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Amy McCarthy

Amy McCarthy is a Texas-based journalist. Follow her on twitter at @aemccarthy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

California country: 15 songs that exemplify the Bakersfield sound

In the world of country music, there are many disparate regional influences — think Red Dirt in Oklahoma, and of course, the Nashville sound — that influence the genre.

20 iconic performances from 20th century award shows

From Diana Ross and Lionel Richie at the 1982 Grammy Awards to Britney Spears's star turn on the 1999 VMAs, flip through the slideshow for 20 of the 20th century's greatest awards show performances.

The essential Y2K playlist

These are 22 essential Y2K-era songs (2000-05, for our purposes), including artists like N*SYNC, Alicia Keys, The Killers, and Macy Gray. Add all these tunes to a playlist, then wait for the nostalgia to start flooding back. And don't be surprised if you feel the urge to wear low-rise jeans or body glitter. 

18 books every country music fan needs to read

Now nearly 100 years old, country music is a genre with a rich and complex history. It's influenced by gospel, rock n' roll, and the blues, and has been home to a cast of complicated characters throughout the years.

21 iconic musicians and bands that hail from Texas

Even though it's the second-largest state in the union, Texas has historically been home to an outsized share of immensely talented musicians. These are 21 of Texas's most iconic talents, from Barry White and Beyonce to Townes Van Zandt and Waylon Jennings. 

20 of the best country songs of the 2020s (so far)

Even though we're not even four years into the 2020s, this new decade has already brought some killer new country songs. Whether you're into pop-country or the more traditional stuff, the current crop of country artists has something for every fan who loves a little twang with their tunes.

20 country songs you didn't know were written by famous artists

In the world of country music, most artists collaborate with their contemporaries because they know two (or more) heads are usually better than one. Here are 20 country songs that you might not know were written by other artists, and be prepared to be surprised at least a few times by these excellent collaborations. 

18 of the funniest songs in music history

Whether unintentionally funny or raucous on purpose, there are plenty of songs across the genres that will inspire a chuckle or two. Considering that music tackles pretty much every human emotion, it's perhaps not a surprise that comedy also makes plenty of appearances.  Flip through the slideshow below for 18 of music's funniest tunes.

20 country artists you need to watch in 2024

A new year has arrived, which means that it's time to start thinking about what you want your playlist to look like in 2024. If you're tired of listening to the same-old, same-old, consider country music's crop of exciting new artists.

15 ways to improve the air quality in your home

Believe it or not, the air quality of indoor spaces can be worse than outdoor air. If you're looking to improve the air quality in your home, this list offers 15 different ideas for making your home's air a little cleaner, from investing in the right air purifiers to keeping dust and dander at bay. 

Bookmark these 19 incredibly useful websites

Everyone knows the internet is a place full of important information, but the vastness of the digital world makes it tough to know every online tip and trick. Flip through the slideshow below for 19 of the most valuable sites on the web, most of which are free to try.

Stop scrolling and reduce your screen time with these 20 tips

Research indicates that the average person spends nearly four hours on their phone daily. For many of us, it's much more time than that. Flip through the slideshow below for 20 tips for reducing your screen time. 

20 essentials for every home during cold and flu season

In addition to taking precautions, like getting your flu shot, it's a great time to take an inventory of your home's medicine cabinet for when the inevitable happens. Flip through the slideshow below for 20 essentials that every home should have during cold and flu season.

15 rising musicians from around the world

For folks who are trying to expand their musical horizons, looking beyond the music industry in the United States is a great place to start. There are

20 essential movies set in the American South

Thanks in large part to its geographic and cultural diversity, the American South has served as the setting for countless films, running the gamut from historical fiction to comedy to horror. 

The 18 weirdest (and funniest) holiday songs

Christmas is just around the corner, which means that it's time to crank up your favorite holiday tunes. But this year, consider looking beyond the usuals to some of the season's weirdest (and funniest!) songs. 

The essential women of '90s country playlist

The '90s were truly a golden era for women in country music. Thanks to stars like Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain, and Wynonna,

The best country songs of 2023

2023 has been a strong year for country music, with releases from major artists like Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, and up-and-coming superstar Jelly Roll.

15 tips for buying holiday gifts on a budget

If you're trying to stick to your budget this year while still having a great holiday season, check out these 15 tips for buying holiday gifts on the cheap without skimping on quality. 

15 DIY holiday gifts that won't break the bank

With a little bit of patience and a wealth of online tutorials, you can make anything from a cozy scarf to a homemade limoncello without breaking the bank. Flip through the slideshow below for 15 DIY gifts that are affordable, easy to make, and won't take up too much of your precious time during this holiday season. 

20 dream-worthy vacation destinations

Whether you're ready to plan an actual upcoming trip or just fantasizing about the future, consider these iconic spots before you book your flights. 

20 iconic Oscar-winning songs

Here are 20 of the most iconic winners throughout the history of the Academy Awards's Best Original Song category, from classics like "Moon River" to newer favorites, like 2022's seriously catchy winner, "Naatu Naatu." 

20 ways to make moving as easy as possible

Flip through the slideshow for 20 ways to make your move as easy as possible, from pre-move prep work that you can start as early as a month in advance to day-of tips to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.

15 tips for preparing your home for the winter

Flip through the slideshow below for 15 tips for getting your home ready for the winter, from DIY winterization projects to simple decluttering tasks that will make the coming months seem so much less stressful. 

The 20 most iconic rock vocalists

Throughout the decades, rock music has changed and evolved, but one thing's for certain: this genre is packed with incredible vocalists.