Leah McCann Smith | Writer & Editor

I hate country music. Hate is a strong word. Let’s say “thoroughly dislike.”

To be honest, I never saw the appeal of a musical genre that revolves around blue jeans, tractors, heartaches, banjos and America.

Before you pounce, I fully admit that country is much more than it appears on the surface—incorporating themes of Americana, rock, blues and folk. And in that way, it’s beautiful.

A country for the non-country playlist to prove it:

Tornado-Little Big Town

Better Dig Two-The Band Perry

Barton Hollow-Civil Wars

I Won’t Let Go-Rascal Flatts

Hurt-Johnny Cash

Country House-Delta Rae

Pretty Girl From Raleigh-Avett Brothers

Ready To Run-Dixie Chicks

Lookin’ For A Good Time-Lady Antebellum

Wild At Heart-Gloriana

Here’s to expanding our mindsets, being accepting of all genres and sharing great music. Even if it’s country.