As we've been examining over the course of Country Week, country music has found a larger audience, in part by widening its sonic palette. For the final episode of this series, we take a look at a genre on the outskirts of country – Americana music – and how it's being used to connect to the scene's musical roots.

Historically, Americana has embraced an acoustic sound, traditional repertoire, and an appetite for virtuosic technique. In bluegrass artists like Billy Strings and roots musicians like Sierra Ferrell, Nate and Charlie see if there's an antidote to be found for the issues that plague modern, mainstream country music.

Songs discussed:

The Punch Brothers – Rye Whiskey
Sierra Ferrell – In Dreams
Dolly Parton – Jolene
Sierra Ferrell – I Could Drive You Crazy
Sierra Ferrell, Zach Bryan – Holy Roller
Billy Strings – Dust in a Baggie
Billy Strings, Willie Nelson – California Sober
Tyler Childers – In Your Love
Tyler Childers – Phone Calls and Emails
Tyler Childers – Rustin' In The Rain
Don Gibson – Oh, Lonesome Me
Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson – Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
The Chicks – Long Time Gone
The Steeldrivers – Higher Than the Wall
Beyoncé – Texas Hold'em
I'm With Her – Espresso

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How Americana helped mainstream country find its soul