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3 Songs From the 2010s That Owe More to Country Music Than Fans Realize
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.
Explained simply
The boundaries between musical genres have become increasingly blurred over the past decade, with many pop songs incorporating elements of country, folk and Americana music. This phenomenon reflects broader shifts in how artists draw inspiration from different traditions and how listeners consume music across genre lines. Understanding these connections can reveal layers of influence that might not be immediately obvious to casual listeners.
An American Songwriter feature examines three well-known pop hits from the 2010s and argues each has significant country music roots. The songs in question are Ed Sheeran's "The A Team", The Lumineers' "Ho Hey" and Lady Gaga's "Million Reasons". Each track is analysed for how it borrows from country conventions, whether through its storytelling approach, melodic structure or lyrical themes.
The article highlights how established pop artists have collaborated with country songwriters and drawn on country traditions to craft their work. These collaborations and influences matter because they show how genres once considered separate have merged in contemporary music, reflecting evolving tastes among listeners and the creative choices made by major recording artists.