I've been getting into the Dixie Chicks and Nickle Creak a lot recently. Maybe I'm just too eclectic but then again I grew up listening to Jonny Cash, Willy Nelson, Dolly Parten, and Crystal Gayle thanks to my dad.
Back on subject some of country is getting a bit popy for example Shania Twain isn't nearly as country as she used to be.
Music styles are always evolving. Musical artists have to adapt to current trends, the music will probably devolve again when the younger fans suddenly re-discover the old stuff and then that will become popular again. For example Dolly Partens latest album is one of her biggest selling ever but stylistically it's gone right back to her bluesgrass roots!