By Ben Willms

Even though I have never had a particular liking for country music, I planned to make the best of seeing Gary Allan at the United Spirit Arena last Friday. I hooped and hollered with rest of the country fans even though I didn’t know a single song.

Being a stranger in land of boots and cowboys hats, I decided to put my previous impressions about country artists behind and try to see what a country concert was really like. Things were going pretty well until opener Justin Moore stopped play and took a minute to tell the crowd “a little bit about himself.”

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Ready to hear his deep sentiments, I perked my ears and listened: “I like Bud Light, Jack Daniels and I’m a proud member of the NRA.” As the crowd went nuts, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “Thank you for that insightful look into your individuality and why you make music. I now respect you on a whole new level.”

Despite this direct fulfillment of my country stereotypes, I actually enjoyed my first country concert.

Coming from a guy who has always frowned upon country music, I thought Allan proved to be a great showman.

His rough vocals and endearing descriptions of his guitars assured me this guy loved making music and I could respect that.

When the night began, I had decided to feign excitement to get the most of my concert experience.

However, somewhere in the middle of Allan’s set, I realized I was genuinely having a good time. I didn’t know these songs, but there was a charming swagger to the show and I was very impressed by the guitar solos.

I also was pleasantly surprised to hear a prominent rock influence in the live show that I never got form the few country recordings I have heard.

Allan’s music, like most country I have heard, takes day to day life and turns it into songs. Mundane tasks are used to paint simple but accurate scenes that tell heartfelt stories.

Even if the subject matter of these songs is different from what I do in my daily life, I can still appreciate the heart of their messages.

Although I can only laugh at certain lines in country music like “She thinks my tractor’s sexy” and “I’d like to check you for ticks” they are just part of taking life easy. I think the key to enjoying country music is taking it for what it is; a mix of feel-good jam songs and an appreciation for the little things in life.