I don't see anything wrong with any artist/band changing genre! I mean, everyone grows in life + tastes grow with us, so why not try something a bit different + see how it plays out?!

Change is a wonderful thing + we shouldn't back away from it so easily!

xx

There are so many pop singers who switch to country music when they can't make it in the pop world. I am a closet fan of country music, but I'm still always so surprised to hear what a HUGE industry it is!

 

 

www.simplyqueer.com

I don't think it is so much a case of genre switching as it is a case of the genre expanding.  Country music has turned into pop music over the last decade.  There seems to be a schism in country where, on one hand, you have the oldsters doing the 'my wife left me in my trailer with my dog and a six pack' music and then the newer artists who, if they didn't call themselves country, would just be considered pop singers by most people.  

I think pop music has been taken over by more of an electronic sound and tenny bopper, bubble gum singers and groups.  We need to form a new genre for those left homeless by this.  Maybe something like ballad rock or something. 

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.  - Nin

Michelle Branch never should have went  country :P I have the album (just like I have all of her pop albums) but I am so happy to hear she is doing a solo album again  (jessica harp adds nothing) but Im not sure if it is going to be more of her old style pop acoustic stuff or the country. I'm crossing my fingers for the first one!

I agree that popular music has gotten "urban" as quoted but there are lots of us who still love singer-songwriters and all kinds of music that isnt "mainstream" who would rather pull their ears off with pliars than listen to country. (Like me!).

  Its kind of a bummer really. Its still assumed, I think, that just because they dont play it on the radio it makes them unsucessful or bad.  That is the really great thing about music and the internet... its not all about whats mainstream and "popular" (gets the most radio-play) anymore. :) Most of my favorite bands I've never heard on the radio.

I think she is extremely untalented, but I think this will be a great move for her. I just think country music will be easier for her to get away with. People will eat it up. TsC

 I don't see Jessica Simpson doing that well in country music either but she may shock me. I'm not into country music. When I think of country music, I think of George Strait. I think Faith Hill and Shania Twain fit more into pop music than country

*raises hand*  I'm a big country fan too.

I was surprised when I heard Jessica's first single...it wasn't too bad.

I think that it made sense for Jewel to make a country albumn because the kind of music she has always done.  I absolutely love her single, "Stronger Woman".  It has a really cool message to it and was a perfect pick as the first single.  If you haven't had a chance to listen to it check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EPyWfrqwXc

It's not a particularly huge move to country for Jewel, especially considering some of her earlier albums like 'This Way'. That album has a strong country feel. It will be the first time her work has been officially 'genred' country though I suppose.

As a country girl, I love country music. I think the whole stereotype of country being all twang, dogs running away (i'm pretty sure there's not one country song all about a dog running away), and heartache is getting really cliched. I mean really, there's not many hit songs that aren't about love. Country is more than just music. Some of the greatest story tellers are country singers; Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Strait, and yes...Willie Nelson. Some country singers are in no way great vocalist but people admire the stories and words behind their voices. If ever have a feeling and aren't quite sure how to put it into words...listen to some country.

Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Jewel and Jessica Simpson...pop? country? does it matter? their voices and talent doesn't change, maybe their style and their perspective does. maybe this "genre" just relfects their recent lives more. maybe they're just following in the footsteps of the people who've touch their lives or inspired them in some way. Enough with the maybes, they obviously did it for a reason. I give them the respect they deserve for doing what they want and not giving into the labels people put on them.  

I'm not dissing JT, Madonna, Kanye West, Chris Brown, etc. I love their music too.

The line between country and pop has always been blurred. I mean... just look at Elvis. I always laugh when I hear hardcore mainstream country fans complain about the pop influence in country music these days because it's nearly always been there. It just so happens that pop music has changed as much over time as country has, therefore resulting in a different sound for both genres. And, to be fair, the influence often goes both ways, with pop artists borrowing elements of country (this may be more rare in mainstream music, but definitely obvious in a lot of independent rock/pop).

 

Oh... and... um... Michelle Branch is my guilty pleasure. :)

When I was growing up in the 70's, I heard all genres on the radio, including Country. It was on tv with Cash's show, and even Hee Haw, for goodness' sake! Lyn Anderson's Rose Garden was a huge hit and was played regularly alongside every other pop/rock star.

Fact is, as ahh cool says, pop and country have always had a symbiotic relationship. Some of the best music ever was in the rockabilly style played by Elvis, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson and countless others.

Country today has evolved. Personally I love me some twanging guitars, a fiddle and pedal steel. But what sells are the Chesney's of the world. Not complaining...I love the guy. I really wish radio would stop segregating music. Stations will play Buffett's Margaritaville til the cows come home, but would never think to play Kenny's "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem"  or "Shift Work" which follows (copies?) that style.

I think for singer/songwriters like Jewel and Michelle, country is a natural progression. But I do think some artists use it as a way back into the limelight. I think Jessica would be a prime example. Bobby Brown doing it is ridiculous. Snoop? I actually think his trying it out is ok. But the man's a rapper...he won't abandon that. Shiit, even Nelly teamed up with Tim McGraw. Nelly's from the midwest so you know he's heard country all his life.

Jewel is right in her assertion that pop is so predominantly urban and the disenfranchised are turning to country. I speak first hand, because while I have always loved country I have always been more into other stuff. But about 5 years ago I rediscovered it and it is the genre of most of my musical purchases/downloads.

A band like Rascal Flatts is a country band, but really, they are more pop. But just go to the bands board on cmt.com and read how adamant the fans are about how country they are.

Angie baby06, I am so with you. On everything you said. If it's good, I will listen and groove. If it's not, then I respectfully decline.

Bottom line, country is all about the lyric, for the most part. It's been called the White Man's Blues. I believe that. Country, Blues and Rock. They feed off each other. Just listen to Ray Charles' Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. It is the perfect combo of styles.