Country singer Gavin Adcock made headlines recently for his scathing remarks about Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album, which is edging him out on the charts. Per Deadline, Adcock, 26, reportedly said, "That [expletive] ain't country music, and it ain't ever been country music, and it ain't gonna be country music." That comment was evidently voiced during a concert. But Adcock was not finished with his blistering critique, however. He continued it on social media.
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Gavin Adcock Shredded Beyonce's Album
Per the outlet via Instagram, "When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyoncé in the car. I've heard a ton of Beyoncé songs, and I actually remember her Super Bowl halftime show being pretty kick a** back in the day. But I really don't believe that her album should be labeled as country music."
He continued, "It doesn't sound country. It doesn't feel country. And I just don't think that people that have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album just to stay at the top just because she's Beyoncé."
Okay, so which songs of Adcock's own qualify as authentic country music? We took a look and here are some examples.
"A Cigarette"
This track is from Adcock's 2024 album, Actin' Up Again. According to Taste Of Country, it has "rack[ed] up more than 30 million streams in just a few months...." The song taps into a very traditional theme in country music - heartache from a busted relationship. The woe-is-me mood and the mournful orchestration add to the sadness. It's certifiable country, alright. Adcock wrote it himself.
"Deep End"
The narrator of this song, which Adcock co-wrote, is mired in trouble. You name it - a drug habit being estranged from "momma." promiscuity, no money, not a church-goer, wow! Is it pure country? Yep. Just reading the lyrics made me feel helpless and hopeless!
"Sweetheart"
Adcock's style on this song is typical for him. Direct, not fancy or finicky, nothing complex. Just pure downcast emotion that speaks straight to the listener. In "Sweetheart," he bemoans a broken romance that has left him regretful and lonesome. Booze and sorrow are now his constant companions.
"Old Farm Drive"
From Adcock's freshman album, Bonfire Blackout, it's more drinking and hell-raising galore. He sticks to a limited number of themes and lets fly about them in clear, raw, picturesque language. That is a country trait for sure. He's a storyteller, another fundamental country characteristic.
