I'm a southerner. I speak this language!
Alison Krauss (ok, so technically bluegrass) has one of most gorgeous voices in the industry and too many hits to name.
Rascal Flatt's "Fast Cars and Freedom," and their crossover hit, though it's been overplayed, "What Hurts the Most."
Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" and "As Good as I Once Was."
Tim McGraw's "My Best Friend" and others.
Little Big Town's "Boondocks," for the sake of local pride.
Johnny Cash's American series.
Keith Urban's "Nobody Drinks Alone" and "I Told You So," and a bunch more.
Some Julie Miller, some Dixie Chicks, some good ole' Garth Brooks, so many I'm forgetting right now.
Don't feel guilty. Country music has it's moments. And where else would you find a song called "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)?"