Country/Pop crossovers

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of "pop" music these days is actually closer to country than rock? Take, for example, Nickelback and even the Hinder song "Lips of an Angel". Despite Hinder's attempt at rock musician antipathy, the song is clearly country music.

It's funny how tides turn. It wasn't long ago that Faith Hill, Shania and Leaanne Rimes all sounded more pop than country.

Now it seems like Bon Jovi is going toward country somewhat. I also heard that Justin Timberlakes new CD will be somewhat country. Curious to hear that one.

I am actually enjoying it! I am not a fan of the "older" country, but enjoy the sound of some of the newer acts (Keith Urban, for example) I agree that the newest Nickelback song does sound a bit country. I don't think "Lips of an Angel" sounds country, though.
I heard some of Bon Jovi's stuff, and I think it sounds great!

Bon Jovi's gone a bit country...? I guess I've missed some stuff and must catch up.

Jon Bon Jovi was a guest judge on American Idol this past season. On the results show that week, Bon Jovi was on and played one of their songs from the new "country" album. It certainly isn't twangy country. But, I think it has a terrific sound. I just love Bon Jovi so much, anyway, though.

To me, music is music and if I like it it doesn't matter how it's labeled or categorized. It's the fact that other people are categorizing music and mislabeling it that bugs me.

I'm with you, happy. There are certain elements of "country" that are used in "rock" and vice versa. It's not the music so much that I listen to, but the words, so they're universal. The tempo is just different.

I love Jon Bon Jovi. He is quite country now and thats fine with me. He is so vey talented, so anythong goes.

I think that artists (especially those who've been around a while) have been having a hard time coming up with new ideas. It's not uncommon for the musicians to reach out to other genres for inspiration and new ideas.

I agree, they have exhausted what they are comfortable with in their own genre so they are branching out. I hope it works...

I would agree, if you like the music it really shouldn't matter what catagory it is. The only problem might be that some just might not be excepted as easily.