Why Country Music Was Awful in 2013 - Revisited

The biggest video I've ever posted on this channel is 10 years old today. So I just wanted to look at whether it holds up - and how country music has or hasn't changed in the past decade.
New Merch: gradywsmith.myshopify.com
00:00 - Accidentally Going Viral
02:32 - Remembering the 2013 bro country era
06:06 - SPLINTERING - Trends that followed Bro Country
09:27 - Are lyrics still cliche?
10:53 - The state of country now
My Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...
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Instagram: / gradywsmith
Facebook: / gradysmithwriter

[@mc39S686]

I think my favorite thing is Jon Pardi commenting on that video saying "that's not who I am" and then releasing California Sunrise a few years later proving us all wrong. What a legend

[@matthewshirts9523]

Absolutely. He’s my favorite current artist.

[@Jpaparone27]

California Sunrise is GOAT status

[@TheOnlyBraydenLee]

California Sunshine will be in museum one day mark my words.

[@jjolla19]

Everyone get your bets in before watching - how many times will we see a Luke Bryan hip thrust?

[@whifflez1965]

7

[@GradySmith]

Wait, I am so ashamed that I didn't even include one. I should delete the channel.

[@quinnnewman9538]

8

[@hypecity08]

12

[@allenhayesmusic]

Uhhhh uhhhhh 😂

[@brrrrharrr]

this makes me feel old af

[@JunKazamaFan]

How was 2013 ten years ago?!

[@caleblafon11]

Ikr, I graduated in 2013 and will be 30 in 6 months 😭.

[@philipreid2542]

@@caleblafon11 wow, 30, so old

[@EthanJ1005]

The most annoying thing about mainstream country music around this time, is that it so PAINFULLY wanted to be rap music. It wasn’t proud to be country, it wanted to be something else.

[@TheJoeDupree]

Lol

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

It doesn't have any authenticity at all, it's just pop music with twang, it's shite.

[@hawyee0418]

Still does. It’s still too pop

[@jacobpotter2237]

@@hawyee0418Zach Bryan is at the top and he’s far from pop.

[@aaroncarl2493]

​@@jacobpotter2237I wouldn't really consider Zach Bryan true county yes hell put out a song here and there that lyrically hits some country themes ..but if anything I would consider him more folk/singer songwriter. .like to me he's closer to the Lumineers and bon Iver then Blake Shelton....And half his songs feel like i would here them at the newport folk festival

[@immasgomez]

This reminds me of the time when my grandma aggressively changed the country radio station and I was in literal shock! My granny played country music since the day I born and even she was over it in 2013.

[@JunKazamaFan]

Kane Brown's "Worship You" is pure unadulterated cringe.

[@drewdunham6189]

Everything Kane Brown is cringe

[@senderoverland]

Kane brown sucks lol

[@misterspinach8659]

Because he's nothing more than a shat out corporate product with a face, or, as they used to call them, industry plant.

[@becklyn3]

I dont even listen to country radio/streaming but for some reason i enjoy hearing you talk about it and pointing to some bangers i can enjoy. Thanks

[@kristixmichelle]

I grew up on country, but I completely stopped listening to it in the late 2000s. I detest bro country and dislike bf country too. A few years back I heard Chris Stapelton for the first time and my mind was blown. I wanted to find suggestions and thats how I found you! I've found some great artists from your videos, so thanks. I personally like todays sound (Morgan, Chris, Tyler Childers, and Cody Jinks for example) much better than the sound 10 years ago.

[@annmarie3573]

Can I just say this is EXACTLY my trajectory as well, right down to hearing the Chris Stapleton CMA performance and it returning my country passions. 😄 And now I'm a lead singer in a country band and recording my own music! Crazy!

[@ricclark4611]

Cody Jinx, My Fave!

[@devon7118]

Stergill Simpson is a LEGEND!!! Check out “I don’t mind” and the album “cutting grass” they are fantastic

[@jordanjohnston7739]

That video started a revolution.

[@JawnSkiles]

I curse the day you first brought attention to "Doing what we do" now I can never unhear it lol

[@musicandmania]

Thats one of the youtube videos that ignited a spark in me, as did your country is in its Nirvana era.. and ever since I've been writing dissertations to my friends defending (or offending 🤷) country music because I love the yeehaw but I freaking love the analysis of music, and your videos have truly shown me how to do it lol

[@dixonhill1108]

I'm just waiting for that southern rock bit coming out, it's the one thing missing, would love to see some metalheads switching to southern rock(country lite).

[@Letterman0412]

I'd never seen the original video until now but it's so funny to me that it exists because I was working retail at a Dollar General in 2013 with the Top 50 country songs constantly being cycled through in the store and it was painful listening to those songs over and over. They were almost indistinguishable in both lyrics and sound. I'm glad to know that I wasn't the only one suffering through 2013 country music.

[@jacob_coleman25]

Do I miss it? No Was it a time to be alive? Yes

[@6oclocknewsat8]

I think you should do a Top 10 Pre-Bro-Country Songs video. Here are three of them: 1. "Honky-Tonk Badonkadonk by Trace Adkins 2. "Country Boy" by Alan Jackson 3. "Hillbilly Deluxe" by Brooks & Dunn It would be wonderful to hear others that I didn't think of from your POV. Edit comment: Here's another couple Pre-Bro-Country song: "Mud on the Tires" by Brad Paisley "Finally Friday" by George Jones

[@adawfaf3842]

I'm really curious about how many industry people have seen that video. I wouldn't be surprised if the answer was all of them.

[@Lochlann13]

I've loved watching guys like Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, Cody Jinks, and Tyler Childers blow up. Everyone will have a different definition of what "real country" is, but guys like them are bringing it back to life for me.

[@bignickenergy2042]

same!

[@seancomyn4610]

No need to downplay it to be humble, that video changed country music Grady.

[@sarahe.4426]

Your 2013 video brought me to you and to a lot of good music. Thanks for the last 10 years of thoughtful commentary, Grady!

[@Cdyoung15]

I think we can all objectively agree Grady‘s KZbin skills have gotten a whole hell of a lot better since 2013

[@timwang4659]

So fascinating to listen to you talk about this because I listened to country music heavily from 2013-2017 in my formative-ish years and I haven't really listened to it since. The whole genre apparently has changed a lot which surprises me given how homogenous the music was back then. I also feel old now.

[@gavinshickle1814]

I'm glad you've been able to do this because there are a couple people I almost certainly would never have heard of if I had not stumbled upon your channel.

[@brockfehr]

AHHHHHHH!!!! Grady! This yt is important in my country music journey. Thank you. For real. Thank you, Grady.

[@_Katherine_D]

LOVED the little Iris Dement reference! That song was on my mum's mixed tape for the car in the 90s and was my introduction to music

[@18Hongo]

I believe that clip of Iris was from the BBC show "The Transatlantic Sessions", which I was a big fan of. It hosted a range of country singers over its run, including Guy Clark, Roseanne Cash, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Emmylou Harris, Sarah Jarosz, Darrell Scott, and (hardly surprising once you realise that Jerry Douglas was one of the musical directors) Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski. It was definitely more of a folk feel, since it was mainly about showcasing a blend of Scottish, Irish and American folk music, but there was some very niche country being played in there too, right as "bro country" was dominating the mainstream of the genre.

[@kathrynhendricks2264]

I love this 10 year reflection! You’re responsible for introducing me to so many incredible artists. Turnpike, Zach Bryan, Carly Pearce, Ashley Mcbryde, Flatland Calvary and I’m sure so many more! I think this channel helped reinvigorate my love of singer/songwriters and music in general.

[@deegs1749]

Tyler childer

[@IiiiPorter]

Morgan is definitely the new version of bro country, but his lyrics actually have substance and his songs feel like they come from the heart.

[@lizzygrace6322]

You’re so authentic and I love when you yell at us to quit whining 😂

[@Joshgilly94]

Now we need a follow up on the 3 cult/AI/alien robot red head girl country band thing

[@bigbaddaddyo9230]

Honestly these days when it comes to poking fun at country music being the same, I point to Bo Burnham's Country Song 😂

[@jamesrollins1122]

Great retrospective on the changes and similarities in country music over the past decade! Grady, I wonder if you have considered doing a video on KZbin channels like GemsonVHS and WesternAF and KZbin's impact on the country genre? I think those channels are a lot of people's gateways into the country genre and have helped make musicians like Colter Wall, Sierra Ferrell, and Charley Crockett as popular as they are.

[@chris2489001]

You mentioned Brantley Gilbert and he wrote at least 2 songs for Jason Aldean. "Dirt Road Anthem" is probably the most popular one. He also wrote other songs that weren't as popular but great songs with meaningful messages. But as you said, "Bro Country" was what was popular and that most likely affected what was released by Brantley.

[@stevievannailinpalin4583]

Brantley’s first album is a home run. Falls off pretty quickly after. Like almost immediately.

[@NewtBannner]

It was funny to find you again 5 years after I watched your original 2013 video… you used to be a voice against the machine and I loved it!

[@zakomaken3940]

Great video, I think you have a really interesting perspective on country music. What are your thoughts on the resurgence of country and western over the last few years? I was surprised you didn't talk about Colter Wall's album. I kept waiting for it to pop up in a video, but still waiting.

[@jayjackman1793]

can we call you Gravy Smith

[@GradySmith]

Only on Thanksgiving. I'm haunted every year by thinking people are talking to me at the Thanksgiving table only to discover that they, in fact, just want someone to pass the gravy.

[@ZK_Wright]

I actually started listening in 2013 to country like FGL and Aldean along with others, I believe it was a good break up from the normal country but again like you said all the songs were kinda the same.

[@musicandmania]

A true music fan, especially of one particular genre, if you can't acknowledge, pick fun, admire and respect the evolution and artistry within it, are you really a music lover?

[@GradySmith]

I so agree with this. I look at it like I do being a sports fan. You can LOVE a team and say "They played like ass today," and that's actually part of the fun!

[@elsa_g]

The parts you dislike help you identify what about the music really works for you.

[@HateTheGameTX]

I would consider turning to a country station and the first thing you hear is snaps or a clap track as de-evolution

[@raveoreynolds6049]

Keith Urban has been making "boyfriend country" for at least a decade before said era. Maybe his pop stuff isn't your cup of tea, but don't paint it like he's a trend chaser. He has consistently done his own thing his whole career, often to his detriment.

[@Souten66]

Agreed. Making Memories of Us came out in like, 2005, before even bro country lol

[@claytonpatrick5810]

Grady! New video concept! A countdown of best songs that are referencing some make believe song. Such as Luke Bryan “play it again”, Brantley Gilbert “play me that song”. These songs talk about dancing to, singing, or listening to songs without mentioning the song. Once you think about it there’s quite a writing niche there that isn’t talked about much.

[@IvyroseGullwhacker]

I agree that Morgan Wallen is the next "iteration" of bro country. If they were the party, Morgan is the hangover. The days after when you look at your phone or hear stories from your friends and realize the crazy stuff you did while you were drunk. Last Night, Me + All Your Reasons, Whiskey Friends, Born with a Beer in my Hand, etc...Morgan does have a few bangers, but overall, I think he is the "hangover" to Bro-Country's partying.

[@azzz7279]

Morgan Wallen & Luke Combs are def real country artists . Kelsea Ballerini & Maren Morris feel like country pop artists

[@justinking3127]

Morgan wallen is the worst

[@anthonya.torchia396]

Nah this is wrong. I thought this in the beginning but Morgan has an unreal voice and I think he’s on the right path. One thing at a time and everything I love are bangers objectively

[@allychien5421]

discovered your channel the same year i rediscovered country, and watching your channel definitely helped my love grow a lot :))

[@mrmarionmoseby]

Worship you be Kane brown made me ashamed to ever have listened to music.

[@LowgaenSchmidt]

My duo Ember & Oak is just starting to write original lyrics and we're looking at folk/Americana styles. Can't help but wonder how Nashville would take to that influence.

[@etownshawn]

Thanks for keeping my faith in this genre alive the last 10 years man. You're a New Yorker? I did not know that. Same here, homeboy

[@SimplyyLizzie]

I’m also waiting for Kacey to make a part 2 kind of “Pageant Material” album

[@MeiyuAkumano]

I'm happy country music went the way it did, 'cause I love all the different types it can be. Just the right style for the right mood and moment!❤

[@elsa_g]

You were the reason I learned to appreciate country, because you showed me the different flavors and I found some I like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sharing country music with us. :)

[@Turtlesbekool]

That video in 2013 was the first time I felt seen with how I felt about the state of country music, since all my friends loved it then. Been following ever since. You’re one of my favorite KZbin follows, dude!! Thanks for what you do

[@foturkey2738]

Could you create a video focusing on indie/folk bands such as Big Thief? While I understand it's not exactly country, folk shares roots with country, and it's a significant presence in the indie scene. These indie bands, like Big Thief, often intersect with artists such as Vincent Neil Emerson, showcasing moments of raw, stripped-down approaches to folk and country styles.

[@aaronsinclair6821]

Thanks for 10 years of great content! The best is still ahead!

[@TheeBizzyB]

Pretty sure that was the first video of yours I ever saw. Been watching your content consistently ever since.

[@Pietop]

I watched that video 10 years ago when it came out and it started a friendly yet highly passionate argument with all of us at college that went late into the night. Good times, thanks for making a follow up to that video 👍

[@CryerMobileDetailing]

My wife and I love your videos Grady. Keep up the great work 💪🏻💪🏻

[@coreyswan4747]

Well personally if we’re talking about memorable country albums, I think we can agree that Blake Sheltons Based On A True Story and Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party albums were the best of the year, that was when they both were in their best prime of singing and hits, and personally I think it was Luke’s last decent actual country album, and arguably Blake’s best album all around, everything else was jus kinda there but those two saved the year

[@Awesomoso]

That video even got mentioned in Spectrum Pulse's bro-country video!

[@MusicOrLoseItTV]

Cool reference. I saw that too

[@GrantH]

It’s so weird to think of Bro Country as being in the context of a bygone era now. Its influence still lingers in the broader context of mainstream country, but enough time has passed that now we can fully reflect on it. It’s kind of surreal.

[@lazaroleonardo8947]

Pageant Material... there aren't enough words to describe this album.. To me "Fine" is country perfection, one of my favorite songs in the world

[@ValkornGaming]

Yo Id love to hear your opinion on some of the Canadian country artist. I like the way you talk about all these different types of artist but I hardly hear you reference any artist like Tyler joe miller, Dallas smith, James barker band, jade eagleson, Andrew Hyatt, people like that, Itd be cool to hear your thoughts on them.

[@cavscout678]

Ian Tyson and Corb Lund. The only legends that matter lol.

[@DanielBerrios93]

Oh God, you got my subscription with the Pageant Material comment. I love it.

[@caleblafon11]

Honestly, I’ve always gravitated more towards the traditional country sound, so I’m happy there is more traditional sounding country now than 10 years ago. I will admit though that there are some bro country songs that I like.

[@joshuahahn493]

Wasn't expecting an Iris Demint shoutout but pleasantly surprised.

[@apallok54]

Hank 3 warned us about pop country in the early 2000s. Wish everybody would have listened

[@user-bl2yf9bu9d]

love the vids brother

[@namithalakhandi3319]

Grady, I started listening to country music because of this channel way back in 2013. And love to see you doing what you're doing haha :p

[@paulgomez8679]

1000% agree on wanting a Kacey country music comeback

[@shane_rm1025]

Check out Sierra Ferrell

[@wissemjaubert]

It means I've been watching you for the last 10 years... Damn it did not feel that long... Happy to see where you are at now !

[@JasmineKot]

Holy wow! I can't believe I've been watching your stuff for 10 years. I remember watching that video at the end of 2013.

[@benny4162]

Thank you for introducing me to Iris DeMent. Let the Mystery be is beautiful. I think I should try rum raisin next time I go out for ice cream.

[@ZaneTrain92]

It's funny how music evolves over time and perceptions seem to change. For me, looking back, 90s country will probably always be my favorite genre. But my father told me that 90s country was looked at as kind of a "pop country" when it first started out.

[@Zayphar]

The lyric video was the one that brought me to add you to my subscribed list.

[@jordangamesvlogs9892]

If Iris Dement is the rum raisin of the ice cream shop then I really like rum raisin... Thank you for introducing me to her.

[@mjlamey1066]

Saw that Eric Church picture in the background and didn't realize it was a picture and thought Grady was about to get got.

[@collinmurr3207]

As a big fan of both rum raisin and Iris DeMent, I appreciated the shoutout. Great video!

[@Ewaddoups1227]

Can you do a review on some of John mayers albums that have been more country based and some of the songs that have been like that, for example, dear Marie, whiskey whiskey whiskey, in the blood, born and raised, abode days, etc.., I think that would be a very interesting idea idea and a little outside of the norm in a good way

[@Abax77]

Still gotta admit those were some jams in 2013

[@josephpisacano4470]

Would love to hear your opinion of Tanner Adell. She's kinda part of this branching of country in the 20s

[@maxhutchison1121]

My biggest problem with bro country was that it didn’t represent the cultural side of country well. To your point, that’s easier to take when other people do represent that side.

[@ryancarey8784]

I’ve been saying for years country music needs more variety. I miss the days you’d hear Shania Twain one minute and George Straight the next. It keeps things interesting. I feel like some of that is starting to return to country music again and I love it!

[@comercole1940]

Congrats man!!

[@gabrielwalski5788]

I just listened to Kasey’s new album then watched this… curious what you think of the new stuff, I found it very pleasant.

[@rainapederson5426]

Can you make a video talking about the “second coming” of bro country? What’s different about it? What’s the same? Also, what country sub genre would you put Hardy in? Are we considering him country still? 🤔

[@kalebridenour7522]

These videos give me a sense of panic, like i know nothing is real but this just proves it.

[@TheEclecticBeard]

On the independent side of things, thanks to Oliver Anthony, I think more folks are paying attention to channels like radiowv that put out videos from country/ folk/ bluegrass/ authentic artists to find artists outside of country radio to add to their playlists.

[@DreadPathZone]

Ooooo a throwback!

[@lilymartin5039]

What are your thoughts on the “nostalgia covers” of older songs like Fast Car? I think they’re cool but they’re starting to feel lazy idk

[@erikheddergott5514]

It can‘t have been that bad coz that was when I learned about Kacey Musgraves and orderd an Import by my Country Dealer. And yes, I bought Pagent Material immediately and I love it.

[@pennyandwoody]

I was done with country music back in 2012 when Blake Shelton released the chew tobacca spit song.

[@alexmaurice4274]

2013 stuff felt like just “fun” but not as much soul

[@PleebsOG]

Not that exact year but around 2013 I loved Easton Corbin & Frankie Ballard.

[@kawaiisis86]

I remember watching this when I lived in Korea and I cracked tf. I was looking for some hot country songs at the time and found your video and I was like aaaaah duh! 😅

[@2fuzy]

Remember seeing Johnny cash , Mel Tillis , Waylon and many more I also remember seeing a ford commercial masquerading as a Toby Kieth concert and it is the same old problem money ruins things

[@dailylifewithsteve4460]

Missed your videos after a month and a half I joined the army finally am home for holiday bloc leave then gotta go back I’m gonna rewatch some

[@dgvprincess7187]

This era will have a special spot in my heart forever. I remember buying my first two cds at walmart in 2013. They were Here's To The Good Times by Florida Georgia Line and Red by Taylor Swift.

[@liamaumack6326]

I’ve been subbed for a couple years and i haven’t seen you for a couple years.

[@mattpardy2826]

Turnpike, Sierra Ferrell, and Tyler Childers are my favorite current country artists by far

[@XMguy]

I like David Nail, and Hey Girl by Billy Currington. Also Neon as a lyric. We forgetting Alan Jackson. lol Also Dig that. Eric Church painting.

[@jamesnoles7090]

Seeing Southeastern at the top of your 2013 list just earned a sub! Looking forward to watching more of your content.

[@WrecklessEnterainment]

I definitely remember watching that video a long time ago. Country has gotten to be a very big and influential genre the last couple years which is really surprising. Not that long ago Morgan Wallen had like 15 songs on the billboard hot 100 and he held the top 3 spots which was nuts lol

[@stevenorton1]

I have been on the rum raisin train the last year or so, it's so good. First, because rum is delicious and rum and vanilla and raisins go well together. But more than that, the little bit of booze makes it stay almost the consistency of soft serve regardless of how long it has been in the freezer. You take it out and it is ready to go.

[@billyswaggin]

You forgot how all the country people are talking about their “holler” and how its drying up

[@818deadboys]

Charlie Crockett, Jesse Daniel, earlier Colter Wall, Vincent Neil Emerson... some good ones out today, they are worth noting. True revival sounds

[@TenThumbsProductions]

You should argue that first video is fair use because it is.