Country Music that isn't so... country?

arisia

My mom's side of the family would like some country music played at the reception. I'm fine with that, but I'd prefer some stuff that isn't so.. you know, full on country. I know very little about the genre. Any suggestions of artists? I feel like all the country songs I know related to love are either full on "I love you" or "I miss you".. not really what I'm looking for.

In short:

I'd prefer stuff that is country, but not overkill. Wedding themed, but not kick you in the gut sappy. Ideas?

Magdala9

To get country music that isn't so country, pick songs that have crossed over to the pop music list.  In recent years, that would be Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.  In the past that would be Garth Brooks, Anne Murray, Johnny Cash and would vary depending on the era.   Many country artists have done duets with non country artists so that could be another alternative

Unfortunately, I think you may be unable to accomodate your family and avoid the kick you in the gut sappy because I find most country music somewhat sappy. 

arisia

Thanks for the advice (and the warning!). I'll see what I can find.

Robyn5298

You might like Neko Case - she's a newer artist that sounds very country, but her songs definitely have a more modern feel.

Also Willie Nelson's got some great ones!

arrabelle

Hank Williams Sr!  Hey good lookin', whatcha got cookin'?  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95aP0OWx4jY&feature=related

If you like rock and roll, you might actually like a lot of classic country.  It's worth a shot.  Here are a couple of my favorites that are not about anybody cheating, dying, or getting back on the bottle.    One is a version from Prairie Home Companion but it's originally a Carter family song (I think).  Not sure if you're looking for dance-tempo music or background....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KKWkJHFkTs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzG97IPg0y8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNTSPqN9pU

OMG your parents might love the "mom and dad waltz" by Lefty Frizzell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEIcV_rZbfQ&feature=related

Check out Little Jimmy Dickens, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams (Sr only!), Ray Price, June Carter Cash, the Carter family recordings, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Johnny Cash.  Also, if you go rockabilly or bluegrass, it's still kind of country-ish but can be a little more funky and upbeat.

We moved to Nashville 6 months ago and I've geeked out over classic country music if you can't tell.  I always thought I hated country.  I love it now!!

Good luck!

arrabelle

OMG I can't stop.  These are all Johnny Cash love songs.  The 3rd one is my favorite at the moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQgk5r_LsJg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9g_BzFHvs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVlbZLINsVM&feature=related

And Elvis.  Hel-lo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_XXtuOvKcg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rQEbQJx5Bo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhdUucs8AlY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhF_ofoNX3o&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ6yAYHsHqg&feature=related

tpender13

Are you having a DJ? If so, you can just let the DJ know that there will be some people who will want to hear country, but that you don't care much for it yourself so you don't want to go overboard with it.

davenport52803

Shania Twain and Faith Hill both have several songs about love that are countryish but also have a pop flare to them.

andrewandkathy

I'm a huge country fan, and I suggest Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Zac Brown Band, also The Band Perry and Sugarland. All of these artists have had (or will in the very near future) had crossover hits. Also they have the love songs with out being twangy. Jason Aldean has great fun drinking songs, Sugarland has a song called  "Stuck like glue" which is very cute. Hope that helps.

arisia

Thanks for all the advice ladies!

And no, we're skimping on the DJ to upgrade the food/drinks.