Country R&B Pop
tagStarted 2014Peak 2017-2021Last big hit still active
Country storytelling over slinky R&B grooves: finger-snap percussion, soulful melisma, half-sung half-spoken cadences and DJ Mustard-style minimalism beneath pedal-steel touches. Romantic, sensual and laid-back, it trades the boot-stomp for groove, fusing Nashville melody with smooth-soul rhythm and glossy modern pop.
History
Pioneered by Sam Hunt, who brought Boyz II Men and Usher-style R&B phrasing to Music Row on 2014's half-spoken "Take Your Time," then ruled 2017 with the DJ Mustard-flavored, snap-along "Body Like a Back Road," No. 1 on Hot Country Songs for a record 34 weeks. Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett and Walker Hayes widened the lane with soul-pop hooks over country roots.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Like_a_Back_Road
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Your_Time_(Sam_Hunt_song)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Broke_Up_with_Me
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craving_You