One of the biggest takeaways from 2024 is that traditional country music is finally cool again. Zach Top’s explosive ascent to the top of the country music ladder has opened the door for a fresh crop of young neo-traditionalists. These artists are not just popular with older country fans who shake their fists at the sky screaming, “That ain’t country!” and reposting the same recycled “country+rap=crap” memes on Facebook that have been in circulation since Jason Aldean released “Dirt Road Anthem” fifteen years ago. The younger generation of country fans also seems to embrace the sounds of twangy vocals, fiddle, and pedal steel, which went all but extinct in the 2010s. With all these young traditional artists on the horizon, real country music is poised to have a huge year in 2025.
Braxton Keith began emerging as a potential force in the latest crop of Gen Z traditionalists last year with the release of his viral smash “Cozy.” His latest effort, Blue, is a breath of fresh West Texas air. The EP consists of five tracks, and in typical streaming-age-country fashion, three of the five songs were already previously released. The title track, “Blue,” and the poignant “Giving Up On You,” continue the traditional, twang-infused sound that defined earlier releases like “Chase You Down,” “Fall This Way,” and the viral hit “Cozy.”
“Giving Up On You” is a standout featuring gorgeous fiddle and pedal steel woven into Keith’s smooth vocal delivery, which sounds like his mustache looks curly, classic, and charming. This, paired with the simple yet effective hook, makes for a great, twangy, sad bop. The entire EP balances fun and playfulness with a reverence for traditional country music, infused with a Gen Z flare, giving it a traditional swagger without sacrificing believable authenticity.
As the pendulum swings away from the pop-country dominance of the 2010s and early 2020s, artists like Braxton Keith are provided an avenue to have a voice in the genre’s vast landscape. While “Cozy” has generated Keith’s first real major buzz, Blue, as an EP, it sees him establishing his position as a promising young artist amid the traditional renaissance country music is beginning to experience. Blue can be a great stepping stone to catapult Braxton Keith into superstardom if he plays his cards right. Keith’s ability to tap into classic influences while staying relevant and relatable to younger listeners sets him apart. His growing fanbase, fueled by social media and viral hits like “Cozy,” proves that there is a hunger for a crop of young artists who respect the genre’s roots. However, Keith must keep his foot on the gas to ascend to the next level.
In today’s social media-driven era, finding the right balance between artistry and relatability is crucial. Some artists falter by taking themselves too seriously, as seen when Nate Smith’s complaints about making Instagram reels led to him getting clowned online with an onslaught of memes and comments. On the other hand, artists like Gavin Adcock lean too heavily on stage antics and influencer-style behavior, overshadowing their music. The most successful artists let their talents speak for themselves while maintaining humility and approachability. Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley are two prime examples of artists from different eras who have walked that line perfectly throughout their careers. Dolly has gracefully maintained her humble “aww shucks” image while being one of the most prolific songwriters ever. Brad Paisley has always been able to poke fun at himself throughout his career. While he is one of the best guitarists alive, and his musicianship has always been miles ahead of his contemporaries, you will never hear him say that or complain about interviews and Instagram reels. Zach Top is the best example of a new artist who maintains this balance. Top is one of the best vocalists, but he is not afraid to post a silly caption on an Instagram reel.
Braxton Keith leans closer to Zach Top than Gavin Adcock in this regard. His social media presence captures Gen Z humor effectively and shows an understanding of cultivating an online following. However, when it comes to his music, he falls somewhere in the middle. While Zach Top used social media to help launch his career, what truly sets him apart from his contemporaries is his pure talent. Top has spent his entire life perfecting his craft. His generational voice and some serious guitar chops put him on a different plane of existence than everyone else. Top is huge not solely because of social media; he is huge because of his talents; social media simply puts those talents in front of an audience. For Braxton Keith to come close to matching that level of success, he needs some sort of “it factor” that sets him apart. His voice is unique, but it does not stop anyone in their tracks. Like most country singers, he is not an outstanding musician. That being said, Keith does have a sense of charisma that cannot be taught. He knows how to engage an audience and has proven that he can generate virality. We should get to see more of that on his current tour. However, he needs more than viral moments; he needs songs. Blue offered some bright spots, but none of its tracks came close to matching the buzz generated by “Cozy.” Hopefully, in 2025, Keith will ride the momentum of “Cozy” with a full-length album. A cohesive project showcasing his range vocally and lyrically could help solidify his identity in a crowded field.
Right now, Braxton Keith remains a bit of a mystery. While everyone knows “Cozy,” it is unclear who Keith is as an artist. Moving into 2025, he faces a sink-or-swim moment. The door to stardom is open, and Keith has already proven he can create a viral hit. The challenge is proving he can replicate that success and build a lasting brand. Keith’s ability to bring a unique Gen Z flare to the table makes him a compelling figure in the genre’s resurgence. If he delivers on his potential, 2025 could be a career-defining year for Braxton Keith.
