Introduction:
Toby Keith’s “That’s Country Bro” is a 2019 song that pays homage to the legends of country music. The song’s title is a play on the term “bro-country,” a subgenre of country music that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Bro-country is characterized by its focus on party anthems, often featuring themes of drinking, trucks, and women. While some critics have praised bro-country for its commercial success and relatability to a younger audience, others have criticized it for its perceived lack of depth and its departure from traditional country music themes.
Keith’s “That’s Country Bro” is a response to the bro-country movement. The song features a rapid-fire list of country music legends, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard. By name-dropping these icons, Keith is implicitly suggesting that true country music is rooted in the traditions of these artists, not in the contemporary trends of bro-country. The song’s lyrics also touch on themes of patriotism, faith, and family, which are often associated with traditional country music.
“That’s Country Bro” has been praised by some for its celebration of country music history and its critique of bro-country. However, it has also been criticized for its perceived lack of originality and its reliance on nostalgia. Regardless of its critical reception, the song has been a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart. It has also been praised by fans for its catchy melody and its positive message about the enduring power of country music.
In addition to its musical significance, “That’s Country Bro” has also been seen as a cultural commentary on the changing landscape of country music. The song’s release coincided with a growing backlash against bro-country, with many fans and critics calling for a return to more traditional sounds and themes. Keith’s song can be seen as a reflection of this sentiment, as well as an attempt to reclaim the term “country” for the genre’s more traditional roots.