Welcome to Butting Heads- a brand new weekly series where two of our writers get together and discuss a topic. This week, Sam and Nicky are exploring the world of MODERN COUNTRY. Neither of them are experts on the subject, but still have varying opinions. They created a list of songs to listen to and give their opinions. So take a listen and see what they each had to say! 

How much exposure do you have to country music?

S: I grew up in a small, country town so I guess it was always around, but I never liked it and honestly tried to avoid it. Stubborn? Maybe. C'est la vie.

N: I grew up on country music. I don't listen to it much now, but 90's country music was the shit. I still have some of it on my phone. Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, etc... Love 'em! 

Have you ever been to a country show?

S: That's a negative. 

N: Yes! I went to see Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney. It was such an awesome show! I also saw Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Keith Urban is a fantastic performer. Taylor still can't dance. 

What are your thoughts on the following songs:

1. "You Should Be Here" - Cole Swindell

S: Of course he talks about cracking a beer in the middle of an oddly emotional song. Country confuses me haha

N: It's not bad. It's very touchy-feely like country is known for. I just feel like it's trying to be pop as well.

2. "Cruise" - Florida Georgia Line

S: I really fucking hate that this song is the catchiest garbage I've ever heard. It's so damn fun and it is practically impossible to not sing along. But I definitely don't see this being genuine to the genre. 

N: This is definitely trying to be pop. It even got a remix featuring Nelly. Don't get me wrong- I have an insane obsession with Nelly... but I don't see this as being genuine country. I can definitely get behind this as a "roll-your-windows-down" song. I mean, it is called "Cruise" after all. 

3. "Wasting All These Tears" - Cassadee Pope

S: I loved her in Hey Monday and this is pretty alright. Her voice is lovely and that definitely hasn't changed. The lyrical content is lackluster but it's very catchy! The kind of song you see girls drunkenly shouting at the top of their lungs at the karaoke bar at three in the morning. 

N: With how much we cover pop-punk, I don't think we could've ignored Cassadee Pope's crossover into country. It's still pop meets country! But- knowing where she's coming from (Hey Monday, anyone?), it's a decent crossover. And let me tell you- country girls know how to write a breakup song. I definitely appreciate the power notes. It's one to turn on when you want to sob on the floor and eat a pint of ice cream. Or down a bottle of wine. Or burn your ex's things. I mean... 

4. "Buy Me A Boat" - Chris Janson

S: I did NOT expect that guy to sound like that. That being said, not a fan. It's so shallow and simple. And man, I really don't like the country twang.

N: Ok, finally getting one that's more genuine country. It sort of has a tale, which a lot of country songs tend to have. At least the classics. The guitar is edgier than older country, but still- the twang is perfection. At least in country terms. I live in an area that's very much a country-loving town. I'm pretty sure I've heard this at the bar once or twice... or fifty times. 

5. "One Hell of an Amen" - Brantley Gilbert

S: These dudes look like some metal dads and they're singing a country song. That cracks me up! But it's cool that they're paying tribute to the military. I can appreciate that it has more substance than some of the other songs. But I would never listen to this on my own accord.  

N: You can't talk country without including military or religious themes. Country growing up was filled with it. And here is a modern country song of no exception. Great song by Brantley Gilbert. It's emotional, powerful, and thought-provoking. I could listen to it- even though I'm not Christian. I like it. 

Now that you've listened to some songs in the genre, would you listen to more hardcore music?

S: I just can't get with it. 

N: Being a fan of classic country, I'm going to be fairly picky when it comes to the modern stuff. However, I can get behind the genre. If you ever need a funny or angry breakup song- look no further. 

Well that's all for this week's Butting Heads! If you want to listen to more, we have a whole playlist on YouTube (I even included some oldies for fun -N)! Let us know your thoughts and give us some suggestions on acts we don't have on our playlist!