This summer, country music is finding its way back onto high school playlists. While this genre may not be most people’s top choice, there are country music gems for those looking to add new songs.
“I feel like country music references summer a lot, so it fits with the season, and it’s also very upbeat and happy which is a vibe for summer,” said Ella Dorfman (‘27).
Country lyrics often describe nostalgia, love, and freedom, making the songs fit with road trips and the slower pace of summer life. Compared to genres like hip hop, which includes faster beats and a focus on rhythm, the storytelling and melody focus of country songs makes it “not as intense and more relaxing,” said Julien Fang (‘26).
In recent years, the genre has seen an increase in listeners. According to The Economist, in 2024, 36 percent of the streams of Spotify’s top 50 songs in America were country songs. In 2016, it was just 2 percent.
Country stars like Morgan Wallen are a big reason for this popularity. In 2024, Wallen’s last album, “One Thing At A Time,” was the second most streamed album in the U.S. on Spotify. This year, Wallen released his album “I’m the Problem” on May 16 and set a new record for the most-streamed country record on its first day on Amazon Music. The new album has spent a month at No.1 on Billboard 200, which lists the most popular albums in the country.
Born in Tennessee, Wallen’s music infuses country authenticity with a touch of pop, attracting listeners beyond the country’s usual base. While country music has traditionally appealed to older, more rural listeners, the music-data firm Chartmetric reports that Wallen’s popularity is strongest among urban audiences, with significant followings in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago.
Crossing musical genres doesn’t stop with Wallen. Even pop star Beyoncé is embracing the country charm. Last year,her full country album, Cowboy Carter, won album of the year at the 2025 Grammys. Her win signals the expanding reach of country music, as artists blend country tunes with other genres, attracting listeners beyond country enthusiasts.
Here are two country favorites from South students to add to your summer playlist: “Toes” by Zac Brown Band, recommended by Fang, and “Thought It Was Love” by Ty Myers, suggested by Arhana Mohan (‘26).
As you find time to slow life down and enjoy the summer nights, press play on a country song and you might hear the season singing back to you in warm welcome to the sounds of summer.
