Country puritans are going to hate this article, so if that's you, you may want to look away.
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Numerous artists have released Country albums in the past, and it usually gets folks pretty worked up. But, I think there are few out there that are yet to do it that could bring something pretty interesting to the genre.
Snoop Dogg
I mean, why not? He's not produced a decent hip-hop album for years, and he's the king of sidequests. Snoop is also well known for featuring and collaborating with a varied selection of artists. I think there is definitely scope for Snoop Dogg to be one of those artists who could pull off a great Country album.
The release of Missionary alongside Dr. Dre was disappointing. I respect how long the two have been in the hip-hop game, but their sound simply isn't there anymore. The two are way past their Doggystyle and 2001 days. Maybe Snoop should give Country a go. Listen to 'Last Dance With Mary Jane' featuring Jelly Roll and tell me he's not almost there already.
Miley Cyrus
Her dad, Billy Ray, is one of the better-known Country artists of modern times. But, Miley Cyrus has kept herself mostly on the pop side of the music scene. As her voice has matured over the years, I think she is becoming a better fit for the Country genre.
Miley Cyrus, love her or hate her, is a remarkably versatile singer. She has worked with everyone from Wu-Tang Clan to Billy Idol. Her voice has a telltale husk that can pair with a wide variety of sounds. I think a dedicated Country album would be just another chance for her to shine in another genre.
Drake
The crowds are baying for Drake to give the Country genre a try. After his latest release of $ome$exy $ongs4U, listeners noticed something a little Country in the artist's sound. His track 'DIE TRYING' has an unmistakable Country twang going on and now people want the whole Country album.
He should probably leave hip-hop alone too, to be honest. He was always more on the pop side of the genre, and after the entire Super Bowl crowd chanted along with 'Not Like Us,' it might be time to take a step back.
Damon Albarn
At this point, I think Country is the only thing left for Damon Albarn to cover in his fantastic and varied repertoire. He has been the frontman of Blur, the mastermind behind Gorillaz, and even had a hand in Massive Attacks music. I can't see why this artist couldn't turn his hand to Country and produce a truly unique album.
Listening to any of the Gorillaz albums showcases just how wide-reaching the musical talents of Damon Albarn are. If he decided to sit down and pen a Country album I have no doubt it would be something completely new and fantastic.
