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.