Mark Chesnutt Has Nothing Against Taylor Swift, But….
When your career's not skyrocketing quite the way you planned, you have two choices. You can go with the flow and hope to ride the coattails of change. Or you can sound off about sticking to your roots, no matter how bitter it makes you seem. Mark Chesnutt, 45, chose the latter when he told the Salt Lake Tribune that popular country music has turned away from classic country. And of Taylor Swift, he said, "Nothing against her, but Taylor Swift is not traditional." The singer best known for some biggies in the '90s also admitted that "Nashville is signing the youngest kids they can, leaving a void in traditional country music," and that to find his albums in a store, "You just have to dig behind the Kenny Chesney albums." I always liked Chesnutt, but now that he's taken to badmouthing other country artists, it may be a little too late and he may be a little too wrong.
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Racedriven says:
That’s interesting, what a way to get alot of country music fans mad at you, just say something negitive about Taylor Swift, why don’t he just say something about Carrie Underwood too…that will really get peoples attention.
Its the fans that choose whos hot and whos not, buying the Albums (CD), downloading music, buying the tickets to the concerts, buying just about anything that the artist puts out, I love listening to Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood and they are both amazing, Taylor has her own sound and by the way, she is country.
Just for the record, I don’t listen to Mark Chesnutt, but Kenny Chesney is good. What about Alan Jackson or Garth Brooks, aren’t they traditional country music? I listen to them too.
Brody says:
Unless I’m missing something, Taylor Swift isn’t traditional, so I don’t see how his comments constitute badmouthing or negativity.
JT says:
Amen Mark Chestnut. The fact also is that Taylor Swift cannot even sing on key. Her writing, even though is age appropriate, is bumble gum lyrics. She should not even be singing country music. She should be sing for the Disney Channel.
Josh says:
Mark Chesnutt is dead on. And I don’t see him badmouthing anyone.
Jessica says:
he has a point..i mean she is popular but she doesnt sound country and she cant sing tradicional country songs
K says:
Wow, that’s harsh. Whether Chesnutt has been paying attention or not remains to be seen. Country has been given the new “pop” sound ever since the late 90’s, why is he choosing to speak out against it now?
And, artists with the newer country sound have brought millions of fans to a genre that would otherwise go unoticed. No, people who listen to the likes of Taylor, Carrie, Flatts, ect probably don’t have a clue who Johhny Cash is…but they’re still listening to today’s country music by all means.
All things in the world, wether it be actors, genres of music, movies, ect need to evolve and change. How boring would it be if every male in today’s country sounded like Johnny Cash, every female sounded like Lorreta Lynn, and every band sounded like Alabama? There would be nothing exciting, and people would stop listening to the music. But, that hasn’t happened because of artists like Underwood, Swift, ect.
Chesnutt’s comments were not only distastful and rude, but ironic considering what a role Swift is on right now. He insulted a girl who’s been on the covers of Rolling Stone, 17, Cosmo, won industry awards and given exposure to the genre by being on shows that won’t even touch tarditional country artists (TRL, MTV, ect)
I’m not saying that all these “non- country” accomplishments that Swift has had are any country artists goal. I’m just saying that, by having an artist like Swift who is popular enough to be invited on shows that aren’t geared towards country fans, she is bringing potential new fans to the genre each time an oppertunity like that happens.
I am not a Swift fan, but I respect all the people she has brought to the genre. I know dozens of people who say “I hate country music, but I love Taylor Swift!” Or, “I hate country music, but I love Carrie Underwood!” Sometimes when people discover one (or two) artists in a genre that they like, they become fans of another artist they didn’t even know existed. Even if fans are wild about one artist but still don’t like the genre as a whole, they are still exposed to other country artists along the way.
I know a lot of older country artists are not a fan of newer country, but I feel they should at least be respectful of the artists who heightened the genres popularity over the last few years. Mark is entitled to his opinion though, so I’ll just leave it at that.
This is not tarditional country, but the genre would be nowhere without the new artists. It is a shame some artists don’t respect that.
Blake says:
Chesnutt’s comments about Swift are in reference to the industry that has helped launch her, not a personal attack on Swift or her music. The Chesney remark isn’t a slight on Chesney; “Chesnutt” comes after “Chesney” on the alphabetically-organized record shelves, and given Chesney’s success in the last decade, there are probably quite a few of his albums available in retail stores.
lorendasue says:
Mark Chesnutt is absolutely correct in his statements regarding what mainstream commercial country music is today. It’s not the traditional style that he performs. It’s OK that there are different styles in country music. As someone becomes a new consumer in the genre, they will hear not only what brought them to it, but all the other styles as well - some of which they may also like. There was a time when using drums or an electric guitar was considered “not traditional” country music. The major record companies in country music have always sought out artists who they believe can sell a bazillion records - thus making them money. Today the record companies believe that their interest in making money is best served by young pretty blondes and Jonas Brothers look-alikes. In today’s environment, however, consumers who like the traditional sounds of Mark Chesnutt don’t have to be dependent on radio or retail stores to find it. The internet is only a few clicks away.
Samantha says:
I’m sorry but Carrie Underwood has the most amazing voice in the world, and I look up to Taylor Swift not choosing the pop side (ex. Rhianna, Britney Spears), and going with the party scene. Country music needed a teen for all the teens who like Country Music. In the 90’s, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill had a little pop in them. I know Country is drifting away from its roots, but I just don’t see country for its steel guitar or its twang thing. To me country music is talking about life, life experiences, living, god, loving, family, relationships.
Pop and Hip-Hop just talk about “Sex” most of the time, and the “party scene”. I relate to a lot of country music including Taylor’s and Carrie’s. I love Taylor’s Songwriting, and I love Carrie’s, Martina’s, and Faith’s voice. I think all four females have talent, and I am glad they are in country music today. I look up them. I don’t look up to Britney Spears and the whole Pop and Hip-Hop scene. I am glad all four of them didn’t go through that route.
Andrew says:
I don’t think Mark sounds bitter at all, because he’s right. The industry is focusing on pop singers like Swift and Carrie Underwood while ignoring people like Mark who are actually country.
Melissa says:
I agree with K, and Samantha.
casey says:
Samantha . . . Taylor has chosen the pop side! Why do you think she has remixed everyone of her singles and released them on pop radio? And why is her label know selling her as the next INTERNATIONAL POP STAR! Taylor is grabbing headlines just like the pop stars you mentioned. You may relate to her music, but the fact still remains her vocals are awful and she will sell herself in any light to sell records and remain in the spotlight.
I may just go out an buy every Mark Chestnut records I can find. Thank you Mark, for saying what many people are thinking!
alex says:
Consider the person who started the blog . . . of course, anyone who would make this statement would be slammed!
~K says:
Taylor may not be traditional but she is good. Her lyrics reach out to people and give them something to relate to. And isn’t that really what country music is about? Life put to music? Just b/c singers are cross overs means nothing. Bridging the gap. And of course tradtional country music is going to change b/c all things do. What’s traditonal today, 10 years from now won’t be tradtional anymore. Industries grow and change that’s how it is. Whether or not ppl chose to buy your music is a personal choice. People have diff. opinions demostrated here perfectly. :)
Alyssa says:
I am sorry, but I think Mark’s music is boring and he is just jealous. Newer artists today have brought millions of fans to country music. I did not know who Johnny Cash or George Strait was before I listened to country music, and now I love their music. Carrie Underwood has an amazing voice and has been working her butt off this whole year. She deserves the credit.
marie says:
Mark’s music relates to more than just relationship anxious teenagers, and has grown through the years like he has. Both of Taylor’s albums sound exactly the same, no variation on themes and no growth or improvement on that god awful voice.
I agree with Casey, and may go out and buy some Mark Chestnut albums.
Ham says:
What I am not getting about the blog is the comment about riding the coattails of change. Is this supposed to be a suggestion that Mark should go pop like Taylor? hmm - well at least the Grammy’s have enough sense to still honor country music even if the CMT/MTV paid bloggers don’t.
hotelmotel says:
I used to be a big Chesnutt fan, but his music has grown really stale lately. Since 1997 he has released only 2 good albums (Thank God For Believers from 1997) and Saving the Honky Tonk (from 2004). And those albums, though good, are by no means classics.
Chesnutt is right - Taylor Swift is pop music. That said, Chesnutt isn’t bringing anything to the table at this point in his career.Chesnutt’s recent single “Come on in (The Whiskey’s Fine) is worse than anything Swift has released to radio. And that’s saying something because Swift has released some absolute junk.
And I’d say that despite Chesnutt’s invoking the mantle of traditionalism, he has recorded his share of pop songs too. Some of his biggest hits - “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” “Almost Goodbye,” and “She Dreams,” are basically pop songs with a steel guitar thrown in.
Its time to put Chesnutt out to pasture.
amucomm says:
Chesnutt is absolutely right. What’s coming out of Nashville these days has nothing to do with country music at all. Taylor Swift is not different than Britney Spears, there is no quality to that kind of music - it’s all homogenized, characterless, boring ear noise. And look at how long careers in the music business (almost every genre) still last. You get your 15 minutes and you are out of here. Compare that to the recording careers of a Loretta Lynn or a Merle Haggard. And yes their music had substance. And so does Mark Chesnutt’s.
Sarah says:
To me, it does sound a little like Mark Chesnutt is being a little bitter. Yeah, he’s not been super successful recently. Maybe it’s him…
He doesn’t exactly have a legit argument here to say that country music has turned away from classic country & turned to younger stars. George Strait, Alan Jackson, & Garth Brooks anyone? They’re some of country music’s most successful singers right now. Some other of country music’s most popular & best-selling singers right now are in their 40s [Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill]. And what about new artists like the Zac Brown Band & Jamey Johnson, who are currently very successful & are singing more traditional music. Just because younger stars [Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood] are doing wonderfully in the business doesn’t mean that country music is turning away. It just means that they’re changing the face of country music in some ways. And what’s wrong with a little change? I, for one, love all of the artists I’ve mentioned in this post. And I am so proud of the fact that some people like Taylor Swift are bringing people into the industry that wouldn’t have liked it that much before. Kudos to Carrie & Taylor for being themselves & expanding their horizons! And kudos to the other folks, who are also being themselves & being successful!
Good luck to Mark Chesnutt, I hope things start working out better for him.
TITANSFAN says:
MAYBE CHESTNUT NEEDS ASK TAYLOR TO WRITE MUSIC FOR HIM CONSIDERING HIS MUSIC CAREER GOING NOWHERE!!!! HA! HA!
CJ says:
When you tell the truth it is not bashing anyone. No one wants to hear the truth anymore. Mark was right on. He did and does sing Country songs. The way country should be sung. A lot of stars feel this way but afraid to say it. Congrats Mark for being honest.
K says:
What has Mark done for country? Nothing, as far as I can tell. So, he had a few successful singles back in the 90s, and obviously a few successful albums. Tell me again what is so special about that? He has broken no records, hasn’t had a successful single in years, and has no crossover fans listening to his music.
Right now, there are several huge artists bringing fans to country. The only huge, superstar artist back in Mark’s time was Garth. Take Carrie, Taylor, and the Flatts for examples of what these three artists are bringing to the genre.
Between them they’ve sold 29 million albums, had dozens of top ten hits, played to over 3 million fans (that’s Carrie and the Flatts combined).
Carrie alone has over 30 industry awards for “Before He Cheats.” The Flatts have won group of the year six times, tying with the legendary Statler Brothers. Not to mention they have gotten exposure on dozens of non-country awards shows, and won dozens of all-genre awards. That goes for Carrie and Taylor as well.
All of these artists have had multiple number one albums on Bilboard’s chart of all genres, and all these artists have had multiple number one singles on Bilboard’s chart of all genres. Taylor has broken records for her songwriting (first female to write or co-write all songs on debut album, Flatts have broken album records (second country act besides DC to have an all genre number one album, number one album of 04, biggest selling album of 06, not to mention they’ve broken several touring records) Carrie played to over one million people and has sold nine million albums in two years. She had the bestselling album by a solo female country artist of ALL TIME, and she became the youngest member of the Opry.
How Mark can sit on his high horse and insult Taylor like that is unthinkable, not to mention a slap in the face to all other artists. Mark has done nothing for country music, while the three artists I mentioned above have changed the history and face of it.
Dan M. says:
Seriously, Alison?
Since when does pointing out that Taylor Swift is “not traditional” - especially when that’s prefaced by “nothing against her” - constitute anything like badmouthing? It sounds more like very basic musical analysis to me. “Love Story” doesn’t sound like “Coal Miner’s Daughter”; that’s not an insult to it, it’s just a fact, one which anyone with even a passing knowledge of country music’s history could figure out. The only way you could possibly take it as “badmouthing” is if you ASSUME that Chestnutt implicitly looks down on every artist who he deems “not traditional” - again, despite his saying he has nothing against her. I think your expressed reaction to his remarks is based a lot more on your own knee-jerk defense of contemporary country (which I have no beef with, incidentally) than on any logical consideration of what he said. You’re welcome to assume whatever you want about Chestnutt, of course, but publishing a completely unsupported, presumptuous character attack on a popular website as you have here strikes me as very bad journalism indeed.
Andrew says:
K:
You are looking at this the wrong way. Bringing people in and selling albums is not a good measure of what he’s done for country. That’s like saying Jessica Simpson is doing a lot for country because she might bring both of her fans over. It doesn’t do any good to promote a genre if you have to abandon its roots to begin with. Sadly, George Strait’s ‘Murder on Music Row’ seems to be becoming more prophetic every day.
Kevin says:
Mark is entitled to his opinion just like the rest of us are. So I have no problem with him saying what he said. Also, I doubt that Mark will lose many (if any) fans over his comments about Taylor. He just said the same thing that alot of people on here and other places have already said about Taylor and some other artists on the country charts these days. I think it comes down to the fact that people take alot of pride in the music that they like. I cannot say for sure, but I would guess that Mark feels like people are missing out on SO much good music because they are so wrapped up in Taylor Swift mania. I dont think he has any hard feelings toward Taylor for taking the opportunity that has presented itself to her.
Sam says:
With all of Kenny Chesney’s success i’m surprized Mark chesnutt’s has any album behind chesney at all! taylor swift and Kenny chesney are two of the biggest country stars ever! Kenny chesney is entertainer of the year. I don’t see Mark chesnutt with that.
PD says:
Everyone her is mising the point TAYLOR SWIFT CAN’T SING……
countryiscool says:
PD, princesses don’t have to be able to sing, their adoring public don’t care, they just buy it up because they are media mesmerized.
Kellianne says:
I can’t really say anything against what he said as I personally see nothing wrong with it.
However reading some of these comments and being 13 and a Taylor fan myself he is right that Taylor may not be a “traditional” country artist who is these days with all the lip syncing technology? It’s hard to be traditional with all of the studios having technical advantages to what country music used to be.
I know it’s hard to belive a 13 year old is saying this but I do listen to the real what is said to be traditional country music. Nowdays, it’s hardly possible that only a few artists stay traditional because of the technology. It’s hard to stay the same.
OLIVER says:
What would the response be if Alan Jackson made the same remark as Mark Chestnut? My question is- Why should country music be changed? I agree with Andrew 100%.
Kaiti says:
What is this guys problem? Has he ever heard of CHANGE? Practically everything nowadays is changing and becoming more modern, and it includes music! I LOVE Taylor Swift! She is my absolute favorite! How can he expect people to go along with this when he is badmouthing the most popular person in country music right now! My god. Yea, why don’t you badmouth Carrie Underwood while your at it. People would love that…*total sarcasm*.
This guy has a serious problem. He better get his act together. I don’t know who he is, but I hate him now.
amucomm says:
PD & countryiscool - you are right on.
But look where we are commenting. On CMT’s blog. CMT is owned and operated by MTV networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, which is majority owned by the Redstone family. Their interest is not in the integrity of the product, but in the mass production of it, appealing to lowest common denominator.
And go look at Alison Bonaguro’s bio on her website, she’s into country music for a merely 20 years and started out with tapes of Garth Brooks, meaning that in 1989, she was still listening to a Walkman, at a time where I was already recording my radio shows on a $ 13′000 Studer CD burner.
Thanks to the internet it is still possible though to actually find and promote music with substance. And yes there are excellent blogs around, where you may actually find about country music.
Just not here.
destiny. says:
This boy’s just jealous because noone likes him, and we all love taylor swift! he seriously has nothing better to do than put down great new country artists? whats his deal?
He aint cute.
Luvncountry says:
Change does not always equate to better, sorry. And you’re right amucomm, most of these posters date themselves AFTER Garth so they have no clue what “country” is. MTV/CMT, what’s the difference? None.
Shea says:
Mark does sound a little bitter, IMO, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Yes, country as a genre has changed, but it’s roots are still there. Look at George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Alan Jackson. All have been around for decades and are considered “traditional” country music, but they’re still going strong. Just because Taylor only sings about boys and fairytales doesn’t mean she should be a Disney Star. Taylor just turned 19, and she sings about what girls her age know. So maybe she does pertain to a broader audience of people than Mark Chesnutt does, or ever has, but that gave him no right to say this. It’s time for you all to wake up and smell the roses…COUNTRY MUSIC HAS CHANGED. And they’re making more room for country artists with a pop twist like Taylor and Carrie (even though I don’t like her personally). Even Kenny Chesney’s latest single isn’t traditional country. It has a reggae vibe, but does anyone care about that? No. I honestly think Mark Chesnutt is jealous of the exposure Taylor is getting and only wishes he could’ve reached that point of fame himself.
countryiscool says:
Ditto to CIC,and amu. That is not to say I don’t like any of the “now” artists, I do; Carrie, Garth too, and a few others, but I also like Mark C and see his point.
becca says:
ok people what he said isnt necessarily badmouthing but he needed to chose his words a little differently cause now a lot of people are going to give him crap. also has anyone not noticed that country music has grown and some of it isnt traditional anymore but its still country music. and Taylor Swift hasnt chosen pop just cause like 3 of her songs got remixed for pop radio doesnt mean she wants to make pop music. her songs kept being requested on pop radio stations so they remixed “teardrops” “our song” and “love story” for those radio stations because they were sooo popular on the pop radio stations too. Taylor is always happy to represent country music and i think that she is doing a great job. she has gotten soooo many people into country music. Taylor may be more popular with pop loving teenage girls but that doesnt mean she doesnt sing country music. yes her lyrics a little more clean and such but that doesnt mean shes not country. shes young guys her songs arent going to be about adult things shes still a teenager give her a break.
destiny. says:
by the way, if taylor’s voice is so bad, then why is she so rich and famous and why does she keep getting a bunch of awards? yeah, think about that before you people say how bad someones voice is, because it looks like everyone else loves her voice! and why is it such a big deal she isnt traditional? isnt variety good?
jan says:
I agree with mark. Shes not traditional! She cant hold a candle to the GREAT VOCALISTS in country music like martina mcbride and many others.
MARC says:
MARK is right, todays NASHVILLE aint country…and he aint too late or to wrong…CHESNUTT is country his music is country…heck he actually lives down the road from me to be honest…I THINK HE IS RIGHT…country music aint performin in front of 499,98897 people its about the lil smoke filled hole in the wall joints and honkytonks…country twangs,two steppin,pearl snaps, beer, and gettin to know the fans…thats country…not all this romeo and juliet bs…I stand beside all the chesnutt fans and NOME TX…and say MARK CHESNUTT is a legend…and kicks a$$!!!!!!!!!
B.W. LaRoy says:
Here’s how he could have said it: I will let the little children eat and enjoy…while I fast on their behalf and wait for the real food to circle around and come back to the table.
Kris says:
Now this is really funny because any of you Carrie fans who bad mouth Taylor and stick up for Mark will ultimately be putting down Carrie too. Because Carrie like Taylor is considered “not traditional”. Carrie has just as many cross-over pop-country songs as Taylor and Rascal Flatts have had quite a few too.. What about Shania, Tim, Faith, & Martina? Many cross-overs too? Heck Shania was the crossover Queen… Well, come to think of it Mark crossed over himself, with a few.. Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? Why bad mouth other country artist for doing the exact same thing he himself did? As for the person who asked what if Alan Jackson made this remark needs to watch a video of Alan and Taylor talking on youtube.. Alan has nothing but respect for Taylor and she just performed one of his songs ‘Drive’ on a special for him and did a fantastic job,(live) I might add. Thank you for bringing this blog out Alison, I really feel Mark did indeed bad mouth a lot country artist in making his childish statement and people need to see this about him!
OLIVER says:
I WATCHED HER SING DRIVE ON COUNTRY GIANTS (I THOUGHT IT SUCKED,) I DONT THINK I STAND ALONE ON that one..
Massie says:
I don’t know why people are always constantly bashing Taylor. It’s so rude and nobody even gives her a chance. People say, “Oh, I saw her back in 2006 and she can’t sing live worth crap.” Whatever. She’s improved so much, she’s OUTSTANDING live now. But I’ve learned to accept the fact that not everyone is going to like everyone. I just don’t understand why people have to post negative things about people they don’t like. When there’s a blog about someone I can’t stand, I would never post a rude comment. I guess people’s maturity levels are all different though.
“And, artists with the newer country sound have brought millions of fans to a genre that would otherwise go unoticed. No, people who listen to the likes of Taylor, Carrie, Flatts, ect probably don’t have a clue who Johhny Cash is…but they’re still listening to today’s country music by all means.”
That quote isn’t necessarily true. My favorite artist is Taylor. I listen to new country of course. But I also really adore Johnny Cash and almost all of the older singers. Elvis as well - even though he’s not really considered country.
Doug says:
Tim McGraw just did a song with a rap/hip-hop/pop singer Cris Brown called ‘human’ which will be coming out soon. Mark just ‘punked’ Tim with that remark to!
countryiscool says:
Funny how you can tell the “youngin’s by the way they write.
I think they are closet princesses that are also waiting for their handsome prince to come & rescue them from their castle–they are living vicariously through Taylor’s adventures. Too bad they are SPENDING their $$$ making HER richer. Oh well…
MArc, you’re right, a lot of these young artists have NOT paid their dues, and they are Pop/Country, which makes little differentiation between the two.
hotelmotel says:
Kris - you’re right when you say “come to think of it Mark crossed over himself…”
And thats what gets me mad with what Chesnutt said. Yea - he’s right that Taylor Swift isn’t traditional country. Duh. Of course she isn’t all that country. But he was willing to “sell out traditional country,” when the chance came, especially with “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing.”
I don’t think his complaint is “country is too pop now,” but rather, “I haven’t figured out how to make money selling pop-country music since I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing came out.”
Kris says:
Oliver I watched a Carrie concert and I don’t think she can entertain an audience (I THOUGHT IT SUCKED)It’s my opinion and many reviewers that Ive read that Carrie has plenty of room to grow in the ‘entertainment’ area of her concerts, so do we really wanna go there?
Kris says:
You are so right hotelmotel!
hotelmotel says:
countryiscool - I agree with you that some posters are “youngin’s” “living vicariously through Taylor’s adventures.”
But a lot of Chesnutt, Strait, etc fans, are doing exactly the same thing as the “youngins” are doing.
Some Chesnutt songs are ridiculous fantasies (”It Pays Big Money,” about getting rich when a reckless relative leaves you in the will; In My Dreams, about playing for the Red Sox; the video for “trouble” contains the absurd fantasy of a man having hundreds of attractive women vying for his attention; et cetera).
When adults are doing the same thing with Chesnutt as the teens are through Swift, and when the adult fantasies are no more mature or responsible or thoughtful then the teenage ones, I see little grounds for adult Chesnut fans to berate teen Swift fans for using music as a means of vicarious living.
OLIVER says:
Kris. We’re talking about Taylor not Carrie Why do you people keep bringing Carrie into this. She can SING.
countryiscool says:
I am saying at this age, they are living more with stars in their eyes and fantasy than the older, more traditional artists. Yes, everyone has fantasies, but I still credit a little more maturity with those in MC’s age group that have LIVED life and actually EARNED their fame- not just “created” by the industry to make $$$. That’s why the more “mature” artists are starting their OWN co’s so they can have more control over their careers than being a puppet in someone else’s hands. Young artists would like to think they have a hand in their career, but try to buck their backer and see what happens.
Kris says:
Oliver… Taylor can SING & entertain..Taylor is breaking Carries records & many Carrie hasn’t been able to. It’s many of our opinions that Carrie cant entertain! Carrie comes into this because she is a pop-cross-over too…… READ….. this doesn’t just pertain to Taylor it pertains to ‘Any’ country artist that spilled over or crossed over!
kaelie says:
traditional country music is more for the grandpa’s and grandmas’s…country today are for teenagaers and young adults. i am a young adult i am 25 years old and i love country now, i never thought i would like country but now with carrie in the picture i love this country music genre she brought me to take a chance on it and listen to it and now i love many more artists too. just like everything music evolves country is evolving and it may not be traditional country but it is country….if anyone has a problem with that then dont listen to it obviously these young country stars are succeeding and are being recognized for theiir great work…go taylor and anyone else that falls into this category
Tenn says:
Taylor caters to POP with her songs being remixed and she’s going POP internationally according to her record label so she’s definitely not traditional country - Carrie Underwood had one crossover song Before He Cheats which she would not allow to be remixed for POP - it crossed over as originally recorded. I think a big hit song will make it to the top of the charts no matter where it comes from in country - need that hit - and I’ve seen Carrie Underwood in concert and thought she was a very good singer and had tons of energy, was great with the crowd-
valerie says:
i love carrie underwood i think she’s amazing…she’s like the shania twain of my generation!! taylor swift,and others he considers it’s sad that mark chestnutt can’t acknowledge the hard work these women put into their music. they ae young they cant be singing traditional music thats for the old and its not hip. taylor is targeting her age group and i think mark chestnutt just doesnt like the competition that these ladies are giving him so he has to put down their way of singing….bah hum bug…mark!! taylor carrie and so many aothers who are considered not traditional their record sales speak for the public we love them its what we like so tough!!!
pamela says:
who’s mark chestnutt…i know taylor, carrie, miranda, sugarland,leann rimes, shania, martina, kenny,keith…
mark sounds bitter to me….his opinion doesnt matter anyway its the fans who back up these women…what a hater
countryiscool says:
Well ,we know how old (young) I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT is- her writing gives her away and speaks for itself- and Taylor’s generation- not a positive one I might add.
I Love Taylor Swift!!!!!!!!!! says:
Taylor Can Sing And She Will Be One Of The Greatest In The Future
I Love Taylor Swift!!!!!!!!!! says:
Im So Mad I cant type So Lets Try This Again Im A 28 Year Old Man
countryiscool says:
Temper, temper…28??? I would never have guessed. Try using actual (correct) spelling, punctuation and not teeny bopper IM language, we might take you seriously. But then again, probably not. Are you the “prince” she sings about????
Kelli (Tay Fan For Life) says:
Taylor Swift is the best artist! Don’t be mad Mark that you can’t sell albums the way Taylor can! She’s only 19 but can beat you anyday at selling more albums! Taylor Swift is country and she will always be a part of it! Don’t be jealous of her just because she writes the best and fans can actually relate to her music! Taylor has brought a new generation into listening to country music! know for a fact, that Taylor brought me to listening to country music, I use to think country music was the worse music ever and now I’m hooked! Taylor Swift is ahhhhmazing no matter what people say!
Jen says:
Country is lucky to have someone like Taylor Swift. The industry wouldn’t flourish without the “mainstream” audience- which Swift helps to bring in. Shaniah, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Rascall Flatts, and a lot of other country stars LOVE Swift. You haters happen to be part of a small minority and are the real problem with why country music is fading. People change. Get over it.
countryiscool says:
You’re “hooked” to an industry mainstream artist that will NEVER be in the same class as Shania, Carrie, Wynonna, Faith, in terms of what you refer to as Taylor’s “singing” or vocal abilities. But hey, I’m sure she’s not crying over the $$ you are spending on her, but laughing all the way to the bank, as is her label. But she’s such a pretty princess.
Sandy G says:
Taylor Swift? Who’s that. Oh yea that girl that can’t sing. How does she merrit getting nominated for female v of the year????? That is mind blowing. Anyone that thinks that this girl can sing is stone tone deaf.
Sandy G says:
Looks like all the teeny-twisters are uniting
Deb says:
In my opinion you people need to get over “the green eye’d envy bug” and stop hating on Miss Swift. It’s not becoming of any age, especially us adults. There is room in country music for all and we do have impressionable children/teens that do come on the boards. What are we adults teaching them?
Next, the fans are the ones who make the artist sucessful. I.E. Albumn sales, concert tickets etc. Obviously Miss Swift is doing something right and has never been given a hand up either, but worked hard earning her success one fan, one performance, one song written, one albumn release at a time.
I think Miss Swift is a really great singer, entertainer, and role model for our children and has brought more fans to country music than any other artist. Just take a look at facebook for the stats on Country fans brought in from her and others, Miss Swift comes in at #1 with over half a million new fans, Miss Underwood comes in #2 with 270,000 and so forth. Very impressive numbers, especially with our ecomony in the state it’s in. I believe us adults can learn a lot from Miss Swift and her mannerism.
I really believe Mr. Chesnutt is just envious of his lack of sucess compared to Miss Swifts. It’s a shame Mr. Chesnutt has put down a huge percentage of our country artist with that one remark.
Danielle R says:
Deb I am sorely sorry for you. You can-not actually believe that Swift can sing. Have you heard her live????
I have, It was not pretty. Just because the tweeny-twisters are buying her music, does not simply mean she has a singing voice. Her songs are weak also. If you want to hear someone who can sing live, go to a Carrie Underwood concert. Then you will be enlightened.
I Love Taylor Swift!!!!!!!!!! says:
ok here i will talk like a person u can understand since u dont seem to understand much yes i am 28 yrs old and i beleive all this fighting is stupid people have opinions and there not always gonna be what other people want to hear but its a free country i beleive taylor and carrie are great people ,maybe u all dont and thats fine but this is about mark chesnut being a jerk it has nothing to do with anyone else so some people need to grow up and realize the new generation is here and its carrie underwood taylor swift and many others i like old country but ive accepted wut it is today and yeah i have a temper i dont beleive stupid people have nothing better to do then diss nice people its stupid and idiotic
Hollerin’ Ben says:
a few things Alison,
“When your career’s not skyrocketing quite the way you planned, you have two choices.”
How do we know that Chesnutt’s expectations are for his career to “skrocket” or that he has feelings of intense dissatisfaction with how his career is going?
“Or you can sound off about sticking to your roots, no matter how bitter it makes you seem.”
Why does it make one “seem bitter” to say they play traditional country music?
“And of Taylor Swift, he said, ‘Nothing against her, but Taylor Swift is not traditional.’”
do you disagree? Even if you do, how is that a slight?
“and that to find his albums in a store, ‘You just have to dig behind the Kenny Chesney albums.’”
as Blake pointed out, you do know that “Chesnutt” (Chesnu) would follow pretty closely behind “Chesney” (Chesne) in record stores right?
“I always liked Chesnutt, but now that he’s taken to badmouthing other country artists, it may be a little too late and he may be a little too wrong.”
I get that it’s a pun, but it may be “too late” for you to like him now because he’s badmouthing country artists (which as we see he’s not)? Does that even make sense?
so, in conclusion, Alison Bonaguro, why are you lying to us about Mark Chesnutt?
jan says:
Shes lying about mark to give ts more and more publicity!!!
countryiscool says:
Well, I’m with Ben in his response, and I Love Taylor Swift, I still think you need to go back to grammar school because your writing leaves something to be desired. A man your age has no excuse to write that badly. I expect that from teeny boppers and their abbreviated style, not that they can’t learn either.
Hollerin’ Ben says:
oh yeah, and Dan M. said
“You’re welcome to assume whatever you want about Chestnutt, of course, but publishing a completely unsupported, presumptuous character attack on a popular website as you have here strikes me as very bad journalism indeed.”
yeah, that’s pretty fair, I’ll second that.
Roxy Girl says:
Hollerin’ Ben you have no idea what you are talking about. Alison Bonaguro didn’t lie to us about Mark Chesnutt, it’s right there plain for anyone with ‘an eye’ to discern! You’re just trying to twist things around because you obviously don’t care for Alison! Grow up!
Hollerin’ Ben says:
well since she specifically made it seem that a sense of dissatisfaction with his career motivated him to bitterly badmouth other artists - when such is clearly not the case - I’m thinking yeah, that’s lying.
Roxy Girl says:
That’s your interpetation or opinion Hollerin’ just as Alison is entitled to her’s as I am mine and I agree with Alison’s opinion also.
joe says:
mark hit the nail on the head, i thank god for my xm radio so i don’t have to listen to most of these new ‘’so called singers” i can enjoy a steady diet of willie, merle, jones, hank, waylon. there are some current singers i like such as strait, jackson, m. mcbride, and several others, but for the most part country music has gone to hell in a hand basket. for the most part people buy what is played and promoted, the real country singers were shut out a long time ago.
dan says:
i agree with mark chesnutt now dont get me wrong i love taylor’s muisc but she does have songs in the pop industry.
Sandy G says:
Yes, I have noticed that. Some comments that are being made are not making it to this board. Does someone read these comments and then decide wether to post or not. I hope that is not the case. Everyone is entitled to their own oppinion. and from what I have read the majority feesl that Taylor Swift Sucks! let it be known.
jan says:
I also like to bring up a point! It will probably get erased but anyway….! I got my country music magazine the other day and it had in there 4 times about ts and the break up with jonas brother. How many more times are we going have to listen to this!! I MEAN GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON TAYLOR!!!! S*** HAPPENS!!!
Ham says:
The TS controversy is amusing as hell, be it on a blog or a message board. Yehaw!
McKay says:
I don’t think any of these new girl singers are country. Carrie, Taylor, Miranda and a couple others. I would like to know why Elizabth Cook isn’t on any of the shows on CMT and GAC. She can outsing any one of these girls. Maybe that’s why !! They are cute and cater to the younger crowd but that doesn’t make them country. To me they are pop stars, trying to sing country.
jan says:
It is amusing as hell, but how long is she going to milk it. She just used it for publicity!!!
TheColdhardTruth says:
haha. Mark Chesnutt has not bashed anyone, he has simply stated the facts. Taylor Swift isn’t country and new country isn’t traditonal anymore, both of these comments are true. Yes Taylor has had success, but Mark never said anything about her talent or abilities, he plainly said she wasn’t country. Mark has earned Waylon Jennins and George Jones respect, I would say he has accomplished something in his career.
Leeann says:
Allison,
Do you actually think Chesnutt is wrong? Do you think Swift is traditional? If not, his comments weren’t an insult but simply stating fact. If so, I question how you define “traditional.” In this article, you berate Chesnutt’s claim that Swift isn’t traditional, but you don’t address whether or not he’s right. You just say that it’s an insult. To me, stating a fact is not an insult. I think even Taylor would agree that she’s not traditional. I mean, heck, her idol is Tim McGraw! Right?
Sarah says:
On the case of Taylor Swift’s voice: no, she may not have the greatest voice. However, I am a huge Taylor Swift fan & I think that her voice continues to get better & better. I’ve seen her in concert twice & I think she sounded great then! Everyone can say what they want about Taylor & her voice, but 592,000 copies sold in the first week of an album release doesn’t lie. No matter what you say, Taylor is successful. It’s that simple.
And who really defines what is country music? Pop music? Rap music? There have been times where I’ve seen music videos played on CMT & I’ve thought “Ok, now how is this country?” but honestly, whose the person to decide? And who really cares? If they’re singing music you like, then listen to it. If not, then don’t.
jan says:
Just because you sell alot of cd does mean you can sing. That can be fix in the studio. I seen ts in concert and she was aweful. People sitting around me was clapping and shouting when she got finish. It was like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
Kris says:
Instead of bashing Taylor get back on topic! You bashers are in the minority NOT majority!
Anywho if Mark Chesnutt wants to call anyone Non-Traditional lets see him say it to Tim McGraw as “Tim McGraw seems to be country music’s go-to guy for hip-hop stars. The singer has already recorded the tune “Over and Over” with Nelly, and reports surfaced this month that he did a song called “Human” with Chris Brown. Now, E! Online reports after meeting him on Saturday Night Live, T-Pain wants to work with McGraw. T-Pain says his project with McGraw will be “more country than hip-hop,” so as not to be compared with Nelly’s previous tune. No word on when T-Pain and McGraw plan to hit the studio together.
Somehow I don’t think Chesnutt would have the Ba(double hockey sticks)s to say it to McGraw!
jan says:
We are not bashing her, just telling the truth!!
Kris says:
Jan you wouldn’t know the truth if it smacked you in the face. Give up the jealousy, it’s just a wasted hateful emotion.
jan says:
Not jealous!! Just telling the truth!! AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO SMACK YOU!!!
K says:
Taylor does seem immature, but she’s young, give her a break.
K says:
I think it was a huge mistake for Big Machine to put out a statement to go international; it is backfiring on her big time, because now she has to do damamge control.
RedMaZ says:
Several people on this blog need a music history lesson and basic music fundamental education.
Lori says:
What about the corssroads with DEF-LEPARD? I can not tell you how many times she slung her hair around. I thought it was terrible how TACKY
countryiscool says:
Save your breath Red, I doubt you have a listening audience on this blog, it’s a free-for-all of definite polar opposites here. Although I WAS wondering where you’ve been.
countryiscool says:
Funny how this blog was up to 105 or more comments and now there are less than 100- censorship is alive & well I see.
Adam says:
Music is just that. Its only country, or pop, or rock when you classify it that way. You either like an artist or you don’t. Real Country music is about life. Its not just about the instruments used, but the words that go along with the instruments.
As for Swift, If your not a teen now, you were once so you either know what Swift has gone through no matter how childish, to a lot of teenagers that’s there life: heartbreak and fairy tales. She will mature just like any other artist…in fact some artist you can listen to them mature and change by listening to their CDs…if you don’t like her that’s great, but some people do and as long as that is true, she will be around.
Happy Holidays.
Diana says:
I don’t think his remarks are “bashing” anyone, its his opinion and he has a point. However, I like it that country music has different “kinds” of country instead of only traditional. I love George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Carrie, Shooter, etc. so the variety appeals to me. I do think country radio doesn’t play enough traditional artists. As for Taylor, shes a cutie and a good writer and a good person, but she can’t sing and her music isn’t anykind of country, imo. She may be country at heart, but her music isn’t , especially the new album. I heard her on the radio for the first time singing Shouldve Said No and I was shocked that she sounded as bad there as she does live. I always thought they “fixed” the vocals on the cds.
kayko says:
Countryiscool- How do you figure censorship is going on in this blog? If that was happining then all of the bashing would be gone. Most of the posts for this blog has turned into a bashfest. I’m wonder if some of the posters realize just how petty and childish they sound.
Frank says:
Chestnutt is right on the money!
Sissy says:
I agree with Mark Chestnutt. I can’t stand Taylor Swift. She sings high school bubble gum music. Everytime she is on the radio I change the channel. Country music has shifted away from tradional. It seems like whether they are new or old artist that can’t make it in the “pop” world come over to country and we just eat it up. We are getting the leftovers or losers.
Wake Up says:
Taylor = POP
POP = Product of Protools
Michael Blake says:
I agree with Mark Chestnutt. You stand a better chance of hearing him on TheCountryClassics.com than the others. Nashville, Bakersfield, and Texas parted ways years ago. Traditional country singers are the roots of country music, and a lot of them are young and very good. Many great ones don’t care if they are in the spotlight.
Kim says:
Michael B: are you saying that the split between Nashville, Bakersfield and Tx is a good thing? I would say its the best thing that could happen to Tx and Bakersfield. (I am from Tx so a slight, meaning huge, bias is possible)
I agree with Mark all the way. Taylor is a full blown pop star and she’s not fooling even the most liberal definitions of country.
Shayna says:
Im kind of confused as to why Carrie is in this anyways,…she had ONE crossover song really….and this was about Taylor anyways. I love Taylor…and the girl has got talent Ill give her that..but shes nothing to even be compared to carrie underwood..and mark…yeah he sounds a lil bitter, but I can sorta see his point. But just cause his career is going um..nowhere…lets not be childish
Mark K says:
Pop music has evolved over the years to something I can no longer stand to listen to. Has todays country music tried to fill the void?
As for Taylor; I feel she is a good song writer(teeny tunes), which is put at a premium today in country music, and also a very good entertainer but her vocals are just average. If it weren’t for the entertaining and writing, we wouldn’t even know who she is.
I think Mark C. is dead on.
Sorry just my opinion!
M says:
Mark chestnutt is right on target. I don’t think he is insulting Swift but she is not traditional country. Country is losing it’s roots. Too many artists are trying to crossover because that is where the money is. The record companies drive that and ruin many traditional artists carreer. But you have some like chestnutt who are staying true no matter what it takes. Heck the grand ol opry won’t even reinstate Hank Williams but will ride on his legacy every chance they get.
K says:
I agree with Adam 100%! Everyone here always complains about how “teenybopper” Swift’s songs are, but you all were teenagers once, too. I’m sure you all had times when boys and teenage drama were the center of the universe. Fact is, what Taylor sings about is teenage life. Just because not all of you are teens anymore doesn’t mean it’s fluff. Yes, it’s immature and somewhat childish, that’s teenage life. Most teens are immature and childish themselves at that age anyways. I think it’s awesome that Taylor is able to relate to teenagers so well; she doesn’t try to be an artist she is not.
How would you guys feel if Taylor started singing songs like “Bless The Broken Road” or “Raining on Sunday?” It would be weird because Swift hasn’t lived that. She hasn’t lived long enough to sing about mature, “grown up” romance because she hasn’t been there, and it would be an odd fit. Or, if she sung a song like “So Small,” people would say she’s trying act too grown up.
Tarditionalist whinners need to grow up and realize that, no matter how badly they want country to go back to it’s roots it isn’t going to happen. Pop country is the “sound” of the decade, and it’s grabbing listeners left and right who wouldn’t touch country before.
Tenn says:
The only artist I see openly pursuing POP is Taylor Swift but I really believe she can do better in POP so why not pursue it? She’s only one artist - all Chestnutt is saying is she’s not traditional country and that’s true -if you are a fan of traditional artists buy their CDs, go see them in concert, listen to radio stations that play their music, that’s what I do - the POP country singers are not keeping me from my favorite traditional artists - perhaps they should take advantage of all the networking and exposure the internet can provide - they don’t have to change their music to gain fans , just get it out there - award show appearances only cause a slight rise in CD sales- this is a tough economic time - you have to do your own PR today instead of relying on others- Taylor blogs and emails to her myspace fans, she works it
K says:
Tarditionalists always whine about new country. If they don’t like it, they should leave it alone and make the music they want to. It seems like that’s a hard concept for country purists to understand, as well as fans of older country.
No, Taylor (as well as a lot of other artists) are not tarditional; Mark can say that, but he comes off as a desperate.
Luvncountry says:
Traditionalist, not tarditionalist
Jamie says:
I don’t think Mark was exactly putting down Taylor but giving his opinion like the rest of us are. I think Taylor is a talented song writer and a bright young lady and seems like a good role model. No her vocals aren’t the best but she can entertain and has found a niche audience, many of them Pop fans. I’m not a fan of her voice because I prefer the big voices like Martina, Trisha, Carrie, and the great story telling delivery of Reba. I also like Patsy Cline, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley and several others. Some of you have mentioned Carrie and to me she has one of the richest, purest voices around today. She brought me back to Country when I had drifted away and has brought a lot of new fans to Country Music. The difference between Carrie and Taylor is Carrie refuses to remix her songs for Pop radio, but they just cross over naturally because of her overall appeal to fans of all ages. I have heard her sing traditional country and she can sing it with the best of them. No matter what your preference, I think country fans should be embracing these new artists because they are keeping country viable when other genres are faltering. That’s just my humble opinion.
Jamie says:
As an aside what is traditional country anyway. It is all in the eye of the beholder. If it’s a great song it shouldn’t matter how it is defined, traditional or Pop Country, just listen and enjoy.
Robin says:
You are funny Kris. You talk about Carrie fans bashing Taylor and then set out bashing Carrie. The people who agree with Mark are no more Carrie fans than they are Taylor fans.
Yet, you TRY to make this about Carrie. Taylor has not broken any of Carrie’s records. Carrie has had MORE albums sold and has had MORE number one singles. Actually, she’s had EVERY song she’s released to country radio go number one. So, since you love Taylor so much, why not just stick to the topic. Yet you bash Carrie and try to make it look like someone else’s fault.
Typical Taylor fan - doesn’t like Carrie because Carrie can actually sing. Try’s to claim Carrie can’t entertain yet Carrie - NOT Taylor sold more than 1 million concert tickets this year. You have nothing to back up anything you say.
By the way, “Before He Cheats” was on TRL’s countdown longer than anything Swift has put out. And, Carrie does actually sing traditional country ALONG WITH contemporary country. She blew the roof off with “Stand By Your Man” at the Opry and her version of Randy Travis’ “I Told You So” is classic and an incredible vocal masterpiece. She can actually tell multiple kinds of stories. She doesn’t just sing one song with different music behind it. “I love the boy - he didn’t love me - now I hate the boy” “the boy is so cute - tee hee hee hee”.
Carrie actually has substance just as traditional country has substance. So, pop country is good when it has the substance to back it up.
Oh, and by the way to everyone else who mentioned Garth as a traditional country artist - he’s NOT. No one in the music industry even considers him traditional. And, that’s not bad since his music has substance.
Anyone could sing any of Swift’s songs and do a better job. No one (except Martina) could give the vocal performance of “Just A Dream” nor could they give it the emotional substance that Underwood does.
Now, kiddie’s, go back to Jr. High, the lunch bell rang.
countryiscool says:
I happen to like Mark AND Carrie, and although I believe Taylor to be a highly marketed dream machine for her label, I don’t believe she has much in the way of vocals so she resorts to teenie theatrics in the hopes her “entertainment” value will overshadow her (lack of) singing ability. She is exactly right for her age-appropriate market and when they grow up and move on, she will be entertaining the nest generation of teenies. At least LeAnn Rimes grew up, of course she has vocal chops to begin with and has only matured. btw, I would NOT want to see Taylor sing any adult music, I think she should stick to her bubblegum/princess Disney stuff and leave the grown-up music to the likes of LeAnn, Faith, Martina, Wy, Trisha, etc.
Rachel says:
Robin- I absolutely love your post. You are definitely spot on. I also just want to point out that Carrie didn’t change “Before He Cheats” when it started to cross over. She has said she is a country artist, and she doesn’t desire for her music to be crossovers. She has said that she will not change her music in order to make it more pop or more popular. I’m going to leave it at that, because if I go on, people will get really mad.
Oh, and by the way, it’s kind of annoying when people write in abbreviated terms or if their sentences are not grammatically correct. I don’t care if a teenager writes that way, but seriously, anyone over the age of twenty should be writing normally.
RedMaZ says:
Yes I know countryiscool. It’s staggering to see these people here commenting on something they know so little about. The poster K comes to mind first. This person is completely lost, but there are several others too.
Jessica says:
patty loveless has said that she really admires carries voice and she would love if she did more traditional country songs, so she is traditional
K says:
Redmaze- how am I lost?
RedMaZ says:
Where should I start? I guess with your opening reply. “Country has been given the new Pop sound since the late 90’s”? Wrong. Ever heard of “Countrypolitan” or the “Nashville Sound” of the late 50’s early 60’s and beyond? The birth of commercial Rock and Roll, and what it did to country music?
countryiscool says:
RedMaZ, there are so many names and labels being bandied about here, I’m dizzy. I know you listen to many artists, mainly those of Americana/Roots, but do you like any of the women such as Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea, Lari White, or Pam Tillis? Other names escape me now but I’m sure there are more I like. I know they were popular on commercial radio in their time, still doing music these days I might assume, just not in the mainstream, but would you consider them “traditionalists” or “Pop Country” or what? I’m confused. I do like Carrie, Lady Wy, Trisha, LeAnn, and some modern female artists, but I like some of the bygone ones too, and by that, I just mean not heard as much on mainstream Top 40 anymore.
RedMaZ says:
With they’re latest releases, Loveless, Mattea, and Tillis are Americana artists.
Hannah says:
Mark Chestnutt is exactly right: Taylor is not traditional. She’s a singer who begs for fame and attention whenever she can get it, and that’s a fact.
So why you all are comparing Carrie and Taylor and getting into other topics and saying that Taylor can sing and blah blah blah is absolutley ridiculous. Grow up and face reality: Taylor has weak vocals, Mark is right, and Taylor is a country pop artist who is slowly crossing over into the pop world.
If you can’t accept that or admit that, you are in denial.
If you can’t accept that
amucomm says:
Just imagine TS would have sung “The Other Woman”, which Loretta Lynn released on her debut, that stuff was not bumblegum…
I’m the other woman, the other woman in your husband’s life…
Well that is/was country.
countryiscool says:
Ok Red, with their “latest” releases they are Americana. What is the change, just not played on mainstream anymore?
Has their music itself changed? I’m just wanting to know. Sorry to bug you. I’m just curious as to the change from once mainstream to Americana.
audi16 says:
K-I agree with just about everything you have said! Yes Taylor, Carrie and Rascal Flatts have went outside the typical boundries of country music, but I see nothing wrong with this.I especially agree with K on what he/she said about Mark not setting records. The way I see it pop country is becoming more and more popular everyday and the older country artists are just going to have to step it up, to keep up with the new artists of today. I not saying that every country artist should try this growing trend of pop country but I am saying they are going to have to continue to come up with new ways to promote their music to keep their fans. There are people who only listen to traditional country music, but pop-country is becoming very popular. For all the people making comments on the fairy tale thing- it is fun believing in fairy tales. There is nothing wrong believing in fairy tales. Sometimes real-life can feel like a fairy tale. Taylor does appeal to a younger audience such as myself (I’m 17) but she does attract some older fans such as my mom. Even those older people who don’t like her should at least appreciate what she is doing for country music. Taylor is just enjoying all the sucess that has come of her career. She started in country music and that is what she has been focusing on, however when you get the chance for more exposure you take it! If I was in her postion I wouldn’t have done anything diffrent from the way she has done it. For those of you who don’t like Taylor or any other artist for that matter why don’t ya’ll go say something nice about an artist you do like. Stating an opinion is one thing but going on and on saying mean things is just wrong!
I also would like to say thank you Alison.I sent you an email about a month ago and you emailed me back. That was really sweet of you. You are an excellent writer. The more I consider a career in journalism the more I think I will like it.
Tory says:
I see nothing wrong with the new type of country music. I think that the boundary lines between genres are beginning to be blurred anyways. Artists are beginning to change the way music is. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I used to listen to country music in the 90s. Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, LeAnn Rimes, etc. They weren’t traditional country either. The statements that he is making are true not only of today but of a decade ago. Country’s changing and I like that. I’ve never heard of this Matt Chesnutt guy. But I love Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and all the other new country artists. Country is becoming more mainstream thanks to these artists. Back in the day, no one listened to country. He should be thanking these artists for bringing country music into the new era, not bashing on them. I love Taylor Swift and while she is definitely very pop, I think her heart lies in country music and there’s nothing wrong with that.
May says:
So?
So what if she isn’t traditional? Who said all country music has to be 100% hardcore ‘traditional country’? Taylor Swift is injecting new life into the genre, whether you like it or not. Without her, most young people wouldn’t give a damn about country. Sometimes something new to spice things up is just what a dying industry needs.
Annie says:
With all due respect, just because Taylor Swift is not traditional, it does NOT mean that she is not an amazing artist. All her songs are thoughtful and have deep meaning within them. Many, many people can relate to her music.
jjh says:
I don’t think Mark said anything but she was not traditional which is if anything an understatement. Her 2nd album is purely pop which is find but don’t go in as a country artist. Her label did not even wait for her to peak at country before releasing a remix version to pop radio and why a pop song needed to be remix I never will understand. Clearly her being a pop star is really important to her label/her since she always says she is the one deciding on her career moves. Country radio is pretty desperate in wanting to get the young audience w/ their obvious promotion of Taylor when she is pop and not very good vocally.
K says:
Redmaze- No, I don’t know much about the history of music, but I have not refrenced that in any of my posts. I’m talking about the change in the country music sound; not the history of it! I respect that you seem to know a lot about the genre- more than I will ever know. But, I don’t feel I need a music history lesson from you to have my opinion on the change of it.
I don’t know why y’all are knocking on Swift alone for not being traditional. Traditional country only exists to the people who chose to listen to it. It ended a long time ago, and Swift alone didn’t start this move. I don’t why you’re bringing up the Traditional country point. Everyone here knows she’s a country-pop artist, let it go already!
Genette says:
I realize its easy to talk about someone behind thier back like that but i know he feels bad for what he said heres a lesson donot talk badly about someone unless you are able to say it to thier face
sam says:
Looks like the traditionalists vs. non traditional. Hey guys, taylor Swift is country, Kenny chesney is country, and so is mark Chesnutt. Although the first 2 are mainstream. Face it, with out Kenny Chesney , Taylor swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania twain, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, country would be nearly as popular. Not trieing to affend traditionalists. George Strait,Garth, Reba, Brooks and Dunn,and Randy travis are cool too.
Taylor is the best !!!! (SAM) says:
county music is county music! I love Taylor Swift for the music she weather she is county or pop. Mark Chesnutt needs to stop being jealous of Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shaina twain, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and more.
Taylor Rocks
RedMaZ says:
Well then K, maybe you should do some research on music history in general. Basic music fundamentals would help too. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but for someone to list their opinions as fact is another story. Your posts really have no credibility, and many are bordering on the absurd.
RedMaZ says:
Yeah Emily…you tell ‘em. Everyone should have a ROLL MODEL. Especialy while having dinner:) That’s makes sense doughnut? Sometimes I feel like the Pillsbury doughboy…without the finger.(and that goofy little laugh).
K says:
Redmaze- With all due respect, maybe you should check YOUR facts. The only facts I posted were about CU, RF, and TS. No, I don’t know much about older country, and I don’t consider myself an expert on newer stuff, either. I do, however, follow all these artists closely enough to know these facts. It seems to be well-known to all here that you’re not a fan of country/pop artists like CU, TS, ect. It is because of that that I’m questioning what leads you to believe I am wrong? You don’t follow pop country, how can you be certain you know more about it than someone who does follow it?
I’d encourage you to tell me what is so “wrong” about these facts that are general knowlege among pop/country fans?
K says:
Just found Ts’s performance of Alan Jackson’s “Drive”:
It reinforces the fact that this girl is a VERY one-sided vocalist. She can sing songs like “White Horse” and Tim McGraw well, but she should stay away from songs by the greats of country like Mr. Jackson.
Kevin says:
RedMaZ, when are you going to give it a rest. Ive seen plenty of times on here when you try to pass your opinion off as fact. You dont have any more credibility than anybody else here
Dan M. says:
RedMaZ -
“With well over 100 posts on this blog, I have yet to see anyone mention the other 90% of todays Country music.”
The reason nobody mentioned “the other 90%” is that this particular post had nothing to do with “the other 90%”; it was about one contemporary country artist’s opinion of contemporary country (what you call “pop”-country). Given that, if someone were to comment talking about “the other 90%”, it would probably be an irrelevant comment.
“This proves that about 90% of the people here know only about 10% of the music.”
If you are seriously trying to pass this off as proof of anything, you need to spend less time writing condescending comments and more time studying basic logic. The comments on this blog hardly constitute a valid survey of anyone’s knowledge about country music, especially since, as I mentioned above, this post is about a specific artist and is not designed to serve as an opportunity for snobs to show off the expanse of their musical knowledge. Furthermore, if you want anyone to take your whole “mainstream country is only 10% of what’s out there” shtick seriously, it’s time to back up that claim with some numbers.
If you really want to educate people on all of the great country music outside of the mainstream (and I agree that’s where a lot of it is), you need to direct them where else to look, not continually insult their intelligence. It’s that whole “more flies with honey than with vinegar” thing.
Kevin says:
Very good post Dan M. I completely agree.
K says:
Thank you, Dan!
Redmaze- I may not know much about americana/roots music, but guess what? I’m not the only one. I stick to talking about what I know. If I only know about 10% of country music, as you claim, then so be it. Pop country is what I listen to and it’s what I like. I don’t intended to listen to roots music just so you can tell me I’m “educated” in music.
We are talking about one artist who has nothing to do with roots music. This is not the place to talk about the other 90% of music that also makes up country. If it was, there would be some merit to your argument that I need to discuss that 90%. But there is absolutly none, seeing that your rambling about not knowing about americana music has nothing to do with Taylor Swift.
Before you chose to insult my intelligence, you should stay on the topic, and not tell me I’m not educated in music that has NOTHING to do with the blog.
I think we need to bury the hachet on this argument though, seeing we’re not getting anywhere with it. I appreciate you’re knowlege about roots music, though.
RedMaZ says:
Kevin, you’ll have to give me an example as my opinion being fact. I clearly seperate the two.
Dan M., You’ll have to give me your definitiom of “Comtemporary”, because I consider Roots music as contemporary as Pop music. If I recall Chesnutt’s new music is not being played on Pop Music stations, but it may be.
As far as Mainstream Country being only 10% of what’s out there. Tell me, how many Pop Country acts are being played on mainstream radio? From my understanding it’s the same handful of people who’s songs are overplayed. How much of a difference were there between last years cma nominees and this years? Same for the acm? As far as educating, I’m not trying to educate anyone. I couldn’t care les if you know about Americana/Roots music. That doesn’t change the fact that it does exist. This should be common knowledge if you spend anytime around music and music blogs. How do you think I learned?
K, You said traditionalist always complain about new country? You’ll have to be more specific. Would that be New Pop Country or New Roots Country. See how that all comes into play? You also said traditional whiners need to grow up and realize, no matter how badly they want country to go back to it’s roots, it isn’t going to happen. Now you’re telling me there is no such thing as new Roots Music? I thought you said you only talk about what you know? You also said Pop Country is the sound of the decade, and it’s grabbing listeners left and right who wouldn’t touch country before. These listeners you speak of, what were/are they listening to before? Were they listening to Pop Music or Roots music. You’re the one throwing a big blanket over all the music. Pop music is an industry not a genre. Pop music fans listen to many different genres of Pop Music, just as Roots fans listen to many styles of Roots music.
M. says:
I feel that Mark Chesnutt is right about Taylor, she isn’t traditional and she’s good because of that. However she became big on her own, with what was an independent record company and how many young girls do you hear about nashville signing, oh wait they don’t.
Dan M. says:
RedMaZ -
I was using the term “contemporary country” the way it’s usually used to refer to modern mainstream country, which is obviously what Chestnutt was talking about. And yes, you’re correct that his recent material is not getting played on mainstream country radio anymore.
You make a good point about the CMAs/ACMs, and I agree that it’s sad to see the same handful of artists score that sort of success, and often with very lackluster material. Of course, mainstream country is not confined to that select handful of artists who do pop up on major award shows and routinely go top ten on the charts; there are several artists, some of whom are a good deal more artistically interesting than their peers, who have B-level success at road and radio, and they don’t factor into the conversation enough.
I’m not trying to be rude here, but for someone who claims not to be interested in teaching people about Americana/Roots, you sure do quiz people on the subject quite frequently at this site.
RedMaZ says:
I’m not sure if quiz is the right word here, but I’m certainly up to the challenge of Pop Music fans who seem to think they know it all.
As far as the original blog. Chesnutt is absolutely right. Popular country HAS turned away from the traditional sound, and by the sound of it, he accepts it…as do I. Traditional and/or Roots Music by definition has only a small place in Pop music. It’s not what appeals to the masses. The only people complaining about traditional music not being in Pop music are Pop fans. Pop country radio could play Swift everyday, all day long. it really doesn’t matter, and since there is plenty of traditional music(among much more) being played in Roots Music, I don’t think the Roots fan cares either. He also said, “Nothing against her but Taylor Swift is not traditional”. That also is true. Pop fans are the ones jumping on this as a bash from Mark about Taylor. Look at this way, IF Taylor Swift was traditional…most of the people here would’ve never heard of her. So I guess that makes her a Pop act doesn’t it?
The Other Ben says:
Hollerin’ Ben: You should apply for the Mark Chesnutt Fan Club president job. I hear all 28 members are looking for some solid leadership and you sound like you could be just the guy.
morgan says:
i dont think he was insulting taylor. he just said she wasnt traditional. i dont think it was a very good thing to say considering hes not traditional either… but yunno wat ever floats his boat and who ever said Carrie Underwood was amazing.. U ROCK i agree!!lol
bkb says:
right on mark. heaven forbid for anyone says anything against swift. it is true and most people that have been around country music seem almost afraid to say what they believe about swift. shelburne and flippo are two that have around for years and can’t say one thing negative about her. she can’t sing.
jan says:
I am glad someone say something negative about ts. ITS ABOUT TIME!!
lepetitmonstre says:
Although Swift isn’t traditional..she’s helped introduce a lot of young people to country music. That means more people going into the music store to the “Country” section or clicking “Country” as a genre on iTunes. I mean c’mon, a country album is #1 on album sales right now.
But to comment on traditional vs. modern, it’s not just country that’s shying away from its roots. Did rap music always focus on sexuality, mixing voices with dumb softwares, or saying “yeah” every two seconds? honestly, a couple of taylor’s songs are “pop-ish” and it’s getting difficult to define genres unlike before.. but this is a good thing. we get a bit of everything.
i guess we can call swift a gateway drug to other country artists.
Dean says:
Alison…. be ashamed of yourself for writing such journalistic crap to make a name for yourself… Everyone here is agreeing that he didnt trash Taylor, just stated a fact.. its all about Dollars…. Taylor writes some pretty cute songs that teenagers love so she deserves a place in the market… but maybe promoted as a pop singer rather than a country singer….
Real country singers havent been promoted for a decade, like Mark stated… but thats really a sign of the times and he needs to put a little more pop(it means popular) into his music….
Its like a punk rock singer complaining that Emo Singers arent punk and that you cant get airplay as a punk because of them…. you have to move with the times….
RedMaZ says:
Hi countryiscool, It’s refreshing to see someone interested in learning about music. As far as Kathy Mattea…yes her music has changed considerably from her days on Pop radio and the charts. With her CD “Coal” she has gone back to her Roots in a big way. She was born and raised in the West Virginia coal mining towns. This is pure Americana Folk/Roots music. This CD has no commercial Pop appeal whatsoever. Obvioulsy Mattea was well aware of this before starting this project. To me this is a testament to a persons musical integrity. This critically acclaimed album has garnered Kathy Mattea a Grammy nomination for “Best Traditional Folk Album” Since Americana Music represents Roots music based on the traditions of Country, Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, it always dominates the Grammy nominations, and this year is no exeption. Americana not only recognizes the NEW roots artists of today, it also respects and recognizes the established artists, and legends Pop music wants nothing to do with because they can’t make them any money. That’s just the way it is. That being said, it’s obvious to me what industry of music I will support. However I listen to many types of music, and always will.
K says:
Give it a rest, Redmaze….
K says:
Redmaze: You contridicted yourself on many points when you replied to my last post. Thought I’d point them out so you can get your argument straight.
You talk as though I was the one who made the remark about 10% of “pop” singers being only 10% of what is out there. I’m sure there are several posters here who could back up the fact that YOU said that. You were the one who chose to sterotype what everyone here listens to, and you were the one who assumed that all the people here only know, and listen, to 10% of the music out there.
Second: I’m not sure what nominees for “pop” awards shows have to do with this discussion. Yes, I’ll agree that it’s the same people every year, but that point still has NOTHING to do with your post, my post, or anything else anyone here has brought up. Let me ask you, Redmaze, if it was all roots/americana artists receiving these awards, would you be nearly as upset?
Third: I NEVER said rooots music didn’t exist. I DID say I don’t listen to it. Saying you don’t listen to something and it “doesn’t exist” are two totally different things. Maybe you should actually READ my post before you start putting words in my mouth.
And saying that roots music should be “common knowlege” if I spend any time around music blogs is ridculous. That’s like saying I need to know every artist, song, and album in every genre, even if I don’t listen to half of it. No music, including roots, is “common knowlege” among everybody. When I made the remark refrencing common knowledge, I meant the people who follow country/pop most likely know what I stated. I didn’t make it seem as if everyone who doesn’t follow the genre should know those facts, as you seem to claim.
When I said traditionalists always complain about new country, I meant “pop” country (as you call it). I meant that there are tons of older artists like Mark and Merle Haggard who are quick to complain about the new direction country has taken. They whine and moan about how country has lost its sound, people aren’t respecting it and so forth. I think it’s ridculous that these artists cannot accept change, they cannot accept that they are no longer a priority. They think just because they played country thirty years ago it should stay that way.
Redmaze- I NEVER SAID ROOTS DIDN’T EXIST. I meant that people are complaining it’s never going to go back to the way it used to be. To me, country still has its roots; I never understood the people who argue country has lots its roots.
RedMaZ says:
Maybe you are the one who should give it a rest. You are in over your head, and digging yourself deeper.
Of course I’m the one who said Pop music makes up about 10% of all of todays music scene, and I stand by that. 90% of the people might listen to it, but it’s still only 10% of what most people hear. I haven’t stereotyped anyone. I’m going strickly on replies to Pop music vs Roots music blogs.
As far as Pop being a part of this blog…that’s what it’s all about. Chesnutt said Popular country has turned away from classic country. Which is true. You asked me if Americana artist received Pop awards would I be nearly upset? My answer is…it doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t care either way.
You said that…no matter how bad they want country to go back to it’s roots, it’s not going to happen. Well…that’s flat out wrong(to put it nicely). How would you know this if you don’t listen to it? Ridiculous. You also said, “No music including roots is common knowledge to everyone” That’s true, but as a so called “Country Music” fan…it should be. Don’t blame your ignorance on me. I know about your music so that would make this a one sided argument.
Pop Country is not what I call it. You’re giving me way too much credit. I have never heard Merle Haggard complain about the direction todays Roots Country has taken, have you? If so, please give me the link. You and Merle must be talking about Pop Country. When I talk about Pop Country and Roots Country I’m talking about the induvidual genres, and since you seem to be limited about one and completely abstruse about the other…this conversation is going nowhere. Open your mind and accept todays Americana/Roots music for what it is just as I’ve accepted Mainstream/Pop music for what it is. Do some research. Educate yourself. Knowledege is power.
K says:
You are sterotyping, Redmaze. How do you know this music is 10% of what people listen to? How would you know if they do or do not listen to roots music? You are sterotyping by assuming most people only listen to that 10%. Face it, you have no facts to back that up.
I NEVER said classic country had turned away from its roots. I said a lot of older artists claim that, and I don’t understand why.
The only reason I brought up awards is because you didn’t answer my question about what awards have to do with in this discussion.
I said: what do awards have to do with anything?”
Your reply? “Tell me, how many Pop Country acts are being played on mainstream radio? From my understanding it’s the same handful of people who’s songs are overplayed. How much of a difference were there between last years cma nominees and this years? Same for the acm?”
What does that have to do with anything? Do you think that just because “pop” country votes for the same artists to win awards, the genre is no longer credible? So, the same people win awards, so all of the sudden these are “pop” awards shows?
You said: Well…that’s flat out wrong(to put it nicely). How would you know this if you don’t listen to it?
So, let me get this right. You are basically saying that roots music is replacing classic country. You’re claiming that I’m wrong that country is never going back to its roots, and you think roots is the answer to clasic country. Classic and roots are two different genres; to say roots is that answer is ignorant.
And, you’re saying that simply because I’m a country fan, I should know what roots music is? IGNORANT.
RedMaZ says:
You are completely embarrassing yourself now. You really should just stop. This is not that difficult to understand. Basic music fundamentals may help you tremendously. If you are interested in Americana/Roots music, please let me know.
K says:
No, Redmaze, YOU are the one who made these comments I’m questioning. It has nothing to do with fundamentals.
RedMaZ says:
I’m sorry you don’t understand this. It’s quite unfortunate, yet somehow typical, but yes I absolutely believe that if you are a country music fan…you should know about Roots Music. However, I don’t expect many Pop country fans to know about Roots Music. Your posts are self evident of that. However, I’m a firm believer in education, and it’s never too late to learn. If you are interested in learning about todays Americana/Roots music scene, please let me know.
K says:
Redmaze: Sorry, I seemed to overreact on a lot, and you are more knowlegable than me when it comes to music. I think there are a lot of things I said you didn’t understand, and vice versa. Could you name some americana artists? I really don’t know anything about the genre, and I would be interested in learning, believe it or not…
RedMaZ says:
I believe you. There is such a variety of Americana music to discover, sometimes it’s hard for me to know where to start. I usually don’t introduced the hard core troubadours like Dale Watson, James Hand, Wayne Hancock, or Roger Wallace to the Pop music fan first, because it may be too country for most people. A lot of this NEW Roots Country music sounds like country music from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (not only the songs and instruments, but the recording technique too). Most play live, as a band with little or no overdubs.(some still record on analog tape) This is another aspect of this music that draws me to it. It’s real in the sense that it’s basically live, and isn’t pieced together, overproduced, and mixed until it loses it’s feel.
In your case I would usually suggest some of the Roots Rock/Red Dirt music to you. Artists such as…Highspeed Hayride, Texas Renegade, Reckless Kelly, Stoney LaRue, Cross Canadian Ragweed…to name a few. I don’t want to overwhelm you with several artists at once, but there are 100’s more. I haven’t gotten into the singer/songwriter Folk Rock/Americana music yet either. Americana/Roots music is infinite, and I can’t imagine you not finding and liking something you’ve never heard before. Check them out if you get a chance.
K says:
Thanks…I’ve heard of Cross Candian Ragweed and Reckless Kelly, but I’ll absolutly check out some of the others as well…
RedMaZ says:
Let me know when you do. I can’t let the female artists go without being mentioned too. There are hundreds.
CHRISTINE says:
taylor swift is super talented. shes not “going agaisnt” country, shes giving it a new look. bringing it on to the
next generation. not completely killing it! just mixing it
up a little & adding her own sound. she’s a perfect role
model, shes not a partier, she writes & plays all her own
songs & she doesnt smoke/drink. besides the fact that shes
18 & still lives with her parents. shes t-a-l-e-n-t-e-d.
she actually cares about her fans enough to personalize
her myspace, try her best to answer their comments, thank
them for her support, put up videos, ect. she cares, unlike many celebrities today. she can actually sing.
so dont diss her till you really look at her & see her as
a person. got it?
Janet says:
Finally,someone agrees with me that Taylor Swift is NOT country. Whenever one of her songs is played on my favorite radio station, I turn it off! There is nothing country about her. She sounds “breathless” in her songs, just like all the other “POP” singers of today. I have no idea how she made it to the COUNTRY side. I also think Chesnutt said nothing against her just spoke the truth. She should be on the POP station.
hotelmotel says:
If chesnutt said, “Swift is not traditional,” I would say that he didn’t mean anything negative. But he said, “Nothing against her but Taylor Swift is not traditional.” I think “Nothing against her” probably means “I don’t like her music.” Its like when someone says, “I’m not a racist, but…” The “I’m not a racist comment means “I don’t want you to think I’m racist but I’m going to say something racist.”
Mark Chesnutt is known for championing traditional country so I think its fair to interpret his comments as negative toward Swift.
That said, this really isn’t much of a big deal. So what if Chesnutt dislikes Swift? We’re all probably making way too much of this.
Ryan says:
Wow, all this over one little comment by Mark Chesnutt. I am now 19, and have idolized this man since I first saw his music video for “Brother Jukebox” in 1992. I own all his albums and have even gone so far as to memorize all of his recordings, as well as those of Dwight Yoakam, Gary Allan, Buck Owens, and Roger Miller, and there is no disputing this man is tried and true traditional country.
If I were Mark Chesnutt, I’d be pissed with where my career is, but I don’t think he’s really expressing that sentiment here. Chesnutt lives to perform for crowds in honky tonks and such; he really seems content to me, being an avid fan of his. I wouldn’t blame him for being somewhat bitter though; one lackluster release or two on his part after the success of “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and mainstream Nashville dubs him unmarketable. If that’s not cruel, I don’t know what is.
This is an example of a true talent getting overshadowed by what I call “manufactured talent,” the people aggressively pushed by the big name record labels with all the financial resources to get their names and music out there. I don’t even hear Mark’s music on radio anymore thanks to these labels pushing their artists so furiously. They more or less dictate who we listen to and idolize, at least in the most general sense anyway.
If all you get to hear are people like Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, or Rascal Flatts, then typically one ends up idolizing one of them and buying their music, etc. Guys like Chesnutt, and even Yoakam and Allan to some degree, don’t get any radio airtime whatsoever anymore. I’m lucky to hear one of Chesnutt’s bit hits from the 1990s on radio anymore, and if I want to hear any of his new stuff, I have to go out and buy his newest CD because radio won’t play it.
Mind you, this may just be my local radio stations being jerks, but everyone’s ignorance of guys like Chesnutt, Allan, and Yoakam really seem to show me that this is widespread. I personally have nothing against Taylor Swift or her music; my sister loves her. It’s all about the age of people you’re trying to reach when it comes to the music, so naturally it wouldn’t appeal to someone like myself who is 19. I’m just disappointed with the music industry as a whole. I could go on complaining, but I know it won’t change anything, so I’ll just stop here.
To sum it up, don’t go hating Mark Chesnutt without knowing and understanding him. This man is one of the most played country artists of the 1990s, and what he’s been reduced to thanks to the industry is deplorable. He is more or less back to paying his dues in the way he has toiled on independent labels this decade. He maintains one of the heaviest touring schedules of any artist I know, so one can’t say he doesn’t work hard at what he does. I just hope what I’ve said shines some clarity on his character and the fact that he doesn’t mean Taylor or anyone else any harm.
sparksflyy says:
i don’t think taylor swift herself believes she’s a traditional country artist. & to be honest, i prefer taylor to carrie.
Ron says:
I totally agree with Chesnutt, She’s definitely not country but just wears cowboy boots. I am a huge fan of Mark’s and wish him well..
Lou says:
I’m not familiar with Mr. Chestnutt’s music, but after reading all this I’m sure going to look into it. I definitely prefer the Classic Country sound, and if his music reflects that, I’ll be glad to support him. He was dead on with his comments about today’s “Country” music and wasn’t badmouthing anyone.
Trace says:
You all have this totally out of porportion. First of all, Mark is a straight, forward, honest person who can sometimes tell it in, or shall I say, (a very Southeast Texas way.) He was not in anyway putting the lovely Miss Taylor Swift down. He was simply stating that she doesn’t play “traditional country music”. He also mentioned that it was nothing against her personally, he was just refering to one of the newer artists. That is not rude, but only making a point that the music industry is going more on the pop/light rock; or comtemporary country if you want to call it that. Still nothing stands out. They all pretty much sound the same, with the exception of a very few rare gems! The only point he was trying to get across was that traditional country seems to moving further into the background, slowly fading away. He’d like to see the “roots” of country music still thrive for those fans that want to hear it, also for those artist who really wants to sing it. He’s not bitter, angry, nor jealous. He’s a man who has the decency to actually say what he feels. He’s there for the fan’s who want to see him and he puts on a show that is definately top class. You get your moneys worth. For the one’s that are bored… it is truly your loss, and your decision. My point is that He is refering to the marketing properties of the industry. They are covering the tweens, and young adults, new listeners who like the newer comtempary stuff, but have left the 30’s and 40’s as well as the older listeners out. The taste of music changes with age, believe me I know. Sometimes you come full circle in your career back to the basics, how you started in the first place. This is what he’s about. He’s in his element in the classic traditional, and sings the hell out of it. No twicking in studio either. He is one of the very few who actually sound the same live as well on cd’s, etc. He’s tone is right on… can’t use the tuner on him… now that is something. And it’s old fashion…. he’s actually SINGING! As for the chesney cd’s remark, about his albums being behind them… it’s just the ABC’s and Mark’s sense of humor, because sometimes people will call him Chesney. It’s all in good fun, their names are easy to mix up. He finds it funny and just lettin’ you know where to find him! Maybe you check him out and see he’s really good. He has old southern values, and still to this day honors his heros, Waylon, George, Cash, Willie, even Elvis. He believes in change and music evolving, but you still should always remember the greats who started it in the first place!
Janet says:
The statement made by Mark in no way put Taylor down.
I have known Mark for almost 17 years, and he is a very talented and good man. He is one of the best Traditional Country artists out there today, and is still selling Cd’s and still traveling all over the country and Europe, putting on great concerts. He can sit on stage with only his guitar and sing a song beautifully, without missing a note. He has a voice like no other, and he needs no help from studio equipment to make him sound better. He has many devoted fans, who will travel hundreds of miles to see him. Waylon Jennings,and George Jones, are only a couple of the great Country artists who who talked openly, about how good Mark is. He respects those men and honors them and many others every chance he gets. They are his Heros.
Trace is exactly right. She stated like it is.
Doris says:
I LOVE Mark Chesnutt!!
Janet you are right on. I could not of said it any better.
I to will drive miles to see him and his great band.
He is a GREAT GUY AND ARTIC.THE BEST THER IS TODAY.
Go and see for your self. And you will see how great he is.
Mikal P says:
Mark is has been one of my favorite artist since he started.
I’m also an old country fan but appreciate alot of new music, but it’s hard to beat George Jones….LOL
Mark does have a point, Taylor is a sweet hottie but she’s more pop than country. She doe’s great music, but it’s not traditional CW and anyone that is true country understands that.
Hats off to ya Mark, keep it up, you’re one of my favorite artist.
Jordan says:
I miss the classic sound of the old boys… Mark Chestnutt is one of my all time favorites and all though I like some of the new music, I will always prefer the sound of the singers like Mark Chestnutt, Tracey Lawrence, Joe Diffie. I dont think Mark is trying to cut people down, he is just stating the facts about todays country music. I share the frusteration.
Corbin Hosler says:
Mark Chesnutt makes some GREAT music, even today. You won’t hear it on the radio, but it exists. He has spoken nothing but the truth and it is in no way badmouthing anyone. Does CMT pay you, Alison, or Taylor?
Ty says:
Why don’t you people get the fact that Mark did not say anything bad about Taylor–just that she is not a true country artist. AND SHE ISN’T! Mark has been around a long time and I think he deserves our respect. He is an artist that sounds as good singing live as he does on his records–as does many other artists today. Taylor is not one of those artists–her vocals are very weak and pitchy. The tweens like her and support her as we in our 20’s, etc.. support Carrie and other artists. So why the hate?????
Faye says:
Surely was a lot of comments on this subject. I just love country-and various other music sounds. Everyone has an opinion and they are entitled to say so. ME–I simply adore GARY ALLAN, for being so true to HIS way of singing and performing. Carrie and Taylor are too commercial for me but I do like a couple of theirs. CARRIE ” I Told You SO” only one I will listen to. But Miranda beats the two of them by far.
hotelmotel says:
Ty says, “[Chesnutt] deserves our respect.”
I used to be a fan of Chesnutt and his music. I bought all his CDs in the 1990s. But I no longer respect him or his music.
Go back and listen to CDs like “What A Way To Live” “Almost Goodbye” and “I Dont’ Want To Miss A Thing.” Those CDs really only have one or two good songs, and 7 or 8 bad songs. Those CDs dont stand the test of time.
Also, the second half of the “Too Cold At Home” CD is weak (Garths friends in low places blows chesnutt’s out of the water, and Waylon Jennings did a much better version of “Broken Promise Land” than Chesnutt did).
Really, Chesnutt made one CD that stands the test of time — Longnecks and Short Stories.
That is it. One good CD in 19 years. Thats not exactly deserving of great respect in my opinion.
If I met Chesnutt I would want to tell this to him: I liked your music when I was younger and didnt really know what good music was. Now I realize that you have a good voice but thats about it.
Theres nothing innovative or interesting about Chesnutt. Everything he does someone else does, and better.
Example: Compare Chesnutt’s version of “Lost in the Feeling” to Conway Twitty’s version. Chesnutt’s is a poor second place. Listen to Chesnutt’s duet “Good Ones and Bad Ones” with George Jones. Jones blows Chesnutt out of the water.
I think Chesnutt was popular because he had a good debut single and his producer, Mark Wright, knew how to make records that appealed to the top 40 country audience.He could be something of a George Jones with a 1990s Top 40 country sensibility.
But without Mark Wright, Chesnutt is little more than a guy with a good voice who can can sing in third rate venues for drunks.
And his new CD “Rolling with the Flow” is a total joke. Its mostly an attempt to recreate his early 1990s sound, but he doesn’t even do that well because he has a low rent producer now.
Dustin says:
besides not being traditional, TS cannot sing!!!!!!!!!!
MJM says:
Mark Chestnut is correct in his statement that Taylor Swift is not a traditional country music artist. In fact she is not an artist at all. Her management team and label are the artists, but more like con artists. It is not open for opinion, it is a fact. It does not matter if a person likes what she is doing or her appearance or anything else other than what Chestnut said, “she is not traditional”, and its a fact. It doesn’t take a degree in music theory to realize this.
If the people that believe they are fans of country music will take notice of the events that have taken place with country music over the years, they will notice the many attempts that “Nashville” has tried to attract more money paying fans over to their already vast bank accounts. Rascal Flatts with their pop sound and appearance, Shania with her seductive Cher impersonations, Garth Brooks with his circus atmosphere shows even down to the guitar smashing spectacle of the rock scenes of old, right up to Taylors impersonation of Avril. It is all an attempt from the deep pocketed white collars of the country music business to enterprise on new markets for their business ventures. It is no longer about art or music to them, it is about money and making more by attracting fans that like different genres of music.
The fact remains that traditional country music is easily distinguishable and Taylor is not country. To create a new saying or a new descriptive title for a different type of music is fine with me, however the industry leaders are challenging my intelligence when they name Taylor as country. If Tom Jones sang a country song would that make him country? Whitney Houston once took a very old traditional country song and made it pop. Whitney is a self proclaimed pop artist and did a traditional country song in a pop style. It was pop! Not country. Just like Taylor is not country. Dolly has sung a pop song and made it country, her and Kenny did a pop song as a country duet, does that make them both pop artists? Or did their recordings sound pop? (Ya ya, I know, Kenny started out in the pop industry.) At the time Islands In The Stream was called a crossover or commercial categorized song. My point is that Dolly is country. She may sing a pop song but she is country and there is no question about it. Taylor is not at all singing or performing traditional country music. I dare someone to go listen to her live. It is horrid. The teeny bopper can not sing folks. It is amazing what can be done in a recording studio now-a-days if a person has enough money to spend on it.
George and Allan sang a song called Murder On Music Row, which was specifically about Shania and Garth, now they can add Taylor to the mix.
A Ford is a Ford and a Chev is a Chev. Get a brain people! And call a spade a spade.
barb b says:
mjm taylor cannot sing live
she is horrible you are so right