Country artists who tried other genres (and how it went)

Genre jumps

Country stars are known for staying true to their roots, but not all of them play it safe. Some artists take creative detours, leaping into genres like pop, EDM, gospel, or even reggae to shake things up.

While some transitions led to chart-topping success, others raised eyebrows and split fan bases. Let’s explore who nailed the switch and who hit a sour note.

Darius crossover

Before becoming a country staple, Darius Rucker was the lead singer of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. When he debuted as a solo country artist in 2008, he made history as the first Black singer in 25 years to top the country charts.

He also explored R&B and gospel influences in later works, though country remained his core. Fans embraced the shift.

Taylor’s shift

Taylor Swift’s 2012 album Red was the turning point; it flirted with pop, but 2014’s 1989 sealed the deal. She officially left the country behind and won the Grammy for Pop Album of the Year.

Though she’s nodded to her roots in later songs, she now dominates mainstream pop. Her move inspired a wave of genre-blending country acts.

Willie’s reggae

In 2005, Willie Nelson dropped Countryman, a reggae-influenced album that puzzled even his longtime fans. Featuring covers of Bob Marley tracks and tropical rhythms, it felt like a personal passion project.

Critics were mixed, and sales were modest, but Willie stood by the experiment. The album became a cult favorite, showing how fearless genre-blending can be.

Chris Gaines

Garth Brooks took a wild swing in 1999 with his alter ego “Chris Gaines,” a fictional Australian rock star. He released a full rock album under the persona, complete with eyeliner, a wig, and moody ballads.

It confused fans and critics alike, even though the album went Platinum. The move is now remembered as one of music’s weirdest pivots.

Shania’s pop push

Shania Twain blurred the lines between country and pop with 1997’s Come On Over, which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Tracks like “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” leaned heavily into mainstream pop territory.

Her polished production and crossover appeal brought country to a global stage. Critics were split, but the charts weren’t.

Dolly’s rock move

In 2023, Dolly Parton released Rockstar, her first-ever rock album, featuring legends like Paul McCartney and Joan Jett. She said it was inspired by her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

The album was a hit and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Dolly proved she could crush any genre, on her own terms.

The Band Perry flip

The Band Perry traded their banjo-heavy country hits for electro-pop in 2017 with singles like “Stay in the Dark.” The trio said the shift was about “creative freedom,” but the reception was cold.

Longtime fans felt blindsided by the rebrand, and radio didn’t bite. The group faded from the spotlight not long after.

Wynonna’s blues shift

Wynonna Judd surprised fans in 2009 with her album Sing: Chapter 1, which leaned heavily into blues, soul, and rock influences. Covering songs like “I Hear You Knocking”, she stepped far outside her country comfort zone.

Though it didn’t chart big, critics praised her vocal range and song choices. It revealed a gutsier side of Wynonna.

Faith’s pop era

Faith Hill took a noticeable pop turn with her 2002 album Cry, trading twangy ballads for slicker production and power vocals. The title track even topped the Adult Contemporary charts instead of country radio.

While the album won a Grammy, country fans were split on her sonic shift. Still, it marked Hill as a vocal powerhouse across genres.

Kacey goes psychedelic

Kacey Musgraves shook things up in 2018 with Golden Hour, blending country roots with dreamy synths and psychedelic pop. It was a bold departure from her earlier, twang-heavy sound.

The risk paid off, she won Album of the Year at the Grammys. It redefined what “country” could be in the modern music landscape.

Billy Ray’s trap feature

Billy Ray Cyrus jumped into the hip-hop scene by featuring on Lil Nas X’s viral hit “Old Town Road” in 2019. His verse added Southern flair to the trap-country fusion that dominated charts.

It broke Billboard records and sparked conversations about race and genre in country music. Cyrus suddenly became cool again, for a whole new audience.

LeAnn Goes Dance

LeAnn Rimes ventured into electronic dance territory with her 2013 album Spitfire and later remixes like “LovE Is LovE Is LovE.” She embraced club beats and house rhythms with unexpected ease.

Though some fans missed her country roots, her vocal agility suited the genre. It was a risk, but one that earned her new fans overseas.

Jewel’s country turn

Known for her ’90s folk-pop hits, Jewel surprised listeners by going full country with her 2008 album Perfectly Clear. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

The transition felt organic, thanks to her storytelling lyrics and acoustic style. Critics gave it mixed reviews, but her loyal fan base followed.

Steve’s folk pivot

Steve Earle has long straddled the line between country and folk-rock, but his 1995 album Train a Comin’ leaned fully into acoustic Americana. Stripped-down and raw, it was a far cry from his earlier, electric country sound.

It earned a Grammy nod and major critical praise. Earle proved that less production could mean more power.

Cassadee goes country

Cassadee Pope started in the pop-punk world with her band Hey Monday before pivoting to country after winning The Voice in 2012. Her debut country single, “Wasting All These Tears,” cracked the Billboard Hot 100.

Though some questioned her country’s credibility, she stayed committed to the genre. Her vocals found a surprising fit with Nashville’s style.

Kid Rock’s slide

Kid Rock’s genre roulette includes rap, rock, and a heavy detour into country with hits like “Picture” and “All Summer Long.” By 2010, he was opening for country festivals and appearing on CMT.

His outlaw image clicked with rural audiences, but critics weren’t always sold. Love him or not, his country crossover stuck longer than expected.

Jessica’s short stint

Jessica Simpson released a country album, Do You Know, in 2008, aiming to reinvent herself post-pop stardom. Produced by Brett James, it even featured a duet with Dolly Parton.

Despite some radio play, it failed to make a lasting impact. Her country phase faded fast, but it was a gutsy move nonetheless.

Curious where Jessica is today? Her recent split after a decade sheds light on how much has changed since her country pivot.

Genre isn’t fixed

Country music’s roots may run deep, but its artists are always evolving. These genre jumps weren’t just experiments; they were statements about growth, identity, and creativity.

Some flopped, others soared, but all challenged boundaries. And in doing so, they showed that genre isn’t a cage, it’s just a starting point.

For more bold leaps beyond country roots, explore these country artists’ journey from Nashville to Hollywood.

Which genre switch surprised you the most? Drop your pick in the comments.

Read More From This Brand:

• Rising Country Stars Making Big Moves
• Hollywood Stars Who Double as Musicians
• Nashville to the World: The Global Appeal of Country Music

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first one to get stories like this one.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.