Quinn Dewitt

Quinn DeWitt-Final Reflection

     During the course of the record label project, I was part of the executive committee, specifically attached to the event planning group. While working on this project, I used prior experience with a similar project we did in Music and Identity. In Music and Identity, we had to plan something similar to an art exhibit, including creating a space, reserving times, and inviting people. Since our concert venue is designed to be similar to a venue, a lot of what I learned in that class was applicable to what we were doing, and I was able to effectively guide and give advice to my group about where and how the concert should be run. I feel that this previous project allowed me to advise and answer any questions about what to expect when creating the event. For this reason, I think I always had a good idea of what this project would require and what it would turn out to be. Initially, I viewed this project with a one thing at a time mentality, and only over time did it evolve into a singular cohesive project. I think that the big turning point was when we started to collaborate with other groups on the project. Initially, my group was just setting up the basics about how the project should go, with other groups doing the same. But once the creative team started recording and producing songs, all the groups started working together to create the final result. I feel like this really was the turning point of the project, with all groups contributing to what other groups were doing.

     When working with my team, I took an almost advisory role in terms of my responsibilities. I was never directly in charge of anyone, I just set general goals and gave expectations about what the project would look like. The event planning group was for the most part very studious and driven. I don’t think I had to get people back on task once during the entire project. Everyone in my group was wonderful to work with, and my role was to clear up any questions, assist with work, and liaise with other groups. Between teams, I mostly communicated with the executive group to track progress, while infrequently connecting with the marketing team in order to work on advertising and other things. In terms of logistical problems, there were only two that really impacted our work. The fact that our concert time was scheduled for finals week proved a challenge, as admin tries to keep noise to a minimum, and almost every venue is reserved for something. This was solved by appealing to Dr. Turner, who was able to find the Pauline Theatre for us. The second problem was that we had almost too much time while waiting on the creative team. We had no idea what the atmosphere should be for the venue. We were stuck waiting for a week or two as they created their songs, essentially just waiting for them to be done so we could solidify our plans. These challenges didn’t really effect our final work or project, as we found ways to stay busy during that time, either by assisting other groups or reviewing our plans.

     The mix between the history of country music and the knowledge of how it is created really put into perspective how the business has grown over time. Country music’s origin was just some rural southern people coming together to create music more similar to folk in genre, with only the goal of just dancing along or creating a good atmosphere. Nowadays, country music is a multi billion dollar industry with widespread appeal around the globe, with an insane amount of money and time put into producing a single song. The logistics alone for creating a concert requires the work of hundreds of people, and I think it shows how far the genre has come. I think this understanding of the history of country music combined with knowledge of current day music production has really given me a newfound appreciation for the genre. This project has helped me comprehend the logistical masterpiece that a country album represents. There are so many moving parts working in tandem with each other, and to be part of that has given me perspective on what it takes to create a long term project. Going forward, I think I will take the knowledge of how to effectively work with a large group of people to create a project with me. You need to allow people to play to their strengths, and be open to changing plans if someone else has a better idea, no one will think less of you because your idea wasn’t the best.

     There weren’t any major flaws I saw with the project as it stands. The few things I would have to remark on had to do with the creative process. It seemed like the people who were in charge of creating the songs had a larger work load than the rest of us. I would either have a separate assignment where everyone came up with a basic song or beat, and then use it to bridge into this project as a head start for the creative team. Additionally, I would still use at least thirty minutes of class time for something else. After around two weeks, my group was largely done with our share of the work, so we just sat there doing nothing, I would’ve liked maybe another reading discussion or two in there. Overall, I liked the project a lot, and besides these two corrections, thought it was a good way to keep us engaged and involved in creating country music.

1.      The thunder rolls-Garth brooks-Very somber song about love lost due to time. Very good at using a storm as a metaphor for life and its troubles. Keeps returning to the phrase “a thunder rolls” along with a long pause, very effective.

2.      Friends in low places-Garth Brooks-Funny song about picking yourself up after a breakup. Chorus makes garth sound like he was drunk, which makes the song even funnier. Beat is very slow, almost swings

3.      When I call your name-Vince gills-Intro and heavily features a piano. Slow song, talking about love lost ug and gone without a trace. Sounds like the classic template love country song

4.      Go rest on a high mountain-Vince Gill-Artist really likes slow country songs, very soulful song about missing someone once they’re gone. Uses a violin to great effect

5.      Killin Time-Clint black-Intro is just a clock and a cough, very effective for giving the effect the song is named after. Sounds like a country waltz, very fun song overall, but it sounds like a lot of other country songs

6.      A better man-Clint black-His songs, or at least music videos, take a long time to begin. Medium tempo song about leaving a better man than when he first met a girl. Ends with a  truck horn to signal goodbye.

7.      A good run of bad luck-Clint black-A finally original beat, for country music. Uses time as a metaphor for luck. Another song about a girl, betting about getting her to be interested in him. Fast tempo, with a strong emphasis on guitar

8.      State of Mind-Clint Black-Slow song about nostalgia via songs. Its songception, with songs about nostalgia being nostalgic. Violin is the main instrument, and is used to put emphasis on the lyrics.

9.      Cheap Seats-Alabama-One of my favorite songs of all time. A celebration of being content in life with what you have. The chorus is one of the best of all time, and the sound is the country that I grew up with

10.  Forty hour week-Alabama-A song of appreciation to those that make living our lives possible, that don’t often get recognized. Alabama seems to be a band by the working class, for the working class.

11.  Toby Kieth-Courtesy of the Red White and Blue- You can feel the passion oozing from Toby with this one, it truly sounds like something he put his heart and soul into. A very motivating song, and the bells toward the end were a nice touch

12.  Toby Kieth- Red Solo Cup- Its impressive how he can sound so drunk while presumably being sober during the recording session. This is the ultimate party and karaoke song. Easy to remember lyrics with a unique beat. The prominent banjo helps give it a twang that other party songs don’t have

13.  Toby Kieth-Trailerhood-Upbeat song where each verse is almost a series of experiences in between the chorus. Again the lyrics are prominent over the beat. The music video itself is an absolute gem, and almost tells as much of a story as the song does

14.  Toby Kieth-As good as I once was-Almost a lamenting story like the slower songs from the 40’s and 50’s, but it is significantly upbeat. It is almost a celebration of growing older, and having things to remember fondly.

15.  Toby Kieth-How do you like me now?-A funny story about chasing dreams and coming back to gloat. Another straightforward song with a simple chorus that is designed to be played at concerts.

16.  Toby Kieth-Should’ve been a cowboy-good song with a slower start, that seems to build into a explosive chorus, and then slows back down for the verses. Iconic hit that’ll be remembered for a long time

17.  Toby Kieth-I love this bar-Another slow song, but the chorus is also slow. Uses humming for the capstone of the verses. Very simple song about the types of people who are attracted to dive bars

18.  Toby Kieth-Beer for my horses-Slightly faster song, but I’m noticing a similar pattern in how most of his songs develop, besides Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, with a slower intro with a heavy guitar emphasis and then a chorus followed by more guitar. Not complaining, It’s a winning formula.

19.  Toby Kieth-Who’s that Man-Song about losing a love you never had in the first place. Very slow, seems to have a catchy tune, but I don’t enjoy this one as much as many of his others

20.  Toby Kieth-Stays in Mexico-First song from toby that doesn’t use a drums and a standard acoustic guitar as its only main instrument. What I think is a trumpet has a solo and it sounds like it belongs there

21.  Roy Aucuff-The Wabash Cannonball-A very upbeat song that has heavy emphasis on a guitar, but allows for various solos, generally enjoyable, and sounds like a mix of folk music and bluegrass

22.  Roy Aucuff-Great Speckled bird-Slower song, almost sounds like a square dance or waltz, uses a weird guitar sounding instrument as well as a fiddle. Very chill, almost relaxing song, and fits in with folk music well

23.  Hank Williams-Hey good looking-Sounds like something that came from Hawaii, very upbeat with an emphasis on vocals. He never stops singing the entire song, but it works well, creating an almost classical country vibe

24.  Hank Williams-I saw the light-sounds like a old Pentecostal hymm, very religious in nature. The beats per minute is very high, and has a group of people singing the entire song, with clapping used the entire song to create a background beat.

25.  Hank Williams-Lost highway-Very slow solo vocal song, lamenting about sin and going the wrong way in life. Solo uses what I think is fiddle to create a melancholy song. Very enjoyable, if a little depressing

26.  Eddy Arnold-Cattle Call-Slow, begins with a yodel, another downbeat song about being lonely and having nothing but his job. Sad, but mesmerizing at the same time, puts me in a sympathetic mindset despite having no idea what this life would be like

27.  Eddy Arnold-Cowpoke-More yodeling to begin his song, eddy has done it again, It’s a song about being a drifter making the most of his life. Has a positive outlook despite being in a down situation. Very good song.

28.  Red Foley-Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy- Upbeat song using a man playing his own knee as an instrument. Very happy song that almost sounds like ragtime. It prominently features a guitar, and a solo vocalist

29.  Red Foley-Old Shep- A solo vocalist song about a dog and a boy growing up together, but specifically childhood memories. A slow old country tune, that is both melancholy and happy

30.  Pee Wee King- Almost no intro to this song, uses a single vocalist and a prominently features a fiddle, sings about holding a girl to a separate fiddle song called Bonapartes retreat

31.  Bob Willis- Ida Red- A very upbeat song that alternates between bob singing, the chorus, and a variety of instrument solos. It seems to have a main emphasis on a fiddle, and keeps a fast bpm. It seems to be old folk music side of country.

32.  Bob Willis- Steel guitar rag- No lyrics in this one, seems very upbeat to me, and almost all guitar, with a vocalist providing “Yeah!” and “Alright!” every once in a while. I actually love this song, as it was part of a radio station in the video game series fallout, which I played a lot as a teen.

33.  Sons of the Pioneers-Tumbling tumbleweeds-Surprisingly another song I know, it is very slow, and focuses on a group of singers lamenting on their past with a metaphor to tumbleweeds. A very slow song that utilizes a whistler for the solo

34.  Sons of the Pioneers-Cool water- A song about water and how thirst quenching it is. Singers talk about a man trying to convince a guy named dan to look forward to water. Very folk in nature, and the word water is used excessively in this song

35.  Bob Willis- San Antonio Rose – Very long intro, almost a minute long, followed by Willis singing about love in San Antonio, he never says San Antonio, as he can’t rhyme it, so he instead says San Antone.  Good song overall

36.  Jimmy Rodgers- Blue Yodel No. 9 – This is more of a blues song than country. Very slow in tempo, but very intense in lyrics. This song did not appeal to me, its far too slow

37.  Tex ritter-rye whiskey-slow song that sounds to me to be almost sour in taste, just a guy who is singing alone with his guitar, ok song, not something I would listen to

38.  Tex Ritter-high noon- another solo song, more well paced and in a deeper voice, slow in pace and uses a drum this time around. I like this song more, sings about how beauty and the high noon

39.  Tex Ritter-Blood on the Saddle- every couple of notes it sounds like the guitar is out of tune, this guy really likes slow songs and he almost tries to sing out of tune, maybe to try to give some authenticity to his songs, I’m not a fam of this song

40.  Jimmie Rodgers-Waiting for a train- slow, almost swinging song, another set of lyrics about blues and having no money, overall pretty good, almost bluegrass in nature.

41.  Southern lovin-Jim Ed Brown-A very upbeat song about southern gals and other things. It prominently features a fiddle and Jim ed brown as the main vocalist. Overall enjoyable, and effective in conveying emotion

42.  I’m Just Me-Charlie Pride-Slow southern drawl type of song, a mix between rock and folk, with a heavy emphasis on bass. Very catchy tune with a good message.

43.  Redneck, White socks, and blue ribbon beer-A very good song at setting an atmosphere, almost all the lyrics are dedicated to doing exactly that, and seems to be very soulful in nature

44.  Hank and Lefty raised my country soul-Stony Edwards-A piano is the unique instrument in this song, with all lyrics framed around the name of the song, wrapping around to get to them

45.  Country is-Tom Tee hall-Very folk song, with a pronounced chorus used to emphasize the lyrics. Very simple and slow, yet effective at conveying what Tom thinks country is

46.  Johnny Cash-Ragged Old Flag-Brings out the patriot in everyone. Not even a flag, but more a story, extremely effective in conveying the national spirit. Might be the best song of all time

47.  Ode to Billy Joe-Bobbie Gentry-Another story told through the medium of a song. It is very slow, and prominently features a guitar and solo linguist. Sad story, but I didn’t enjoy it

48.  Hello Vietnam-Johnny Wright-This batch of songs really like to tell stories through their music. Its effective at creating a message, but without proper context and a pulse to current events of the time, it loses effectiveness.

49.  The ballad of the Green Berets-S. Sgt. Barry Sadler- Sounds like a marching song, more than a country song. Again a story told through song. Very simple in theme, and still effective

50.  The Fightin side of me-Merle Haggard-A pro-america song, which was actually counter cultural at the time. Very simple in message, I will fight you if you talk bad about America.

51.  Fast Car-Luke combs-an iconic song reinvented by luke from an original song in the 70’s, but I don’t like it, just because it was way overplayed by the radio

52.  Southern cross-jimmy buffet-uses a synthesizer to great effect, tells a story about traveling through the south and what the culture is like

53.  Buy Dirt-Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan- Almost a manifesto about how to live your life in a simple way that leaves you content. Very heartfelt, and honest

54.  Life is a highway-Rascal Flatts-More of a rock song than country, most known for its role in the movie Cars, it again tells a story through a catchy tune

55.  Before He Cheats-Carrie Underwood-Song with passion infused throughout it, slow start before an explosion in a chorus

56.  Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show-Very interesting song about a man who wants to be comforted by someone who loves him, slow song, with a mix of melancholy and happiness.

57.  Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain by Willie Nelson: melancholic ballad that conveys the heartache of lost love as he reflects on past relationships and the inevitable passage of time.

58.  Mama Tried by Merle Haggard: song tells the story of a son who, despite his mother's best efforts, ends up on the wrong side of the law. Energetic song, filled with emotion.

59.  Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver: an ode to West Virginia that celebrates the beauty of the countryside and the emotional connection to one's homeland

60.  I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash: Cash's classic country song expresses unwavering devotion to a loved one, as he pledges to stay true and "walk the line" of faithfulness

61.  Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton: Song that is almost like an autobiography in its storytelling, and is based on a true story for Dolly Parton. Alludes to the story of Joseph in the bible

62.  On the Road Again by Willie Nelson: Willie Nelson's upbeat anthem celebrates the joys and challenges of life on the road, becoming an iconic representation of the touring musician's lifestyle

63.  El Paso by Marty Robbins: Marty Robbins' epic tale of love, murder, and regret unfolds in this Western ballad, seems to be influenced by Mexican music in tune and tone

64.  Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash: Johnny Cash's iconic prison song reflects on how one is supposed to live without freedom, slow beat using Cash’s voice to sell the song

65.  She's in Love with the Boy by Trisha Yearwood: Trisha Yearwood's breakthrough hit tells the story of young love and parental disapproval, combining catchy melodies and an infectious beat.

66.  Amarillo by Morning by George Strait: celebrates the life of a rodeo cowboy, capturing the hardships and resilience of a nomadic lifestyle through Strait's evocative storytelling, its slow beat does it justice

67.  Alan Jackson's Remember When: reflects on the passage of time and enduring love, capturing the essence of a lifelong relationship with Jackson's distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics

68.  Hello Darlin by Conway Twitty:  a classic example of smooth, soulful vocals and romantic storytelling, very charming in its own way

69.  Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton: showcases Stapleton's soulful vocals and a bluesy, romantic vibe, making it a standout in modern country for its fusion of traditional elements with contemporary flair.

70.  Johnny Cash's Man in Black: serves as a powerful statement about social injustice and solidarity, with Cash using his platform to address pressing issues

71.  Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis: a classic love song that emphasizes enduring commitment,

72.  Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band: a feel-good anthem that celebrates the pleasures of simple living, with its catchy tune and lyrics paying homage to the comforts of home and the joys of southern culture.

73.  Merle Haggard's Mama Tried: reflects on the impact of parental guidance and the challenges of staying on the right path

74.  Willie Nelson's On the Road Again: celebrates the nomadic spirit of life on tour and encapsulates the joys and challenges of a musician's journey.

75.  Miranda Lambert's The House That Built Me resonates emotionally as it reflects on returning to one's roots, with heartfelt lyrics

76.  Luke Combs Hurricane showcases modern country's blend of rock and traditional elements, featuring Combs' powerhouse vocals and a chorus that sounds like a storm

77.  Kacey Musgraves' Follow Your Arrow: challenges societal norms with its carefree lyrics and catchy melody, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality

78.  Hank Williams' Your Cheatin' Heart stands as a classic country lament, with Williams' distinctive twang and heartfelt lyrics portraying the pain of betrayal in a timeless manner

79.  Dierks Bentley's Drunk on a Plane: song adds a humorous twist to heartbreak, as Bentley's spirited vocals narrate a tale of escaping heartache via getting plastered on a plane

80.  Blue Ain't Your Color by Keith Urban: showcases Urban's soulful vocals and a bluesy arrangement, conveying the melancholy of unrequited love with a sad chorus

81.  Maren Morris' My Church: blends country with gospel influences to great effect, creating a revenant feel

82.  Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean: blends country with hip-hop influences, laid back delivery with cool vocals

83.  Tammy Wynette's Stand by Your Man: this song became a feminist touchstone, with Wynette's classic country sound and steadfast lyrics creating an enduring anthem that has influenced singers over the years

84.  Florida Georgia Line's Cruise: helped popularize the "bro-country" subgenre, featuring a blend of country and pop elements, very laid back and enjoyable

85.  Hello Darlin' by Conway Twitty: a smooth and soulful ballad that explores the theme of lost love and yearning

86.  Blue Moon of Kentucky by Bill Monroe: a bluegrass-infused country classic that showcases Monroe's high-energy mandolin playing and distinctive vocals

87.  You Don't Know Me by Eddy Arnold: a timeless ballad that explores the complexity of love and longing, his music is enjoyable in small doses

88.  Hank Williams' Lovesick Blues: a lively honky-tonk classic that showcases Williams' yodeling and energetic performance, solidifying its place as one of the defining songs of early country music

89.  I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline: a soulful ballad that explores the aftermath of a breakup, sand and slow, its sure to evoke emotion

90.  Marty Robbins' El Paso: an epic narrative ballad that tells the tale of a cowboy's ill-fated love, featuring Robbins' storytelling prowess on full display

91.  Make the World Go Away by Eddy Arnold: a classic country ballad that explores the desire for emotional escape, something everyone has felt from time to time

92.  Hank Williams' I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry: a hauntingly melancholic exploration of loneliness and heartache, country has way too many sad songs

93.  The Ballad of Jed Clampett by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs: a bluegrass-infused country tune that showcases the duo's instrumental prowess

94.  Big Iron by Marty Robbins: a narrative ballad that tells the tale of a mysterious and dangerous outlaw, featuring Robbins' storytelling skills, one of my favorites

95.  King of the Road by Roger Miller: a whimsical and catchy country tune that celebrates the carefree lifestyle of a vagabond

96.  Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson: this song serves as a cautionary tale about the hardships of the cowboy lifestyle, embodying the rugged spirit of classic country storytelling.

97.  He'll Have to Go by Jim Reeves: a smooth, velvety ballad that epitomizes the smooth charm of classic country singers

98.  Walkin' After Midnight by Patsy Cline: a haunting tale of loneliness and longing, with Cline's evocative vocals and the song's twangy guitar giving a good mood

99.  Oh, Lonesome Me by Don Gibson: a classic country lament that explores the depths of loneliness and heartache, good but I’m sick of heartache songs

100.                      “Make the World Go Away" by Eddy Arnold is a timeless ballad of heartache and longing, which is wonderful, but I am done with heartache songs, and I think that these country singers have it pretty rough to be writing about this topic this much