Review by Amy Blizzard
It cannot be denied that country music has changed by leaps and bounds over the years. No longer is a heavy dosage of twang necessary for a song to become a hit on the radio. However, there are still several hallmarks imprinted on the heart of country music that remain such as: storytelling, honesty and a personal connection to the fans who dearly love it.
It is those special and long-lasting traits that Brad Paisley is reverently paying tribute to in his new single ‘This is Country Music’. The song, which is scheduled to appear on Paisley’s new album next spring, was first revealed to the public on the CMAs (where the singer subsequently received his first win for ‘Entertainer of the Year’).
Stripped of the overtly electronic glamor and pizazz that frequently glosses over most mainstream, modern music ‘This is Country Music’ relies on the traditional, beloved basics without being a complete throwback. Brad Paisley’s impressive skills as a guitarist are particularly highlighted in the arrangement.
Lyrically, the song touches upon the idiosyncrasies and idioms which the genre fearlessly does not veer away from like: patriotism, drinking, disease and death. Along the way a bit of a lighthearted touch is tossed in via references to telling off a boss or singing about tractors or trucks. Fittingly, a small portion of the content is dedicated to celebrating memorable song titles from country legends including: Conway Twitty, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and Johnny Cash.
When first hearing of the concept for ‘This is Country Music’, it is easy to expect a contrived, cheesy or sappy song that is banking on the talent of yesteryear. But Brad Paisley holds his own with a smooth vocal that is genuine and sincere, at times he even comes across as a fan himself instead of a well-known recording artist.
More On Brad Paisley’s new single
AOL Radio Blog likes “This Is Country Music” | Country Universe gives it a C rating
Brad Paisley “This Is Country Music” Lyrics
You’re not supposed to say the word “cancer” in a song.
And telling folks Jesus is the answer can rub ‘em wrong.
It ain’t hip to sing about tractors, trucks, little towns, and mama, yeah that might be true.
But this is country music and we do
Well you like to drink a cold one on the weekend and get a little loud
Do you wanna say I’m sorry or I love ya but you don’t know how?
Do you wish somebody had the nerve to tell that stupid boss of yours
to shove it next time he yells at you?
Well this is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Yeah this is country music.
Are you haunted by the echo of your mother on the phone
Crying as she tells you that your brother is not coming home?
And if there’s anyone that still has pride and the memory of those
that died defending the old red, white, and blue,
This is country music and we do
So turn it on, turn it up, and sing a long
This is real; this is your life in a song
Just like a road that takes you home
Yeah this is right where you belong
This is country music
This is country music
He Stop Loving Her Today
Hello Darling
God Bless the USA
Amarillo by the Morning
Stand by your Man
Take Me Home
I Walk the Line
Country Boy Can Survive
