I grew up on country music, and a lot of people have a cursory knowledge of 90s country. Because Shania Twain was so big, even non-country fans caught wind of Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, etc. Women in country music are still doing big things though! Plus, unlike pop and R&B, the country girls haven’t started whisper-singing, so you still get some vocalists who grew up in the church. So here go some of ladies I’m currently listening to.
Brittney Spencer “Sober Skinny”
Currently my favorite new-country songwriter, Brittney just released an album this year (on the heels of her Cowboy Carter credit) but this song is still my favorite.
Clare Dunn “We Are”
Clare Dunn has a big ol’ Colorado voice that sounds especially nice when she’s leaning into arena-country.
Cam “Diane”
Another artist catching a Beyonce Bump, when I heard “American Requiiem” I immediately went to the credits to see who was stacking the backgrounds, and there was Cam! Nobody in Nashville is layering vocals like her.
Maddie & Tae “Die From A Broken Heart”
Madison Font and Taylor Kerr were going to the same vocal coach in high school and met at a showcase. Sparks flew and they were back and forth to Nashville, making the move permanently after graduating in 2013.
Tiera Kennedy “Keep Your Promises”
The first time I heard Tiera Kennedy’s voice, I think I was in a Waffle House and I had no idea that chirpy little accent was out of a Black lady. A couple of years later, she showed up on two Cowboy Carter songs, and now everybody knows her chirpy little voice thanks to “Tyrant.”
Madeline Merlo “Middle of the Bed”
One of Shania’s Daughters (musically), Madeline’s very first concert was Shania Twain, and seeing another Canadian woman from a small town make it big in country gave Madeline the boost that maybe she could too!
Kelsea Ballerini “If You Go Down (I’m Goin Down Too)”
Kelsea burst on the scene in 2014, sending her first 3 singles to the top of the country chart at 19-years-old — the first to do so since Wynonna Judd.
Tanner Adell “I Hate Texas”
Tanner “Buckle Bunny” Adell has been saying she’s the Beyonce of Country since she debuted, so when she was campaigning online for a spot on Cowboy Carter a lot of people played in her face. But when the album came out, there she was! The power of manifestation.
Jillian Jacqueline “Prime”
At just 12 years old Jillian had her first chart entry on a collaboration with Billy Dean and Suzy Bogguss. So far, that’s still her biggest hit because for some reason none of her songs seem to break into the public consciousness, but I’ma still root for her because this has been my jam since 2016.
Una Healy “Walk Away”
The Saturdays are never getting better, and I’m just going to have to accept that, but at least my favorite Saturday is still making music — country music at that!
Mickey Guyton “Scary Love”
In some ways, I feel like this renewed focus on country music from Black people is partly due to Mickey Guyton having the guts to write music about her hair and being Black when every other Black country artist was just trying to blend in as one of the good ol’ boys (cough::Darius Rucker::cough).
Kacey Musgraves “Good Wife”
As a divorce album, star-crossed ranks right up there with the best of them and “Good Wife” is excellent songwriting.
Shaylen “What If I Don’t”
Born in Tennessee, Shaylen grew up singing in the church (which is why I immediately clocked her voice when she popped up on a Country playlist) and started out in the industry with a pop-gospel group.
Brynn Cartelli “Last Night’s Mascara”
In 2018, 15-year-old Brynn became the youngest ever winner of The Voice, and even though singing competition shows don’t make superstars in the US the way they did a few times waaaayyy back in the day, I’ve been following her because I love a good songwriter.
Reyna Roberts “Louisiana”
Reyna Roberts moved from Alaska to Tennessee in 2020, and shortly after arrival, Carrie Underwood reposted a video of Reyna covering her song “Drinking Alone.” A few months later, she released her debut single and she’s been out here ever since making a name for herself.
Runaway June “Buy My Own Drinks”
As a group, Runaway June has more lineup changes than the Sugababes, but the so far the constant presence of founding member Jennifer Wayne (who is John Wayne’s granddaughter) has kept some sonic consistency regardless of who’s singing with her.
Maren Morris “Great Ones”
Maren Morris is always half-in/half-out of country music because she’s about had it with the racism and bigotry she sees at the festivals. When this album came out a few years ago, I thought she’d finally make the leap to R&B with her next outing. She didn’t, but I know it’s in there somewhere still waiting to get out.
That’s all for the first week of November!
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