Nashville was originally an ABC show about the country music scene and the nurturing of new talent within the city. 6 seasons, hundreds of songs, new artists and a death that still makes the audience bawl their eyes out. This show had it all. The characters were amazing and the stories were too. The music was flawless, catchy and introduced the different aspects of country music to a new audience, it definitely broke down misconceptions and stereotypes while doing so.
Starring household names like Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere and Charles Esten, the show mostly revolved around their lives as well as their family and friends, plus acquaintances along the way.
Although the show is about nurturing musicians, it also created them.
Everyone would assume country music is about farming, beer, girls and whatever other stereotypes are out there. Little do they know the truth. They should know better than to hate on this genre, considering they like Dolly Parton. There’s multiple sub genres within country but one thing they all have in common is that the songs come from the heart or in Nashville’s case “The best songs come from broken hearts, busted dreams and beat up guitars” Rayna wasn’t wrong at all. The songs are so pure and meaningful and are vast in the sub genres.
There’s a song for everyone in this show, whether you like general country music, folk or rock. One that I think deserves an honourable mention is “A life that’s good” this song is about family and being grateful for everything you have in your life, even when things don’t always work out the way planned. It was featured in multiple forms throughout the seasons but the one that stands out is characters, Maddie, Daphne and Deacon singing to Rayna at her hospital bed. It gave a true sense and importance, especially due to previous circumstances where character Maddie was fighting with her family thinking they were ruining her life.
Another great song which definitely deserves a mention is “Don’t put dirt on my grave just yet,” a powerful country rock song about empowerment and not giving in when things get hard. When everyone is against you, do what is right for yourself and don’t listen to what others have to say when they try to bury you. If you’ve ever felt kicked down, this is a song for you. It’s completely relatable to life’s tough times.
This show influenced Lennon Stella who played Maddie to pursue a solo career, just like her character did on the show. Lennon has now worked with quite a few well known artists and featured on multiple movie and TV show soundtracks. Although, she’s not country music anymore, the influences are still definitely there as her songs are meaningful and about her own life experiences.
Quite a lot of the songs were written by country music singers including Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. I got introduced to them through this show as the songs were touching and beautiful. Lots of country artists were features throughout the shows run including Kellie Pickler, Kelly Clarkson and Kacey herself featured in an episode.
I highly recommend people watch or listen to the soundtrack. It will definitely open your mind.
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