely made me think :DD

[@insideoutstudiosonline]

Fantastic video man. I've thought around this idea for a long time, and am seeing it unfold. Nicely put together. You organized my thoughts for me! ha

[@sofacritic5102]

This is so astute. A perfect analysis of the current state of country music. Well done Grady!

[@samanthasmith6488]

I would love to see you talk more about the female country music evolution that’s taking place. Growing up in the 2000s, I remember hearing a lot of The Wreckers and the chicks. I think both groups were insanely talented but their PR image at the time seemed to cater to the same crowd as the 2013 male country artists. They had The tan skin, mostly fast upbeat songs, and their most popular songs were about romantic relationships instead of anything deeper about the world. now I see people like Sierra Ferrell and Bella white creeping into the spotlight, knocking on the door reminding us of early Dolly and Reba. In my opinion, a lot of female country artists have typically been able to keep singing songs with deep lyrics that were often hidden behind blue jean shorts, extra thick eyeliner and leathery skin for the sake of marketing. I didn’t see a lot of “she thinks my tractors sexy” from the female performers, they still sang songs about how they watched the world industrialize growing up and how isolating everything seemed to become. I would give anything to see a modern day female country music trio that’s reminiscent of Dolly Parton, Linda ronstadt, and Emmy Lou Harris.

[@tommypricemusic]

So, In real country there’s no twerking , no Luke Bryan , this new country tht Nashville is putting out, is pitiful..

[@banyarling]

Yes. Weirdly delusional video. Thoughts and prayers.

[@edgytypebeat781]

This “new country” is outlaw country and it has existed since the Dawn of time along with Johnny Cash and John Prine (with the exception of Aldean and Morgan Wallen, I’m not sniffing what they’re putting out).

[@brockpifer9929]

Yeah thankfully the twerking is being put out to pasture

[@darren4664]

THIS is the style of Grady content I LIVE for!!! ❤❤❤ So happy!😍

[@placidpaddler]

Did I just watch this entire video without hearing any mention of Chris Stapleton? Sorry, but none of this exists without him.

[@inahaze76]

It's a decade old, but I recommend giving John Moreland's album In the Throes a listen. Too bad it came out when bro country was hitting big. His song "Gospel" became one of my favorite country tunes after just a few listens.

[@Miruble82]

I’m so glad country is blowing up now

[@gatleystone2480]

this analysis is outstanding. the comparison is so illustrative of the current state of country music and where it’s likely headed. just from this one video its so apparent that you have a complete understanding of how the industry works

[@OxLOOKxWHOxJUST]

thanks for getting me early on Zach

[@The-Crypt]

I'm guessing this is also going to be a renaissance for older/legendary country music and its artists as well.

[@maconner99]

Spot on. I’m excited to see where this music will go. I’ve been a Red Dirt/Texas music fan since the Great Divide. I was at their second concert ever which was a Bday party in Oklahoma. Then I followed them thru the Bars. This Appellation Mountain music is promising. Simple and authentic. Not over produced!

[@solen_aref]

Grady! I’m not even done watching half of this video, but I had to comment that you are such a genius! I just thought about country music in ways I’ve never thought about it before! This is probably my fave video on your channel in a minute! I was raised near Seattle and I think you’re spot on with the comparison! Also love The Guardian article cameo!

[@ethanhocker8367]

This is so good Grady, thanks for saying it all 🔥

[@jacksonlang9186]

I feel like a lot of Zach's newer music has kind of morphed into its own thing where it's more like folk/indie than country. Songs like "I Remember Everything" and "Dawns" are very different that a lot of the tracks that I personally liked on American Heartbreak like "Oklahoma City" and "Open the Gate". I know he's always had this connection but it hasn't been at the forefront until more recently. Zach's almost undergoing a genre shift.

[@rileyhaley3848]

100%.. his favorite band is The Lumineers and which he sounds close to which is not at all considered country.

[@cheerpedge41]

Yes. I love folk/indie and listened to his new album because Spotify put Something in the Orange on one of my folk mixes. I love his self titled album, but it’s almost like Spotify doesn’t know what to do with him. Once I’ve played through all his songs, it goes to stereotypical country that isn’t really my thing. He’s like folk/indie with more twang.

[@xangrycatmanx5104]

While we're here, we should definitely bring back Emmylou Harris again just like in the mid 90s with the Wrecking Ball album

[@lisasims3970]

its nice to see ur still covering country music. i found ur channel thru lisa irby's utube channel in the comment section :) much love

[@h_nt_r]

Now youre just making me wish for a new genre combining traditional country and grunge.

[@monsterq6]

I say this as a registered democrat, Los Angeles resident but I wanna thank you for not turning this into a lazy, political "culture wars" piece. It's not. Americans are simply thirsty for genuine, poetic beautiful music rooted in tradition. It's a very exciting moment. I hope the beautiful tradition of country music can be a positive and unifying force for all its fans, and that it might call back it it's origins of dignifying the vulnerable and celebrating the gorgeous interior of this country. Respect.

[@coolbugfacts1234]

Try that in a small town is literally a song about hearkening back to the Jim Crow era, and the music video makes it pretty clear by referencing lynchings

[@monsterq6]

@@coolbugfacts1234 I think the lyrics are actually pretty blameless in that song but the music video was sadly a coded dog whistle culture war effort

[@joncerda351]

Zach just hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100

[@GradySmith]

That's why I say "at the time of filmimg!" but I do mention it later!

[@joncerda351]

​@@GradySmithwhen will Luke get to #1?!? He deserves it!

[@Antwhitehead]

This moment is LONG overdue in country music. I am here for it!

[@stringtheorymedia]

Excellent commentary Grady. You put a lot of stuff I was puzzled about together. ***

[@GeckoPixel]

A more apt comparison would be the underground Hip Hop boom in the 2000s. Just like all movements though, the major players end up crossing over into the mainstream and fall for the money trap. A lot of really great music was created that wasn't like mainstream Rap. For the "Nirvana Moment" thing... I would say Sturgill would be Soundgarden and Childers would be Cobain. However, there's no one in Alt Country with the cultural impact of Nirvana. Honestly this stuff just comes in waves. The seeds were truly planted with Whiskeytown, Jayhawks, Gillian Welch, Calexico or Drive-By Truckers. My real "ahha moment" would be the Fleet Foxes. That debut album wasn't country, but it brought a lot of attention to indie-folk. It's not a 1 to 1 comparison though just based on sales, but to me Zach Bryan is more Green Day. Zach (Greenday) is driving on a road that Childers (Nirvana) paved. Though I will agree that this has been bubbling for awhile. Nashville has been bending to Simpson and Childers for a bit now and Zach Bryan is the result of that. Zach Bryan is not Nirvana in this story. If anyone is it's Childers.

[@Watermelon74]

What's Oliver Anthony Music's place in all of this?

[@GeckoPixel]

@@Watermelon74 Lol. Well, If Childers is Nirvana then Oliver Anthony has to be super popular artist that came after Nirvana since the road was paved. If I say Bush that would seem like an insult. I like Anthony... I hated Bush.

[@SuPeRNinJaRed]

8:00 Its wild too because there are artists in the 90s too that could almost be said to be alternative country I don't think he was ever billed as such but Chris Whitley had a sort of grunge country hybrid sound (and an incredible guitar player as well) Livin' With The Law is still one of my all time favorite albums and even a little later in the 2000s with Hank Williams III, to be honest even 90s bands that were strictly alternative rock could have a subtle country tone (dare I say) even Days of the New [yellow album] mostly all acoustic songs it has such an earthy sound and almost country but in my opinion Chris Whitley really doesn't get enough credit and is criminally underrated. But all in all, great take!

[@user-ox5cl1bb6t]

You are a true music journalist Grady! Keep up the great work!

[@MichaelMorrison75]

I agree. I’ve been noticing and thinking the same thing for about a year now. I just saw Tyler Childers and there was this overwhelming feeling of how real and special it was. When he has every person in the venue singing along with just him and his acoustic….and when Zach Bryan is selling out a stadium tour, it’s obvious what people are shifting to.

[@Soup.of.Mandrake]

I don’t listen to country music, but this video is great. Loved the historical narrative of it all. 🎉

[@olympian00]

I think we’ll still have to see how Nashville reacts, because in my opinion, they still haven’t really embraced this new era of country. Something In The Orange definitely got airplay, but definitely nothing significant in the grand scheme of the song’s success; the song peaked at #1 on Billboard’s country chart, and #20 on the country airplay chart. And Zach himself has made it very clear numerous times that he doesn’t like the Nashville scene and kind of resents it. Like I don’t think this moment is just gonna change the sound of mainstream country music, I think it has the potential to change almost every aspect of the industry, which I think is a good thing.

[@rjsfarm2534]

Or the CMAs or ACMs for that matter. Will be hard to ignore ZB for entertainer of the year after nearly selling out 59ish arenas/stadiums this morning (would be sold out if prices weren’t jacked)

[@olympian00]

@@rjsfarm2534 Oh yeah you’re right about the award shows. The way he got snubs at the Grammy’s is very indicative of his support within the industry. Pure fan love outweighs all of that in the end. And yeah the sale this morning was kinda crazy, definitely hurt lol

[@avalonaudiovisual]

First time watching your channel, musician of 24 years! In the end, good songs, sung well, will always shine through. No matter what.

[@donteverfckwithmyvibe]

This is a really great video Grady

[@mikebaldino333]

I somehow wasn't familiar with Zach Bryan until this video but just listened through his catalog and he owes Ryan Adams royalties, sounds 110% like his "Heartbreaker" album from 23 years ago.

[@tyscam]

Lol, I just had a similar experience. Pretty derivative to my ears.

[@crazychase98]

Yep that's because the sergil Simpsons, Justin towns earle Cody jinks. Has already passed and they haven't gotten. This strange attention that these guys have. It doesn't feel natural it's been pushed though poltics

[@buffshepherd1540]

I'm British and listen to a LOT of music. Though country music never really reached my ears, until I fell in love with Jason Isbell, then Colter Wall, then Zach Bryan, then Riley Green, then Luke Combs and Tyler Childers and many more. Culturally the music feels so far away, but yet so close with its rawness, expressions of appreciation for the simple things, community, family, nature, and the general resoluteness of life's hardship. I'm loving it. I know very little about country music before these artists.

[@ChaseHopkins.]

I grew up with country music (26) but the last 10+ years have made me hate country music. Zach has brought me back into it.

[@Jdb63]

Wow, I had no idea Sam Barber went viral recently. Last I checked his sings only had like 14k views. Well deserved to that young man