Seems like it’s getting better every day. There was a time in the 2010s when country music seemed all but lost. Sure, you had the likes of mainstream acts like Eric Church and Miranda Lambert still delivering great work, as well as the likes of Turnpike Troubadours, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers and more making waves in the independent scene at the time. Broadly speaking, however, it was an absolute mess from a mainstream perspective, dominated by both the rise of bro-country and its softer, nauseatingly romantic offshoot, boyfriend country. With names like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Kane Brown and more rising to the top of the genre from roughly 2012-2018, that six-year period saw the genre arguably hit an all-time low. All hope was not lost in that timeframe, however. Of course, this was thanks in part to Chris Stapleton’s mammoth night at the 2015 CMA Awards that subsequently ushered in a craving for a new, more authentic sound that had been severely lacking in country music. Just a few years after the “Tennessee Whiskey” laid the groundwork for more authenticity in the mainstream, Zach Bryan, for all intents and purposes, completely opened up the floodgates for the independent and alternative side of the genre, thanks to his monster rise to fame. Thanks to some of these key moments, among other developments in the genre over the past decade, it truly feels like country music is in the best shape it’s been since arguably the 70s. While, of course, you still have heaps of pop and other trash still being peddled on radio, we’ve seen a key shift towards more authentic storytelling and, most importantly, traditional instrumentation. It should go without saying that the leader of today’s traditionalist movement is none other than reigning CMA New Artist of the Year and the first-ever winner of the Grammy’s Best Traditional Country Album of the Year, Zach Top. Of course, it’s not like Top is the only artist sticking to the sounds and styles of ’90s country, with names like Randall King, Drake Milligan, Mae Estes and tourmate, Jake Worthington, all carrying the torch of traditionalism. With that being said, however, Top has quite clearly become the leader of the pack over the past two years. If we’re being honest, it’s hard to truly dislike Top. Beyond his killer guitar skills, smooth vocals and aforementioned ’90s sound, he’s also simply charismatic as all hell, effortlessly delivering hilarious moments like when he accepted his Best New Artist Award at the CMAs with a Coors Banquet in his hand. Fresh off his Grammy win earlier in the month, recently, Top sat down with Entertainment Focus to discuss his big night, his upcoming headlining spot at C2C Festival over in Europe, the rise of country music overseas and more. While discussing his fan-appointed title as the “savior of country music” and more reasonably, his role as torchbearer for traditionalism, the “Use Me” singer would give his two cents as to why he thinks his sound has resonated with so many lately. As Top rightfully explains, country music has always been operating on a bit of a pendulum. In other words, once we see a big shift, whether it’s towards pop, hip-hop or any other outside influence, the tide will eventually turn right back towards the traditional sound many associate with the genre. He would admit, however, that the tide has not completely changed, thanks in part to Billboard’s #1 Artist of 2025, Morgan Wallen, still dominating the charts with his country/rap/pop infusion. “I think so. I feel like fans of country always find something new that comes along that’s a little different, a little wacky, and they go chase that. The industry goes and chases that for a while until it’s kind of played itself out. Then it always swings back to the traditional, what we’ve always known and loved to be country music. It’s funny. I think this latest cycle has been a long one, starting back in I think 2010 when ‘Cruise’ came out from Florida Georgia Line. That felt like the big shift toward this hip-hop influence into country. Obviously, Morgan Wallen is at the peak of his powers in that same type of vein as well.” The Washington native would then continue his comparison with how country always swings back and forth, joking and noting how many in the ’80s believed that Randy Travis and George Strait were saving the genre after Kenny Rogers, who dabbled in pop throughout his career, “ruined” the genre. “It feels like the hunger from fans has turned somewhat toward a return to the roots and traditions of country music. It’s just so funny to watch it ’cause back when George Strait and Randy Travis came around, they had to save country music after Kenny Rogers ruined it. I feel like these cycles have been going on as long as country music has been around. There’s always been something new and a little different and edgy that goes on for a little bit and then people return to something traditional and familiar feeling.” It should go without saying that Top is absolutely correct in his assessment on multiple fronts. For starters, this push towards traditionalism, while absolutely incredible due to the absolute slop the genre has experienced over the past 15 or so years, is inherently nothing new. Additionally, he hit the nail on the head when addressing that true country fans will always crave a traditional sound. While flashy, pop-infused artists and songs may attract a few new fans to said artist or song, country music has and will always be carried by the artists and fans who appreciate the genre’s history and identity. Thankfully, Top is leading that charge and making some damn good music in the meantime. Before you go, fire up Top’s Grammy-nominated track, “I Never Lie.” Zach Top Tour Dates February 5 – Scottsdale, Arizona – Coors Light Birds Nest 2026 February 21 – Zurich, Switzerland – The Hall February 25 – Copenhagen, Denmark – K.B. Hallen February 28 – Stockholm, Sweden – Annexet March 3 – Oslo, Norway – Sentrum Scene March 7 – Rotterdamn, Netherlands – Rotterdam Ahoy March 8 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Eats Music Hall March 13 – London, United Kingdom – The O2 March 14 – Belfat, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena March 15 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – OVO Hydro April 9 – Florence, Arizona – Country Thunder Arizona April 24 – Lubbock, Texas – Jones AT&T Stadium May 22 – Norfolk, Virginia – Patriotic FestivalThe post “It Always Swings Back To Traditional”: Zach Top Says Country Music Is Finally Returning Back To Its Roots first appeared on Whiskey Riff.