In the ever-changing world of music, country has been a hot topic the past few years. Things like the defection of Taylor Swift to the pop world has the industry doing some soul searching.

Popular names on today's roster of stars include Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and others. The pop sound has had a significant influence on country music and The Band Perry is the latest to push the envelope in a nontraditional direction.

I often hear that today's country music isn't country at all, but let me present five country stars who still play country music:

 

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    1

    Randy Houser

    Here's one of the most powerful voices you've ever heard, I mean that. If you enjoy Randy Houser on the radio, then you would absolutely love him in concert. He has that smile, that sound and a powerful voice to go along with songs and lyrics that in my opinion still fit the country criteria.

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    2

    Miranda Lambert

    After making headlines with her recent divorce from Blake Shelton, Miranda should have plenty of real-life experiences to create some country songs that resonate with her fans and those who can relate to a bad breakup. She even debuted "Bathroom Sink" at the CMA Awards, holding back tears, which makes us wonder if the song doesn't hit a little close to home.

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    3

    Chris Young

    Ever since Nashville, Chris has been working feverishly to carve out his place in country music. Most of his songs tell a story or connect in a way that only country music can, from "The Black Dress Song," which talks about what is on every man's mind, to his latest ballad, "I'm Coming Over," about a breakup gone bad but a love that still feels good. Chris Young is country and he's here to stay.

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    4

    Lee Brice

    Although we haven't had a hit from Lee in recent months, "I Drive Your Truck" was a huge success for the country boy from South Carolina and "Drinking Class" was a total smash with the hardworking blue collar workers of America. He released "That Don't Sound Like You," which is again a total country song, though it hasn't seen the success of his past songs. Either way, Lee Brice is on the country side of the ledger.

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    5

    Dierks Bentley

    This crazy guy has been around for a while and has found a way to stay country in a country-pop world. His early hits were indicative that he would stay true to his roots -- songs like "My Last Name" and "What Was I Thinkin." Fast forward to today and his latest single, "Riser," is performing very well with country listeners. In fact, Dierks has amassed a catalog of country hits that make him even more relevant in the changing times. He closed out Watershed last year and had the Gorge rocking with his single "Drunk on a Plane."

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