Zac Brown Band: Country Music Analysis

Country music is “a branch of American Popular Music (Country Music)” that dates back to the 1920s. The music itself is a combination of folk music arising from the southern United States, with “cowboy” music from the Wild West. The beats, the harmony, and the flow are generally simple and allow for listening at ease. Lyrical analysis separates country music from mixing with other categories, as it is associated with ballads and stories – the songs are fit to tell. Any and all accompaniment is, in general, strings, fiddles, and harmonica. While modern music balances the artist with digital sound, country music remains true with unity of said instruments. When describing country, upon interpretation the term “twang” is used; twang can range

The band is based out of Georgia, so they incorporate many of the same values that southern communities appreciate. The lead vocalist, Zac Brown, and his diverse choice of members have created an octet where each member contributes a more adventurous sound and sway to their record. They have four albums and numerous charted singles under their name, and have just released their newest album, Jekyll + Hyde (2015). Together, while remaining true to the instruments and the message behind the music, the Zac Brown Band puts a personal touch on the elements of the genre and redefines country music (Zac Brown

For example, going back to the collaborations with reggae superstars Jason Mraz and Jimmy Buffet, charted singles such as “Toes” and “Knee Deep” have been created. The message behind these songs describes a tropical mentality, as it focuses on enjoying the time and the moments by the water. With his “toes in the water, and [toes] in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in [his] hand,” for example, Zac Brown starts to take the listener on a vacation with him, where he experiences “tequila and pretty señoritas.” While the general stereotype of alcohol is still identified, these lyrics keep country in mind, but add new flare by focusing more on the tropics, rather than the backwoods and country mindset of the genre. With his music in “Knee Deep” the listener forgets about the barnyard sound, and they “find the key to paradise,” because their “mind [is] on a permanent vacation, [where] the ocean is the only medication.” These lyrics are comparatively different to being “up in the mornin’ yawnin’ with those work boot on,” where they have been “heavy liftin’ since the crack of dawn,” for example, in Blake Shelton’s “Country Strong”