Country singer Zach Top has criticised the current state of mainstream country music, arguing that it has become too polished and has lost its "soul", while suggesting that bluegrass music is filling that void. The 28-year-old made the comments in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, framing his remarks around his own musical roots and the release of his new song. His comments add to a running debate among musicians about authenticity in modern country music production.

Top explained that he started out playing bluegrass before moving into mainstream country, and pointed to that genre's rising popularity as evidence that audiences are craving something less "perfect" and more genuine. He tied his comments to his new single, "Good Girls & Cowgirls," describing his own perspective on why stripped-back, traditional sounds resonate more with listeners than the highly produced tracks common in today's country charts.