Sometimes its hard to recognize when we are "in a moment" in culture. But you nailed it 🙌

I absolutely cannot believe how popular country music is right now. And not just pop country. I never thought I'd see something like this.

I think Colter Wall helped a huge amount. I rarely listened to country, but when his first couple albums came out, I remember wishing that more country artists sounded like him. I've since found acts like Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers, The Local Honeys and even started looking back at great artists like John Prine, Gram Parsons and Merle Haggard.

Honestly I'm just amazed and grateful that Kacey Musgraves FINALLY got a number 1 single.

Grady, don’t underestimate your influence in all of this

Well hopefully it doesn't end like the nirvana era

Childers introduced this sound to the masses. Zach became the face of it. And tiktok is what’s gonna keep it going

A world in which Jason Isbell could conceivably have a hit is a wild one, and I'm here for it.

I think Tik Tok has done so much for country music in the past few years. It has allowed good music to grow organically without the meddling hands of the industry trying to steer it.

I had no idea you were the one who created that “every country song” vid back in like 2013! Anyhow, I’m super glad this is is happening in country music.

The best thing about this is that YOU, Mr. Smith, brought me back to Country Music with your 'Stop The Snaps' video and the artists you showcased as an alternative to what mainstream country was. I was already into Jason Isbell, but I found Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, and Sturgill Simpson because of you. I hadn't listened to country is almost 25 years, but this group brought me back. I'm SUPER happy to see this stuff popular. And as so many others said here - Don't sell your own influence in this short :)

Spot on.. I'm a rocker from the twentieth century who is diving headlong into this new country stuff. Not since the nineties have I felt true energy behind a genre. Especially the Appalachian artists, though Colter Wall is my favorite today. Thanks for helping me sort these folks out. for the first time in YEARS I am excited about new music again. I think this movement is going to bring some much needed healing and balance to what we as Americans are enduring culturally right now.

Move away homework that I’ve been putting off since yesterday, its Grady time

I love "I Remember Everything" by Zach and Kacey, one of the best songs of 2023

Not a huge post 90’s country fan, but got into Colter Wall, Billy Strings and Sierra Ferrell a while back and really hoped they would become the main stream because of how badly country music needs this. This is going to be revolutionary for the mind set of country music fans, this music is going to make people think.

I’ve been begging for a new Nirvana moment in the music industry for a few years now. Never in my life did I think it be a Country version. Regional Mexican music is also exploding this year. I’d love to see some Country, Regional Mexican collabs soon. Luke Combs with Grupo Frontera, Peso Pluma with Morgan Wallen. It could work and bring even more people to both genres that are having a big moment in 2023

This is a very insightful video. I feel like Country Music had its first Nirvana moment in 1986 when Randy Travis released "On The Other Hand." Nashville had no choice but to accept traditional country again, and three years later we had the Class of '89. Garth Brooks credits Randy for helping him get out of Oklahoma. It will be fun to watch a similar movement in 2024 and beyond.

If we conclude that country will follow the trend that grunge to post-grunge followed, that implies there will be a post-country version of Nickleback in a few years.

The dude on American Idol at 8:33 is a high school friend of mine. Grady you gave me a jump scare waking home to have him appear in your video. I love Colten. He’s a good dude. Really rooting for him and proud of him

Honestly, this is probably one of the best vids you have made. Totally agree, super cool moment and good on you for being able to articulate so well the moment as its happening. I am sure that years from now people will be echoing this sentiment, but you will be the OG. Thanks for another great vid!

Zach Bryan is insanely good. I've listened to his new album probably 50x already. East Side of Sorrow and Overtime are incredible.

The best country music anymore is not heard on country radio. It’s amazing what these guys and gals are doin

Grady I wouldn’t have found ZB if you hadn’t mentioned him years ago. Love your ability to bring me info on music I may have never heard on the radio. Thank you for that.

Proud to say I've listened to Zach since late 2019. I'm glad people are seeing this music in the mainstream.

By the time Nirvana broke through to the mainstream, that scene had been going for YEARS. The Seattle grunge scene, mostly bands on the Sub-Pop label, had been going since the mid-late 1980s - Mudhoney, Tad, Mother Love Bone, so many others, plus early grrrl punk like Bikini Kill. But the scene was national! Southwest bands (Giant Sand), Boston (Dinosaur Jr), NYC (Sonic Youth), rural midwest (Uncle Tupelo), Oklahoma (Flaming Lips)… and Iowa City, where I lived, was full of amazing post-punk bands that would be called “grunge” today (my friends in Horny Genius got signed to Sub-Pop and toured Europe). Everyone was touring the same tiny clubs, seeing each others’ bands. It was fantastic. And in coffeeshops and restaurants like the one I worked in, the kitchen boomboxes blasted the latest cassettes from these bands - not whatever crappy hair metal the major labels were pushing that week. Then suddenly Smells Like Teen Spirit was a hit, and all us cool kids were like “Where were YOU the past few years?” to everyone thinking it was new. And I suspect exactly the same thing is happening here. You’re having a Nirvana moment in country now because the cool kids have been developing this scene underground for years.

It's such a trip going from being made fun of for loving country, to my friends sending me country albums when they drop. Been following you for years and appreciate what you've contributed to the ecosystem of country music!

Grady, you absolutely nailed it. Your music recommendations are what shifted me towards my taste in music, taking things I already knew I liked and finding them in all kinds of country. You broke down this whole situation phenomenally, you touched on everything and gave attention to pretty much every side of the industry. It’s been a wild ride, and although the people at the top of my playlists may not be the ones who are at the top of the charts, lthose people are doing great things for the industry and genre. And like you said when referencing Garth, the spearhead of the movement can change an entire person’s listening style by exposing them to everything else there is to offer everywhere from Ernest to Koe to lesser known people like Chaney, Acuff, so on and so on. Extremely well put, a reminder of how damn good you are of evaluating these situations and putting it into better words than we ever could. Bravo👏🏻👏🏻

At the end of the day, I'm not exactly a country fan, I've always been more of a rock and metal fan myself. But no matter what you like, this is just a damn good video. I think it gives an interesting look into not just country, but the music industry as a whole and the way it evolves over time. It also gives a little peak into how we ourselves evolve over time, which I also really enjoy. I love stuff like this that gets you thinking about the state of music and what the future could hold. Great job with the video, and keep doing what you're doing!

Love that you cut open a vein here on how exciting this is. I came up on Garth...fell into bro and boyfriend country, and now here I am so joyfully obsessed with all of this good music thanks you sir for giving me and others the road map to find such unsung talent out there. Thanks grady!

I was not expecting a Zach Bryan/Kacey Musgraves duet to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart; it wasn't on my country music bingo card. It's cool to see a variety of artists experiencing the country wave.

With country rising to the top again, I have you to thank for keeping me informed. Your channel is excellent and got me inspired as a songwriter during the pandemic lockdown

its nice to see ur still covering country music. i found ur channel thru lisa irby's utube channel in the comment section :) much love

I'm old enough to be the first generation of original Metallica fans and in the 80's they totally had the authentic, DIY vibe going on that Zach has. And then they released the Black album with Motley Crew's producer and PFFT! I quit all that and got into bluegrass, country blues, and all the stuff that built up to this moment. The most amazing thing to me is that Zach Bryan did it without sacrificing the DIY thing that make old punk rock and then underground bands like Metallica was in the 80's so big. In fact that seems to be a big part of what really drives the fandom.

On a side note. Kentucky and Texas doesn't care what Nashville says or the mainstream. Both states have had a vibrant underground roots and country music for a very long time.

Great work as always, Grady. Thankful to be experiencing this moment in the country scene and for your channel to that introduced me to many of the artists you mentioned!

hey man, i just wanted to say i loved hearing your perspective. i think you’re spot on about what’s happening with country music right now and these cycles that we continue to see with music.

Grady is the reason I started listening to country music, and I’m sure it’s the same for thousands of others. I never looked back and now it’s my favorite genre, thank you so much for the dedication to this channel!

Big time in country music, and we have the perfect guy to cover it :) Thank for all your hard work man!

I think that your metaphor is spot on. It's one of those things that I believe a lot of us knew in the back of our minds, but either couldn't quite put it into words, or it just never really manifested itself as being worth mentioning. As usual, great content - and always look forward to your videos and commentary.

This might be your best video to date. Spot on. So dang good

This gives me hope about a rock comeback sometime in the future.

You articulated your thoughts so well in this video and made me better understand what I have been thinking. This may be Grady's magnum opus.

Great video Grady! I am a former hip hop head from the PNW and remember the take over of Nirvana in my HS, it was awesome. And that band has been a go to for me since. As I age I find it harder and harder to relate to hip hop and have been listening to country the last few years. And also remember the take over Zach had as you were the one who introduced me to him as well and his music has been the new go to. Witnessing what Oliver did in the last month has been truly incredible! TikTok introduced me to his music and has been a staple on my playlists since. It is fun that I made the switch when I did and I am thankful I found your channel.

THIS is the style of Grady content I LIVE for!!! ❤❤❤ So happy!😍

I got into country this last year because of this new sound. My favorite music before was "anything but country" but I always enjoyed a couple songs here and there. The songs I enjoyed then are the songs that are now really popular. Watching this video is me learning that these songs I like are popular lol. One of my most listened to Playlists right now on Spotify is "country music I don't hate"

at first when i saw the title i was like “hmm? what is grady doing this time?😂” but now that i watched it, i totally agree! the comparisons make so much sense and i think it truly does show the nature of what is seen as “cool” and “new” ends up fading away and becoming a joke after 10 years or so. i loved the video and definitely made me think :DD

thanks for getting me early on Zach

Excellent video as always, Grady. This seems like a capstone video for your channel, just as This Beat is Killing Country Music was several years ago when I first found your channel. Thanks for using my CWG clip (albeit briefly) at 6:35!!

Honestly, it's a fitting metaphor. And while I'm not a Zach Bryan fan as a singer, his song writing is truly brilliant and I think it's opened up a brand new chapter of country music. Even some of the bro-est artists like Morgan Wallen are going a little more traditional with songs like "Everything I Love". Like you, I don't see this alternative country lasting super long (and honestly, I'm OK with that as it's not exactly my cup of tea), but I do hope the impact of it continues on. More creative song writing, more traditional sounds, the willingness to try something new. There is A TON of good country music out there right now, and what's cool is there's something for everybody.

I’m really happy about the moment country music is having. As I’ve been becoming a fan of it over that last few years, it’s cool to see the success of these different artists right now.

this analysis is outstanding. the comparison is so illustrative of the current state of country music and where it’s likely headed. just from this one video its so apparent that you have a complete understanding of how the industry works

This is a brilliant observation and a great title for the video. As someone who grew not liking "country music" I'm absolutely in awe of these new artists and their songwriting skills. The lyrics mean something and the melodies hit close to the heart.

The first time I heard Rich Men North of Richmond i just KNEW it was gonna blow up. Such a powerful song. There's a ton of super talented country musicians making fantastic music right now

The thing about country music is, it’s relatable and some people have an attached memory to certain music. Country music has moved with the times. We can all agree that it was way more positive back in 2013, 2015, etc. I love watching your videos, because despite your opinions, you never attack anyone. You have valid reasons for disliking certain music, despite its clear popularity.

This is so astute. A perfect analysis of the current state of country music. Well done Grady!

I’ll just say, I’m enjoying your commentaries on all this, especially in recent videos!

Please pray for Zach Bryan! He's under a lot of pressure to maintain people's expectations. Let's not lose this guy the way we lost Kobain! Also, big thanks to Grady for introducing me to so much good music

Digging giddy, optimistic Grady, telling sad boi Grady to go away for a while. 🤣 Good video, man.

This was a great video Grady! I hadn't made that connection, but you nailed it.

This vid showed up in my recommended and sent me down a country rabbit hole starting with Zach Bryan. Thanks mate, love you

I’m 28, and spent my whole life in Texas listening to a ton of Texas Country and Red Dirt Country, praying for the day that this alternative/outlaw country becomes the dominant sound over Bro Country pop shit. Seeing this style along with the Appalachian Country really taking over has been absolutely incredible. I feel like it’s cool to create music with substance and meaning again.

Florida Georgia Line got me into country music in 2012/13. Without the group, i would not have explored and loved this whole breadth of country music. FGL will always stay in my heart, i have heard them over and over again.

This is a really great video Grady

Grady! I’m not even done watching half of this video, but I had to comment that you are such a genius! I just thought about country music in ways I’ve never thought about it before! This is probably my fave video on your channel in a minute! I was raised near Seattle and I think you’re spot on with the comparison! Also love The Guardian article cameo!

One of my most viewed tiktoks on bluffcitysound is about Sturgill Simpson. The man won a Grammy but didn’t get an invite to the CMAs.

So you know how people say they hate country music because (like you mentioned) it's always about the same stuff? (trucks, jeans, etc.) Zach Bryan has opened people's eyes to show them that not all country music is like that, and in turn, is bringing in non-country fans. I feel like Nashville has spent the last 10 years making music for casual country fans and they didn't even think to try and switch up the sound. Cause why make music for people who don't like or listen to your genre right? If Zach never caught the attention of non-country fans this explosion never would've happened. You mentioned people like Sturgil and Childers. Traditional country fans absolutely LOVED them but it's not like that made Nashville do anything. It's cause we were the only ones listening, and they never made it past the country bubble. Zach did. I think your compassion is a really good one, and again another great video! :)

First time watching your channel, musician of 24 years! In the end, good songs, sung well, will always shine through. No matter what.

I forgot I followed your channel. KZfaq had not shown me any of your new videos. So weird. I just changed my notifications. Love seeing you again

I was in my late teens when the Nirvana moment happened. To go through it (and at that time I was big into that kind of music) was incredible, and those albums will always have a place in my listening collection. Things like Nevermind, Pearl Jam's Ten, BadMotorFinger. These were albums that were groundbreaking but STILL are relevant today and are incredibly listenable. I think the same will happen with the Zach Bryans, the Tyler Childers' and others who are in the midst of this moment. The heart of the matter is it is music that matters to people. It expresses real emotion, regardless of the production. The last several years of tailgates and all that other bullshit was just so much vapid waste. I'm incredibly grateful for outlets BEYOND "country" radio stations these days. Because those stations, especially where I am located it seems, are STILL playing tripe like Luke Bryan, FGL ... jesus, one of them plays "Watching You" by Rodney Atkins DAILY. Who the EFF listens to that these days??? It's an amazing time to be a true country music fan, because we can collectively raise the middle finger to Nashville and corporate radio and listen to our own music, when we want, where we want.

Normally country music makes my brain hurt unless it's from the 50s and 60s. But my curiosity got the best of me and I listened to a couple of Zach Bryan tunes. I'm impressed! Very back to basics. Country music really needed this. Hope this trend continues for years to come

Id argue this is in music as a whole. Im a huge rap fan and my biggest thing ive been saying lately is that rap is about to go into a complete alternative change which really came out this year w tons of albums like Utopia. I think people want and need a change in all genres of music and i think by next year it will be in full force

You are a true music journalist Grady! Keep up the great work!

Bro cannot go one video without using a twerking Luke clip

It's so weird, several of my friends who were almost exclusively R&B, rap, trap, or pop fans have switched to country and treating it with the same pride and appreciation they seemingly had for the formerly mentioned genres. A ton of people, especially younger people on my campus, are suddenly super into county. I don't know what is happening but I am here for it! Newer artists like Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours, Midland, Mike & The Moonpies, Colter Wall, etc. are worth the hype. They've brought back country music to what it is.

Excellent commentary Grady. You put a lot of stuff I was puzzled about together. ***

This is so good Grady, thanks for saying it all 🔥

Spot on. I’m excited to see where this music will go. I’ve been a Red Dirt/Texas music fan since the Great Divide. I was at their second concert ever which was a Bday party in Oklahoma. Then I followed them thru the Bars. This Appellation Mountain music is promising. Simple and authentic. Not over produced!

I’d love for you to do a video on the rise of country in Europe in the last five years, Grady. I’ve seen really interesting stats on the rise of its popularity in the UK in particular and would love to hear your take on why and hear your research into it.

Love the background and audio!

Grady, you’re best video yet. I was looking for words to describe this phenomenon I’m seeing

I’m so glad country is blowing up now

I remember the past couple of years ago, I would tell people all of my favorite bands, and they never heard of them, now guess who they are listening to?😂

Great job on this man - don’t listen to a lot of country but love the where the genre is headed

I enjoy watching you scramble changing thumb nails and titles. Fascinating.

It's a decade old, but I recommend giving John Moreland's album In the Throes a listen. Too bad it came out when bro country was hitting big. His song "Gospel" became one of my favorite country tunes after just a few listens.

I hope a nirvana style band gets big again to be honest

So cool, and a moment I've been waiting for! I had to check out Zach Bryans latest album after watching this, as he until now hasn't been that much my fav. But after listening only once I really understand why you label this as country musics Nirvana moment. I simply had to write about it on my own blog, so my readers here in Norway also first hand gets informed of what's happening on the other side of the Pond. And I of course linked to this video. I've been waiting for this for many years now, the moment when a alt. country singer blows the mainstreamers off the field commercially too. Simply love it! And BTW, I'm now a Zach Bryan fan!

Great Video Grady! Probably one of my favourites of yours since I’ve been following for over a few years. I’m not much of a ZB fan (his music just doesn’t bring a ring to my ear) But I’m happy he’s bringing so many kids into the genre, and not from snap tracks. Cheers buddy keep up the great content!

I would love to see you talk more about the female country music evolution that’s taking place. Growing up in the 2000s, I remember hearing a lot of The Wreckers and the chicks. I think both groups were insanely talented but their PR image at the time seemed to cater to the same crowd as the 2013 male country artists. They had The tan skin, mostly fast upbeat songs, and their most popular songs were about romantic relationships instead of anything deeper about the world. now I see people like Sierra Ferrell and Bella white creeping into the spotlight, knocking on the door reminding us of early Dolly and Reba. In my opinion, a lot of female country artists have typically been able to keep singing songs with deep lyrics that were often hidden behind blue jean shorts, extra thick eyeliner and leathery skin for the sake of marketing. I didn’t see a lot of “she thinks my tractors sexy” from the female performers, they still sang songs about how they watched the world industrialize growing up and how isolating everything seemed to become. I would give anything to see a modern day female country music trio that’s reminiscent of Dolly Parton, Linda ronstadt, and Emmy Lou Harris.

Zach is country's modern version of Jim Croce, James Taylor, and John Denver. His songwriting, his emotion, his authenticity, his [tame] yet powerful musicianship, he's a literal God-send for the genre. I cannot wait to see what he has up next in this already promising career.

Love this! Great take

you got it spot on ! and you can bring this video back up and say I TOLD YOU SO !

I don’t listen to country music, but this video is great. Loved the historical narrative of it all. 🎉

So, In real country there’s no twerking , no Luke Bryan , this new country tht Nashville is putting out, is pitiful..

Love your videos. Thank you Grady!

I agree. I’ve been noticing and thinking the same thing for about a year now. I just saw Tyler Childers and there was this overwhelming feeling of how real and special it was. When he has every person in the venue singing along with just him and his acoustic….and when Zach Bryan is selling out a stadium tour, it’s obvious what people are shifting to.

I'm guessing this is also going to be a renaissance for older/legendary country music and its artists as well.

I feel like a lot of Zach's newer music has kind of morphed into its own thing where it's more like folk/indie than country. Songs like "I Remember Everything" and "Dawns" are very different that a lot of the tracks that I personally liked on American Heartbreak like "Oklahoma City" and "Open the Gate". I know he's always had this connection but it hasn't been at the forefront until more recently. Zach's almost undergoing a genre shift.

Quite possibly the best video you’ve ever made.

Love your content!