A lot of people think that all country songs are about drinking beer and riding in trucks, which some of them are, I will admit. But, that is not all of them; many of them are soulful and real and beautiful. There are a lot of singers I love, but the ones I respect the most are the songwriters. They are the true artists that write their own music and sing their songs with passion and you feel that connection with them. Here are five of my favorite songwriters that are paving the way in country music.
1. Maren Morris
Maren Morris began writing songs and playing guitar when she was 14 years old and her career hasn't really taken off until now. Before her success with her new album, "Hero," she was living in Nashville, writing songs for other singers like Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. Eventually, the songs she wrote started to become so much her own voice that other artists couldn't sing them and she signed a record deal. She has such a soulful voice and is very ahead of her time being just 26 years old. Even though all the songs are so good on "Hero," my personal favorite is "I Could Use a Love Song."
2. Sam Hunt
If you listen to country music, chances are that you have heard Sam Hunt in the past even before he was famous. He wrote the Kenny Chesney's hit, "Come Over," and the Keith Urban hit, "Cop Car." He is an extremely talented songwriter who has cranked out some great hits off his debut album, "Montevallo," which has become one of my favorite albums ever. His songs are just so catchy and I don't get sick of listening to them. Here is one of my favorites off his album, "Make You Miss Me."
3. Kacey Musgraves
There are a lot of women that are making huge waves in country music which is awesome, and Kacey Musgraves is one of them. Her first album, "Same Trailer Different Park,"is one of my favorite albums which also won the Grammy for Best Country Album in 2014. Her music is really honest and real; it's country, but there are some indie elements about that are so unique. She is the kind of person that just tells it like it is and doesn't take crap from anyone and her music shows that. Here is one of my favorites by her, "Silver Lining."
4. Kelsea Ballerini
Another talented lady that has been having major success lately, Kelsea Ballerini's debut album, "The First Time," has produced three big singles, "Love Me Like You Mean It," "Dibs" and "Peter Pan." She is only 22 years old and is already a big star in country music, with a headlining tour this fall. I love her music because it's catchy and fun, with some twists and turns you wouldn't expect. She delivers each of her songs with honesty and passion. Here is her most recent hit off her album, "Peter Pan."
5. Granger Smith
It turns out Granger Smith has been making music for 10 years now, but wasn't really well known until his hit "Backroad Song" started playing on the radio. He just released his new album "Remington" this year, and it truly is a head to toe country album. He isn't a big name yet but is definitely gaining momentum as a great singer/songwriter. His sweet tenor voice just kind of sweeps you off your feet. Here is his title track "Remington."
