4 Modern Country Songs That Changed the Genre’s Trajectory

Every once in a while, a song will come along and completely blow all expectations out of the water. There have been several such songs in modern country music. Check out four of them, below.

4 Modern Country Songs That Changed the Genre’s Trajectory

1. “Cruise” (Florida Georgia Line)

Florida Georgia Line didn’t solely start the “Bro Country” movement, but their song “Cruise” placed it firmly on the minds of country fans everywhere. This infectious anthem about a slow summertime romance is the epitome of the sub-genre. Countless artists would follow in FGL’s footsteps after this song soared to impossible heights of fame.

Baby you’re a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Down a back road blowin’ stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you
In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit

2. “Follow Your Arrow” (Kacey Musgraves)

Critics of country music have long slighted the genre for its limited worldview. While there are certainly a plethora of fans that disagree with that idea, no one can deny that Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow” was a marvel. In the lyrics, Musgraves tackled some progressive thoughts on sexuality, femininity and masculinity, drugs, and more. With the help of Musgraves’ trailblazing efforts, more country artists than ever are leading with a sense of acceptance.

So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls, if that’s something you’re into
When the straight and narrow gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint, or don’t

[RELATED: Kacey Musgraves Honors Mentor John Prine in Psychedelic “Cardinal” Music Video]

3. “Girl in a Country Song” (Maddie & Tae)

In a similar vein, Maddie & Tae’s “Girl in a Country Song” challenged some chauvinistic conventions of the genre. The duo made references to specific songs and artists, chiding them for using women as props in their lyrics. This song likely opened the eyes of many musicians and fans alike to a practice that was doing more harm than good.

Bein’ the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we’re good for is lookin’ good for
You and your friends on the weekend, nothin’ more
We used to get a little respect

4. “Jolene” (Beyoncé)

Lastly, we have Beyoncé‘s version of “Jolene.” By making a country leaning album, Beyoncé challenged what the world considers a modern country artist to be. She made this Dolly Parton classic her own, ultimately paving the way for future generations of artists who mix country with pop inclinations.

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA)