Country Mike Blog

Down Home, Contrived or Both?

Mike Sudhalter  |  June 30, 2010

Rodney Atkins' new song, "Farmer's Daughter," is
catchy and countrier than most music on country radio

I have something to say that will disappoint some of my friends here in the Lone Star State that eat, breath and sleep Texas Music.

I enjoy listening to the song, "Farmer's Daughter," by Rodney Atkins.

There, I said it.

The song is super-catchy. And it's country in melody and theme. It's about a guy working on a farm and falling in love with a farmer's daughter.

It's as simple as it can be, and that's part of what I like about it.

But here in Texas, this little ditty is evidence that so much of Nashville music is contrived.

Atkins, a Tennessean, is a talented artist - no doubt. But he has fed the radio machine with simple songs that lack depth - "If You're Going Through Hell (Keep On Moving)"

Really, Rodney? You wouldn't just stay put?

But Atkins' best song was "Honesty (Write Me A List)" on his debut album, which didn't do well commercially.

As evidenced by that debut album and the subsequent ones that produced hits, it's clear that Atkins critics should fault The Game, Not The Singer.

Texas artists have more room to showcase their creativity and until you follow Texas/Red Dirt Music, it's often difficult to see Nashville's faults.

I'm glad that I can appreciate music like Rodney Atkins, while still being able to recognize its stylistic shortcomings.