# 3 Songs From the 2010s That Owe More to Country Music Than Fans Realize

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/3-songs-from-the-2010s-that-owe-more-to-country-music-than-fans-realize/
- Published: 2026-07-11T22:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-12T04:16:17+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-from-the-2010s-that-owe-more-to-country-music-than-fans-realize/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Summary

This American Songwriter feature argues that three well-known pop hits from the 2010s have deeper roots in country music than many listeners appreciate. The piece contends that through their song structure, lyricism or melody, these tracks share a kinship with the country genre, and it invites readers to revisit them with that connection in mind. The article is essentially an opinion-led listicle rather than hard news, reflecting how the boundaries between pop, folk and country have become increasingly blurred.

The three songs highlighted are Ed Sheeran's "The A Team", The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" and Lady Gaga's "Million Reasons". The writer praises "The A Team" for its stark storytelling about drug addiction over sparse instrumentation, describes "Ho Hey" as folk-pop that could just as easily be classed as country, and singles out "Million Reasons" as a deliberate country-western turn, noting that Gaga co-wrote it with the prominent Nashville songwriter Hillary Lindsey. The article suggests this collaboration lends Gaga genuine country credibility, while acknowledging that not every listener has embraced the song.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.