Making it to country superstardom isn’t an easy feat. Striking sonic gold takes talent, hard work, the right management team, and a little bit of luck.
For every Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire, there are hundreds of artists who, despite having a rabid fan base, never quite reach household name status.
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On Reddit, a country music fan asked others to name the artists they think “should be bigger” than they are right now. Many names surfaced, leading to a compilation of country acts that fans believe deserve more recognition.
1. Kip Moore: A Superstar on the Down-Low
Georgia-born Kip Moore burst onto the scene in 2012 with his debut album, *Up All Night*, which included the chart-topping hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck.” Despite his five No. 1 songs and six albums, many Reddit users believe he should be more prominent in the country music landscape.
One fan noted, “After Kip Moore’s first album, he could have gone through the stratosphere. I love Kip, but it’s been a downhill trajectory since *Up All Night*.” Others pointed out that his authenticity and refusal to conform to Nashville’s trends contribute to his loyal fan base, but may also hinder his mainstream success.
2. Ashley McBryde: Too Indie or Too Mainstream?
Ashley McBryde, who won the CMA New Artist of the Year Award in 2019, has garnered a dedicated following, including support from industry heavyweights like Garth Brooks and Wynonna Judd. However, fans feel she should have achieved greater heights by now.
Comments on Reddit reflect her talent, with one user stating, “Ashley McBryde should have been a multiple-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year by now.” Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting that her sound is caught between being too indie for mainstream audiences and too mainstream for the indie scene, limiting her reach.
3. Midland: In Need of More Radio Love
Midland made waves nearly a decade ago with their hit “Drinking Problem.” The band, featuring lead singer Mark Wystrach, guitarist Jess Carson, and bassist Cameron Duddy, released their latest album, *Barely Blue*, in 2024. Despite their strong catalog, fans feel they deserve more recognition.
“Midland’s catalogue is really damn good, they just can’t seem to get much traction on the radio,” one user commented. Others suggested that the band was slightly ahead of the curve in the neo-traditional country revival, paving the way for newer artists to gain more attention.
4. The Band Perry: A Distant Memory?
The Band Perry, once a dominant force in country music during the 2010s with hits like “If I Die Young,” announced in 2023 that they were stepping back to pursue individual careers. Fans have expressed concern over their fading prominence in the industry.
Comments from Reddit users pointed to their decision to shift towards pop music as a factor in their decline, with one fan stating, “The Band Perry could’ve been huge if they had stayed more in line with their first album.” Their evolution away from their country roots may have cost them a broader audience.
5. David Nail: A Household Name Yet to be?
David Nail has enjoyed a successful career in country music, but fans believe he should be a household name by now. His breakthrough came with the 2011 hit “Let It Rain,” but his subsequent releases have not garnered the same level of attention.
One admirer remarked, “He’s been performing some new stuff that sounds pretty decent … He’s got some of the best storytelling ability in mainstream country. Criminally underrated,” highlighting his vocal talent and songwriting prowess.
Conclusion
The country music landscape is filled with talented artists who, for various reasons, have not achieved the level of fame they deserve. From Kip Moore’s authenticity to Ashley McBryde’s unique sound, these artists represent a diverse range of talent that continues to resonate with fans. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether these artists will break through to the mainstream or continue to thrive in the shadows of country superstardom.
FAQs
Which country artists are considered underrated?
Many fans believe artists like Kip Moore, Ashley McBryde, Midland, The Band Perry, and David Nail deserve more recognition and success in the country music scene.
What factors contribute to a country artist’s success?
A country artist’s success can depend on a combination of talent, hard work, effective management, radio play, and sometimes, luck.
Why do some artists fade from popularity?
Artists may fade from popularity due to changes in their musical style, lack of radio support, or shifts in the music industry that favor other genres or acts.
Can an artist regain popularity after a decline?
Yes, artists can regain popularity through reinvention, new music that resonates with fans, or collaborations that introduce them to new audiences.
