7 Modern Artists for People Who Say “They Don’t Make Good Country Music Anymore”

If you’re a fan of country music, there’s a better than even chance you’ve heard someone say “They don’t make good country music anymore.” Usually, the people who say that are fans of classic country music. At the same time, they’re likely not looking any further than their FM radio dial before writing off an entire genre.

The truth is, if your definition of “good country music” can be summed up by the music that ruled the airwaves between the ‘70s and the ‘90s, you’re not going to find much to love on country radio today. However, these five artists will likely tick most of the boxes and they’ve got plenty of music available to stream across multiple platforms.

So, whether you’re tired of hearing about the lack of good country music or tired of feeling like the genre is dying, here are five artists to prove that the genre is alive and well.

Zach Top—Bringing Good Country Music Back to the Radio

While several modern country artists are leaning into the ’90s sound, Zach Top is likely the only one you’ll find on the radio dial today. He grew up in Washington playing bluegrass with his family band and listening to country music from the good old days. His throwback sound is the natural result of pulling from his influences—the same folks who shaped the genre more than thirty years ago.

Tracks like “Cold Beer and Country Music” and “Sounds Like the Radio” get plenty of attention and more than prove Top’s country cred. However, it doesn’t stop there. His album cuts are just as good. “There’s the Sun” is a top-notch love song and an underrated cut from his most recent release Cold Beer & Country Music.

Joshua Hedley—A Professor of Country Music

Those who have wandered into Robert’s Western World in Nashville may have heard Joshua Hedley and his band working through a laundry list of country classics peppered with a few originals. However, those original songs may not immediately jump out because they blend so well with tracks from the artists Hedley admires.

An expert fiddle player who regularly tours with Asleep at the Wheel, Hedley is a student of the genre. His first album, Mr. Jukebox sees him delving into the Countrypolitan sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s. His sophomore album, Neon Blue sounds like it could have ruled the airwaves in the ‘90s. It also contains a great tune that sums up his philosophy on making good country music. Check out “Country & Western” below.

Sierra Ferrell—A Country Artist Too Good to Pass Up

Sierra Ferrell has been a favorite among fans of independent country for years. More recently, she found a wider audience with the release of her album Trail of Flowers. Her sound is a combination of old-time, bluegrass, and classic country music. Ferrell is a stellar songwriter with an otherworldly voice that has been compared to a combination of Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn.

To get a good feel for this criminally underrated country singer/songwriter’s style, listen to “West Virginia Waltz” from her 2021 album Long Time Coming.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers—Good Country Music from Oklahoma

There’s a good chance that many country fans have heard of Turnpike Troubadours. After all, they’re one of the most popular bands in the Red Dirt scene. However, they’re far from the only band from the Sooner State that is still making good country music. Jason Boland & The Stragglers recently celebrated 25 years as a band and they’re still as sharp as ever.

Those who are looking for some top-notch honky tonk music will find a catalog packed with it. Their 2001 album Pearl Snaps is a must-hear for those who want to dive headfirst into Red Dirt. However, their 2021 concept album The Light Saw Me is by far their most creative and interesting release. They stick to their country sound while unfolding the story that includes aliens, time travel, and more. Check out the album’s title track below.

Silverada—Texas Honky Tonk for the New Millennium

This Texas-based band used to be called Mike and the Moonpies until they became Silverada earlier this year. While their name changed, their sound didn’t. They’ve been playing smokin’-hot honky tonk for more than a decade.

Their discography is deep and full of good country music. Check out “Paycheck to Paycheck” from their 2021 album One to Grow On for an example of their sound.

Charley Crockett—Vintage Country Sounds from a Current Artist

Those who are looking for a modern artist with a more vintage sound will find what they’re looking for in Charley Crockett. Influenced by Texas country and the sounds of New Orleans, his “Gulf & Western” style can be compared to Hank Williams with a little more soul.

Crockett’s deep discography is full of original songs with relatable lyrics and vintage sounds as well as covers of classic country tunes. In short, he’s one of the best in the business today. Check out his cover of “Jamestown Ferry” below.

Nikki Lane—The “Queen of Outlaw Country”

Those who like a little edge to their country music are going to find what they’re looking for in Nikki Lane’s discography. This singer/songwriter has been hailed as the modern Queen of Outlaw Country and has more than earned the moniker.

Her sound, much like the Outlaw Country legends who shaped the movement, is good country music with a dash of rock and roll for flavor. Listen to the title track from her 2017 album Highway Queen to get a feel for what she has to offer.

Featured Image by Per Ole Hagen/Redferns