As a friend of mine loves to point out, I am quite the critic of country music. While I love folk music and bluegrass and mountain music, I think modern country lacks a certain substance to it. It’s a little too much like twainy pop rock for my taste. But this friend assures me I have not given country music enough of a chance to pass judgment. So this past week, she burned me a CD of some of her favorite modern country. I in turn promised to listen to it with an open mind. This I have done, and here are the results of our debate:

I think I have been far too narrow in what I consider country music. I cannot make a blanket statement that says I don’t like country music. Yes, some of it is empty and lacks emotion that should come naturally to that genera. There are still some true country music artists who can write and perform a moving song.

So, Sara, you have proved to me that some country music can still have the qualities that make it totally enjoyable. While it’s still not my favorite music, I will not be quite so harsh. But don’t expect to find me bopping away to Brooks and Dunn when I clean the house or head banging to Big and Rich as I drive down I-15. I am still a rock ’n’ roll girl through and through. Give me Green Day and My Chemical Romance any time, any day.