BY EVIE MASON
I think it’s safe to say that 2024 has seen quite a lot of progression in the country music scene. With albums from familiar faces in an entirely new context (Beyonce and Post Malone!), it seems that, in the words of Lainey Wilson, “Country’s Cool Again”!
My favourite single from 2024 is perhaps a controversial one. Although I do not back Zach Bryan’s actions as a human being (because who dumps their girlfriend through an Instagram story??), I nevertheless just adore “Pink Skies”, which was released in May. The single blew up pretty much immediately, with the help of TikTok. I always find it slightly frustrating when my favourite songs become viral, but I think it’s completely justified when it comes to this song. The song has a simple feel to it, as it is quite repetitive, but I think that this is part of what makes it so beautiful. The harmonica, the acoustic guitar, the simplicity, the devastating storytelling… It’s just perfect to me. The song somehow has a nostalgic feel to it even though it’s a new release. It makes you feel, it makes you sing. It’s my favourite single of 2024.
Bryan’s newest album, “The Great American Bar Scene”, was also a contender for the top album spot for me. When I look back, I think “28” and “Pink Skies” will both be the soundtrack to my first term at uni. They are perfect autumn listens and were on repeat constantly while I studied. But, the album has a very specific sound to it and does not feel varied enough for me to crown it #1.
The album that does win the title of best album, for me, is Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind”. Lainey has had quite the successful year or so, winning multiple CMA awards, and her new album is no exception. It may sound odd, but I dislike listening to whole albums all the time. When a new album comes out, I sit and listen to the whole thing to get a feel for the work as a whole. But, apart from this and when I listen to CDs in my 2013 Fiat 500 because the Bluetooth is dodgy sometimes, I rarely casually listen to a whole album. I like to have a mix of songs. However, Lainey forced me to listen to and enjoy all of “Whirlwind”. I first heard “4x4xU” on a radio playlist on Spotify and loved it. Then it was “Whirlwind”, the title track. And then I eventually had to give in, and I listened to the whole album. A personal favourite is “Devil Don’t Go There”, which I think should be more popular than it is. I just love her sound; it is unapologetically country. Thanks for making it cool again Lainey!
As for the best concert I attended in 2024, I don’t think it will come as a surprise that I must give it to Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour”. A close contender was Brad Paisley at C2C this year, but Swift’s performance was just too special for me to reject it. Hate her or love her, it remains true that the show is an absolute spectacle. I won’t go on about it, because you probably already know too much about it. And that’s exactly why it deserves the top spot. It is unlike any other tour and was one of the most popular events of the year. To be honest, it definitely made my year and made 2024 unforgettable. I can’t wait for country Taylor to return soon with her version of her debut album! Here’s to another great year of music in 2025!