County music is arguably America’s most popular genre at the moment. Superstars, like Beyoncé, are exploring the genre. Many of the artists winning CMAs are also selling out global tours, like Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen.

This is also a unique moment politically where many Americans that identify as the under-educated underclass have a leader they believe to be their champion. I’m not commenting on the validity of that perception, only to say it reminds me of Blair/Oasis in the 90’s.

Workwear brands, like Carhartt, are as fashionable in NYC as Adidas was in London in the 90’s. There’s a desire for couples to move out of cities to pursue a more rural life. Single men as more often viewed as hot when sporting a rugged cowboy vibe complete with beard (a stark contrast to the waxed chest sex appeal of previous years).

Both genres/eras share being the pop music of the day born from a working class aesthetic. An aesthetic and mentality that many fans emulate despite not being born into that scene.

In both cases, the songs that have become anthems are more emotional, sincere, and accessible than their predecessors. For Britpop, this meant articulating the romantic hope of the youth in an emotionally easy to connect manner. County is similarly an accessible flag bearer of its time, but with more darkness and vulnerability than its old cliches of trucks and beer.

Country music now and Britpop in the 90’s connect to their audiences by describing their current life and an ideal to chase.