You might think of country and rock as two distinct genres, like peanut butter and jelly — delicious on their own but best when they’re mixed together, right? Well, believe it or not, some of your favorite country stars have dipped their toes into the rock pool, and honestly, a lot of folks seem to have forgotten about it. Let’s chat about three artists who took that leap, experimented a bit, and might have left some fans scratching their heads in the process.
1. Shania Twain: The Queen of Crossover
Shania Twain is often hailed as the “Queen of Country Pop,” but her rock credentials are often overshadowed by her glittering country career. Remember her unforgettable album “Come On Over”? Sure, it was country, but tracks like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much” had rock-inspired vibes that made them radio staples far beyond the country charts. But it doesn’t stop there — in 2004, she teamed up with rock legend, Nickleback’s Chad Kroeger, for “Saturday Night,” a track that showcased her rock side in full force.
It’s kind of wild that she didn’t get more credit for this crossover. I mean, who wouldn’t want to belt out a catchy chorus while channeling their inner rockstar? Shania’s ability to blend genres has definitely left a mark, and it’s a shame if fans have glossed over her rock influences. Next time you’re blasting her hits, just remember there’s a little rock ‘n’ roll spirit underneath those catchy melodies.
2. Keith Urban: The Guitar God
If you’ve been to a Keith Urban concert, you know he’s got that signature guitar style that can make any rock fan weak in the knees. Urban has never shied away from blending genres, and his rock side comes out loud and clear in songs like “Gone” and “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.” But let’s not forget his collaboration with rock gods like the legendary Eric Clapton. Yes, that’s right; Urban jammed with Clapton on “Sweet Little Angel,” showcasing his rock chops and guitar prowess.
Urban’s crossover isn’t just a one-off thing. He’s consistently infused his music with rock influences, and it’s part of what makes him stand out in the country scene. It’s like he’s the cool, laid-back friend who can chill with the country crowd but also rock out at a heavy metal concert. So, if you thought of Urban as just a country crooner, it might be time to revisit his discography. Trust me; you’ll find some serious rock vibes hiding in there.
3. Miranda Lambert: The Rebel with a Rock Edge
Miranda Lambert is known for her fierce lyrics and powerful vocals, but did you know she’s dabbled in rock? With hits like “Gunpowder & Lead” and “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Lambert has always had that rebellious spirit that resonates with rock fans. But it’s her collaboration with the rock band Pistol Annies (which she’s a part of) that really showcases her rock influences. Songs like “Hell on Heels” have that gritty, rock-inspired edge that you can’t ignore.
And let’s not forget her 2020 album, “Wildcard,” where you’ll find tracks that blend country with a rock vibe, showing off her versatility. Lambert’s ability to combine her country roots with rock elements is a reminder that genres can be fluid. She’s like that friend who can pull off both a cowboy hat and a leather jacket without breaking a sweat. So, if you thought Miranda was just about country heartbreak anthems, take a moment to appreciate her rock side. You might be pleasantly surprised!
Why Do We Forget?
Now, why do we forget about these awesome crossovers? Maybe it’s because we tend to box artists into neat little categories. But music is all about experimentation and evolution. Artists like Shania, Keith, and Miranda show us that it’s perfectly okay to blend genres and explore new sounds. In fact, it’s often those very explorations that lead to some of their most memorable work.
So, the next time you’re jamming out to your favorite country tunes, keep an ear out for those rock influences. You might just rediscover some hidden gems that remind you why you loved these artists in the first place. And who knows? You might even find yourself singing along to a forgotten rock-inspired banger while driving down the highway.
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