subject: The Best Country Singer / Songwriters For Inspiring You [print this page] What is it about a great country singer/songwriters that draws inspiration from us? Ever since I was a little fella, I've loved to listen to a good country song. And whether the artstist was a country western singer or a well established pop country singer I've always been fascinated by the stories they tell, many of which are true and about where they are in their life's journey.
Many of the story songs we've grown to love and expect often stem more so from country roots than other generas, and a rich narrative tradition.However there's many other singer songwriters in other generas who have influenced me, rappers like Tupac, Rock bands like Guns n Roses and soul crooners such as Tom Jones, all of which had amazing stories to tell in their own unique way.
So which country singer do I draw the most from as a story teller? However when considering country music and country singer(s) several great artists spring to the forefront of my mind to draw inspiration from as well, these are... Kenny Rogers, the established easy listening balladeer who established himself in the the country music niche decades ago. And of his many richly drawn story-songs complete with colourful characters and twisting riveting plots in every song, the most enduring has been "The Gambler," which is famous of the grizzled card player on an evening train ride.
The newer country singer / songwriter who I draw inspiration from is...On the front of the new country singer (or more modern day counter musicians) there's Taylor Swift, a promising young country singer who has been writing her own songs since her early teenage years and has established a singular way of winning the hearts of teenagers in love and helping them overcome their anxieties. Taylor has built a great reputation as a wholesome country singer/songwriter who speaks for the more astute members of her generation one could put it. I really love her potent anthem "You Belong With Me," and the emotion of this is even more poignant with her powerful country music video that accompanies the song. The way this song hits home for anyone who's ever had a heartburning crush (and that would be many of us, me included LOL), her story of the ordinary girl who secretly has a deep desire for her friend who she loves more than just a friend and wishing he would understand or see just what a fantastic match they would make together.
Summing up, this article wouldn't be complete with thoughts on the amazing singer / songwriters here in Australia who I really enjoy and have virtually grown up with. Adam Harvey and Troy Cassar-Daly are probably two of the longest standing male country singers and have had hit upon hit and their stories really connect. Of the female artists there's Gina Jeffrey's and Beccy Cole who have very different styles yet are so in touch with their song writing and the stories of life they tell. One thing I love about Australian artists is their willingness to tell deep stories of their own lives and that's what's made Australian country so unique and endearing
