Sorry, but Sam Hunt's song sounds like it was written by Max Martin and Kanye. You can call it country, play it on the pop country stations and have country fans buy it, but it ain't country, it is pure unadulterated manufactured pop (with a twinge of twang -- probably just a computerized effect, though). You can put a saddle on a pig, but that doesn't make it a horse.
The second song is closer, but is more along the current singer/songwriter stuff.
We all know that contemporary country has migrated towards the pop world, because that is where the money seems to be. The record companies and artists just want to make money. I have no problem with that and they have to produce stuff that the music buying crowd will actually buy in large quantities. ... and radio stations get more advertising dollars if they have the most listeners.
Now there is still plenty of country/americana being produced that is still different enough to be "modern", but still respects the roots of the country music heritage. It is easily found out there if you want to look for it.
BUT ... In the end, good music is good music. If you think Sam's tune is good music then that is all that really matters.
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