Brad Paisley - This Is Country Music
By: Matt Bjorke
When Brad Paisley started singing “This Is Country Music” on Early November’s 44th CMA Awards program, I thought for sure that he was going to be pouring on gas to stop the whole “I’m proud to be from the country” songs that are out there, however instead what was given to us was a song that literally has every theme used in modern country music with a dash of classic country themes thrown in for good measure.
It felt lazy, really lazy.
Then, today, I heard the completed studio version.
Sure, the song is still chock full of lazy lines ripped from other songs but the melody is gloriously traditionalist with fiddles and steel guitars serving as more than set pieces adding ‘country color’ to the song. There’s also a 30 second guitar solo in the middle of the song before Brad tugs at the heart strings a-la the Zac Brown Band with a verse about how country music proudly waves its flag in support of the troops.
The outro to the song takes famous song titles like “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Hello Darlin,” “Ac Country By Can Survive,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “God Bless The USA,” “Amarillo By Morning” and “Stand By Your Man.” The odd thing is that each of these songs was written and recorded in the 1980s or before and much of what Brad Paisley sings about in “This Is Country Music” talks about modern country music, not the classic stuff.
The song sounds very good and the sentiment is something we can all agree with as country music fans. Country music does provide a home for songs about cancer, families, themes of farms, small town life, military heroes, and God. It’s just that it’s all presented a little haphazardly and the message will be lost on many.
I love country music but I can’t shake the feeling that this song is a watered-down thesis about what makes country music great. So while this is obviously Brad Paisley’s celebration of the kind of music he really loves, it does still feel a little like an ‘us vs. them’ kind of song.
“This Is Country Music” will undoubtedly be a hit. It sounds good and the great production from Frank Rogers is joined by one of Brad Paisley’s strongest vocal deliveries in years. Gone, though, is the feeling that Brad so expertly tapped into with “Welcome To The Future.” Brad Paisley can and does write much better songs and hopefully the upcoming 2011 album will be chock full ‘em.
READER'S COMMENTS
Jonathon says:
Posted: Thursday, December 23, 2010
Disagree completely with Granna. Brad's terribly unique in an otherwise watered down country music line-up. Folks like Lady Antebellum, Jason Michael Carroll, Chris Young -- that's recycled. Also -- this site is absolutely aggravating with the double pop-ups about "Country Strong." Cut that crap out. This song is musically wonderful. Lyrically, sure, it might not be so terribly strong, but the fact that this song gets slapped with 2.5 stars while Keith Urban's frustratingly awkward "Put You in a Song" garners 4 out of 5 is mind-boggling. Of course, they're all opinions. I just happened to not agree (upon further inspection) with most of Mr. Bjorke's.
Granna says:
Posted: Sunday, December 19, 2010
I just don't think much of this song at all. Brad's voice is one of the most boring in country music. He's the same range on most all of his songs. And he sings pretty much about the same thing too. But I guess that's what some like and they can have him. But thank goodness there's more real country singers out there. If every singer was as boring as him...well, I'm just thankful their not.
Gordon says:
Posted: Monday, November 22, 2010
When I heard this song on the awards show the other night it left me feeling a little lost. I'm not sure what country music is to Brad but I don't think this song is a very good representation of what country music really is. What we know now as country music is a blend of a lot of other things. Real country music as pretty much lost it's identity. Brad is a very talented musician. He has the ability to deliver songs that will pull you in emotionally and take you along for the ride. Unfortunately a lot of what he gives us leaves you wondering if the wagon is going to slow down long enough to get on. Just some thoughts from someone who has been in country music for 50 plus years.
says:
Posted: Monday, November 22, 2010
Pamela says:
Posted: Thursday, November 18, 2010
I completely disagree with all of you and think it's one of his best work to date.Looking forward to this song hitting the top spot!
Tim says:
Posted: Thursday, November 18, 2010
I thought the song was reminiscent of Gretchen Wilson's I got your country right here, and not something to be proud of. I think this single is a huge miss for Brad after releasing so many GREAT singles. This one clearly falls to the bottom of the singles he has released in the past couple of years.
Nancy says:
Posted: Thursday, November 18, 2010
I enjoyed it purely for the entertainment factor, and that it showcased his guitar and vocal gifts. It was evident from the audience applause that the song struck a chord (no pun intended). No, it's not his strongest composition, but given the state the world is currently in, his song addressed the masses. It's called entertainment. That's what is needed right now. That sells records. I'm buying it. Knock it out of the park Brad!
Bill says:
Posted: Thursday, November 18, 2010
How is this song any different that the one Joey+Rory put out a couple months ago. "This Song is for you" Brad is using the same country cliches, which are good selling points for an already established artist like Brad. Stick to much of the same and people will buy. No left turns (a la Chris Gains). I think the Joey+Rory song was just a poignant and touching and should have got more air play. Just an opinion
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