I used to hate country. I just got sick of all the country my mother listened to in the late 60’s.
Then I met my wife, who loves country music, in 1997. It forced me to listen and, guess what? I really like a lot of it now. The thing that really sets it apart is the lyrics.
Some of my favorite lines: “I’m waitin’ on the sunset ‘cause yesterday ain’t over yet”, and “Some girls don’t like boys like me. Aw, but some girls do.
And Take a listen to “What was I thinkin’”. I practically lived that song.
But I’m not really a fan of “bro’ country”.
I recently “discovered” the Eagles and realized I used to hate them because they are not rock. They are really more country.
Glenn Frey really got in to the country style and did some great things. I think J.D. Souther “turned him on” to country. Eagles have been my favorite group forever. Hate the politics of Don Henley and Frey, though. Not sure about the others.