Country songs are musical stories that share emotion and the human experience with listeners worldwide. This popular musical genre originated in the southern United States in the 1920s. Today, country artists continue to release incredible songs.
If you’re craving some amazing country tunes, check out these top country songs below.
1. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2005
“Before He Cheats” is an easily-recognizable country song that topped the Canadian and US country charts when Carrie Underwood released it in 2005. This song from the album Some Hearts is about a woman who ruins a man’s truck after discovering he is unfaithful.
2. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixrje2rXLMA
Song Year: 1974
Even those who don’t love country music will sing along to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. This song is a famous country song about a woman begging another woman not to steal her boyfriend with her many incredible qualities. “Jolene” peaked at number one on the Canadian and American country charts upon its release and is Parton’s most covered song.
3. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
Song Year: 2004
Tim McGraw brought tears to many eyes when he released “Live Like You Were Dying” in 2004 on the self-titled album. This moving song shares the story of someone diagnosed with a terminal illness who decides to do everything he’s put off doing before he dies.
4. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert
Song Year: 2000
“I Hope You Dance” is Lee Ann Womack’s most popular hit song from the album of the same name. This country song with music by Sons of the Desert urges listeners to take the most out of life. “I Hope You Dance” won the Grammy award for Best Country Song in 2001 and Song of the Year at the ACM awards.
5. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1956
Johnny Cash is a renowned musician with songs covered by musicians from all genres. “I Walk the Line” is one of the best country songs about a man’s devotion to his woman. This country hit peaked at number one on the US Hot Country Songs Billboard chart in 1957.
6. “Need You Now” by Lady A
Song Year: 2009
“Need You Now” is an incredible country song by Lady A, or Lady Antebellum, about drunk dialing someone who’s no longer in your life and telling them how much you miss them. In 2011, “Need You Now” won four Grammy awards for Song of the Year, Best Country Song, Record of the Year, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
7. “Fancy” by Reba McEntire
Song Year: 1990
Reba McEntire is a well-known country singer and actress who released tons of hit country songs, including a cover of Bobbie Gentry’s 1969 song “Fancy.” This country song about female empowerment and liberation is from Reba McEntire’s 1990 album Rumor Has It.
8. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Song Year: 1992
Billy Ray Cyrus made musical history when he released “Achy Breaky Heart” in 1992 on his album Some Gave All. This country song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks. This was the first country song to stay at number one for five weeks since 1967.
9. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
Song Year: 1997
Beloved Canadian country singer Shania Twain blessed the radio with her hit song “You’re Still the One” in 1997. This romantic song from Twain’s album Come On Over speaks about long-lasting love.
Upon its release, “You’re Still the One” peaked at number one on the US Hot Country Songs Billboard chart and placed in the top five on music charts in Australia, Ireland, Croatia, and Canada.
10. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Song Year: 1971
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a song about longing for the beauty of love found in West Virginia. This beautiful song is from John Denver’s album Poems, Prayers & Promises. In 1971 this country song peaked at number two on the US Hot 100 Billboard chart and number three on the Canadian Top Singles chart.
11. “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert
Song Year: 2009
Miranda Lambert sings about returning to her childhood home in the hit country song “The House That Built Me.” A slow strumming guitar and angelic voice of Miranda Lambert evoke nostalgia and the pain of growing up, so it’s no surprise this song peaked at number one on the US Hot Country Songs Billboard chart.
12. “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1990
“Friends in Low Places” is the lead single from Garth Brooks’ 1990 album No Fences. This party country song tells the story of a man getting by after a breakup by hanging out with friends who aren’t good influences. This song was one of the biggest hits of the year upon its release and peaked at number one on music charts in Canada and the US.
13. “Breathe” by Faith Hill
Song Year: 1999
Country singer Faith Hill’s hit song “Breathe” is one of the best country songs about love. This popular song peaked at the number one spot on Canadian and US country music charts. Plus, Faith Hill won the Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Just Breathe” in 2000.
14. “When You Say Nothing at All” by Keith Whitley
Song Year: 1988
“When You Say Nothing at All” is an amazing country song worth adding to a road trip playlist. This well-known country song was first performed by Keith Whitley on the album Don’t Close Your Eyes but has since been covered by many other renowned country artists.
15. “Jole Blon” by Harry Choates
Song Year: 1946
“Jole Blon” by Harry Choates is a Cajun waltz and old-school country song that’s perfect for dancing. The happy music will get toes tapping and add a country vibe to any place with speakers.
16. “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson
Song Year: 2004
Gretchen Wilson introduced herself to the country music scene with the release of “Redneck Woman” from her debut studio album Here for the Party. This song peaked at number one on the weekly country music charts in Canada and the US.
17. “Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton
Song Year: 1981
“Queen of Hearts” by Juice Newton is a fun dance song from the album Juice. Though Dave Edmunds originally sang “Queen of Hearts” in 1979, Juice Newton brought it to the top 5 spots on the country music charts in 1981.
18. “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” by Luke Bryan
Song Year: 2011
Luke Bryan released an incredible country dance hit in 2011 called “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” This song is an anthem from the album Tailgates & Tanlines for country girls who love to get on the dance floor and shake their bodies.
19. “She’s Actin’ Single, I’m Drinkin’ Doubles” by Gary Stewart
Song Year: 1975
Blast the sounds of country music on your speakers with Gary Stewart’s sad song “She’s Actin’ Single, I’m Drinkin’ Doubles.” This popular country song tells the story of a man drinking away his sorrows because he loves a woman who’s moved on.
20. “Our Song” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2006
“Our Song” is one of the best country songs by singer and songwriter Taylor Swift from her self-titled debut album. Swift wrote “Our Song” in high school, so when it peaked at number one on the weekly charts in Canada and the US, she became the youngest person to write and sing a number one country song.
21. “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney
Song Year: 2004
Kenny Chesney is a prolific country singer with the popular country song “There Goes My Life” from his album When the Sun Goes Down. This song peaked at number one for seven weeks on the weekly Billboard US Hot Country Songs chart.
22. “Songs About Rain” by Gary Allan
Song Year: 2003
“Songs About Rain” by Gary Allan is a sad country song that tells the story of a man who’s thinking about a woman he loves after hearing she’s married someone else. This moving country song is from Gary Allan’s album See If I Care.
23. “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette
Song Year: 1968
“D-I-V-O-R-C-E” is one of the best country songs by Tammy Wynette about parents spelling out words, so children don’t understand what they’re saying. This hit song peaked at number one on US and Canadian weekly country music charts and was the lead single from Wynette’s album D-I-V-O-R-C-E.
Tammy Wynette got nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her vocals on this song.
24. “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline
Song Year: 1961
If you’re looking for the best classic country songs, turn up the volume for “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline. “I Fall to Pieces” peaked at number one on the weekly US music charts upon its release in 1961. Since then, it’s become one of Cline’s most famous songs.
25. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
Song Year: 1978
“The Gambler” is one of the best country songs from the album of the same name by Kenny Rogers. This song won Rogers the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
26. “Seven Year Ache” by Rosanne Cash
Song Year: 1981
Rosanne Cash earned her first number-one spot on the weekly country music charts with the release of “Seven Year Ache.” This popular country song is a single from her 1981 album of the same name.
27. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band
Song Year: 1990
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels Band is a fast-paced country song sharing the story of a boy who makes a deal with the devil with vocals that sound more like talking than singing. This well-known country song is from the album Million Mile Reflections.
28. “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait
Song Year: 1987
Sway and dance to the voice of George Strait singing “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” from the album Ocean Front Property. This hit country song tells the story of a man who lives in Tennessee because his past lovers are in The Lone Star State.
29. “My Maria” by Brooks & Dunn
Song Year: 1996
It’s hard to resist singing along to “My Maria” by Brooks and Dunn, especially the chorus. This catchy country song is from the album Borderline and took home the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
30. “This Kiss” by Faith Hill
Song Year: 1998
Country singer Faith Hill captures the magic and happiness of a perfect kiss in her hit song “This Kiss” from her third studio album, Faith. This upbeat country song peaked at number one on Canadian and US weekly music charts.
31. “Why Don’t We Just Dance” by Josh Turner
Song Year: 2010
You can’t resist tapping your toes to the deep voice of Josh Turner as he sings about dancing instead of worrying about life’s problems. “Why Don’t We Just Dance” from Turner’s album Haywire peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs weekly music chart upon its release in 2010.
32. “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7NQQ0Lfu4
Song Year: 2009
“Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood was the fastest-climbing country song of 2009. This hit dance song is from Underwood’s album Play On and earned her a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2010 Country Music Awards.
33. “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks
Song Year: 2006
The Chicks, formerly Dixie Chicks, released one of their most popular country songs, “Not Ready to Make Nice,” in 2006 on their album Taking the Long Way. This song is a powerful reaction to the country group having their songs banned from radio stations after protesting George W. Bush and the war in Iraq.
34. “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” by Charley Pride
Song Year: 1971
Famous country singer Charley Pride’s hit song “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” not only peaked on the country music charts but also peaked on the pop music charts. “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” is from Pride’s album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs.
35. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson
Song Year: 2002
“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson is a beautiful country song asking listeners where they were on September 11th, 2001. This song about the historical event when the World Trade Center towers got destroyed in a plane crash is a single from Alan Jackson’s tenth studio album Drive.
36. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” by Willie Nelson
Song Year: 1975
Many country singers have covered Roy Acuff’s song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” including Hank Williams Sr., Charley Pride, Johnny Russell, and Willie Nelson.
Willie Nelson’s version of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” peaked at number one on the 1975 US Billboard Hot Country Songs weekly chart, making it Nelson’s first number-one hit song.
37. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn
Song Year: 1970
When most country fans think of Loretta Lynn, they can’t help but hum “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Fans consider this popular country song as Lynn’s best country song ever. Upon its release in 1970, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” earned the number one spot on Canadian and US weekly music charts.
38. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2008
Taylor Swift originally released “Love Story” on her second studio album, Fearless, and re-released the song and album again in 2021 due to licensing issues. “Love Story” is a country-pop hit song about two forbidden young lovers, like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
This iconic song peaked at the number one spot on the US country music charts both times it was released.
39. “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves
Song Year: 2013
“Follow Your Arrow” is the third single from Kacey Musgrave’s debut country album, Same Trailer Different Park. This hit song urges listeners to choose their own path in life because people will judge them for every decision. “Follow Your Arrow” peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs weekly chart in 2013.
40. “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban
Song Year: 2002
“Somebody Like You” by American country singer Keith Urban is a feel-good love song that’s perfect for a country playlist. This popular song peaked at number one for six weeks on the 2002 US Hot Country Songs Billboard weekly music charts.
41. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells
Song Year: 1952
Kitty Wells paved the road for female country singers after her to sing about unfaithful men with the release of “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” in 1952. This classic country song is a response to “The Wild Side of Life” by Hank Thompson. In this song, Kitty Wells claims that women cheat because men cheat on them first.
42. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain
Song Year: 1999
Get the party started with Shania Twain’s hit country song “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” from her award-winning album Come On Over. Even a burly cowboy will belt out the chorus of this chart-topping country tune.
43. “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
Song Year: 2005
“Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band is a feel-good song about happy country living that topped the US country music charts in 2008. This amazing anthem to the beauty in the simple things is originally from the album Home Grown and got re-released in 2008 on The Foundation.
44. “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks
Song Year: 2000
The Chicks released the controversial country song “Goodbye Earl” on their 2000 album Fly. This country song tells the story of an abused woman who kills her husband with her best friend.
Due to the song’s violent nature, many radio stations refused to air it. Despite the lessened air-time, “Goodbye Earl” peaked at number 13 on the US weekly country music charts and number five on the Canadian country music charts.
45. “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i85ob2DackI
Song Year: 1994
Fans of the Netflix series The Ranch or Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson will recognize “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” the moment it starts playing. This country song spent four weeks in the number one spot on the 1978 US weekly country music charts.
46. “Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter
Song Year: 1967
Johnny Cash and June Carter were a famous country duo with their hit rendition of the song “Jackson” from their album, Carryin’ On with Johnny Cash & June Carter.
In 1968, “Jackson” earned the country duo a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio or Group.
47. “All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2007
Carrie Underwood created an anthem for country girls across America with the song “All-American Girl” on her album Carnival Ride. This upbeat song tells the story of a father who expected a boy but was overjoyed to find out he had a baby daughter.
48. “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Carpenters
Song Year: 1973
The Carpenters covered the song “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” by Hank Williams in 1973 on their album Now & Then. This popular cover of a classic country song is worth adding to any country playlist.
49. “From A Distance” by Nanci Griffith
Song Year: 1987
Nanci Griffith brought tears to listeners’ eyes with the country song “From A Distance” in 1987. This beautiful tune from the album Lone Star State of Mind speaks about what Griffith imagines the world could look like if we all looked at things from a different perspective.
50. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X
Song Year: 2018
American rapper Lil Nas X saw his first chart-topping success with his country-rap song “Old Town Road” in 2018. After the song gained a strong social media following, “Old Town Road” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 weekly music charts. Lil Nas X re-released the song featuring Billy Ray Cyrus in 2019.
51. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers
Song Year: 1958
Sway to the soft sounds of “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers. This hit song is one of the best country songs that peaked at the number one spot on two US weekly music charts upon its release in 1958.
52. “Stand by Your Man” by Tammy Wynette
Song Year: 1968
Country Music Television (CMT) selected “Stand by Your Man” by Tammy Wynette as the number one song on a list of the Top 100 Country Music Songs.
Upon its release in 1968, “Stand by Your Man” rose to the top spots on US country music charts and pop music charts. Wynette went on to win the 1970 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her vocals on this iconic country song.
53. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain
Song Year: 1997
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” is one of Shania Twain’s greatest country-pop hits from her album Come On Over. This song crossed over from country music charts to mainstream ones making its mark worldwide. “That Don’t Impress Me Much” peaked at number one on weekly music charts in Belgium, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand.
54. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley feat. Alison Krauss
Song Year: 2003
Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss put out the heart-wrenching country song “Whiskey Lullaby” in 2003. This sad song from Paisley’s album Mud on the Tires is a story about two ex-lovers who drink themselves to death over their heartbreak. “Whiskey Lullaby” won Song of the Year at the 2005 Country Music Association (CMA) awards.
55. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Song Year: 1974
“Sweet Home Alabama” is one of the best country songs well-known by all music fans. Lynyrd Skynyrd released this iconic country song on his 1974 album Second Helping as a response to several Neil Young songs that mention the dark history of the southern United States.
56. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
Song Year: 1989
Garth Brooks released the amazing country song “The Dance” in 1989 on his debut album Garth Brooks. This slow country song peaked at number one for three weeks on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs weekly charts and is one of Brooks’ most popular songs to date.
57. “What Hurts The Most” by Rascal Flatts
Song Year: 2006
Rascal Flatts covered the beautiful song “What Hurts The Most,” originally by Mark Wills, on the band’s 2006 album Me and My Gang. Rascal Flatts’ rendition of the song earned the band two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
58. “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” by The Soggy Bottom Boys
Song Year: 2000
“I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” is a classic country-folk song covered by many bands over the years. In 2000, The Soggy Bottom Boys popularized the song for modern audiences in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” won the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration.
59. “Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams
Song Year: 1953
Look no further than Hank Williams for some of the best country songs ever. In 1953, “Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams took over the radio stations, especially because this was one of the last songs Williams recorded before his death in January 1953.
60. “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell
Song Year: 1975
The song “Rhinestone Cowboy” by country singer Glen Campbell was an instant country classic when he released it in 1975. This cross-over hit peaked at number one on the weekly country and pop music charts worldwide.
61. “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra
Song Year: 1966
Just the intro guitar riff and tapping tambourine in “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra is enough to recognize this classic country hit. This popular country song is about a strong woman letting a man know that she’s halfway out the door because he’s not acting right.
62. “Drink in My Hand” by Eric Church
Song Year: 2011
Eric Church saw his first song to peak at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs with the release of “Drink in My Hand” from his third studio album, Chief. This lively country song tells the story of a man who’s letting loose and drinking away his troubles.
63. “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
Song Year: 1982
Enjoy the sounds of Willie Nelson’s hit country cover of the song “Always on My Mind” from his 27th studio album Always on My Mind. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs weekly music chart when Nelson released it in 1982.
64. “Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait
Song Year: 1982
George Strait released his cover of Terry Stafford’s country song “Amarillo by Morning” in 1982 on his LP Strait from the Heart. This country song is renowned as one of Strait’s most popular hits.
65. “Concrete Angel” by Martina McBride
Song Year: 2001
Martina McBride brought tears to listeners’ eyes with her song “Concrete Angel” from her Greatest Hits album. This country song tells the sad story of a child who is killed by her abusive mother and goes to a place filled with acceptance and love.
66. “Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
Song Year: 2004
Rascal Flatts covered the heart-warming country song “Bless The Broken Road” on their 2004 album Feels Like Today. This popular country song tells a story of how hardships in life eventually lead us to the place we were always meant to be.
67. “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” by Loretta Lynn
Song Year: 1967
Loretta Lynn celebrated her first number-one country song in 1967 with “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).” This song made country music history because it was the first song written and sung by a female singer to reach number one on the country music charts.
68. “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” by Paula Cole
Song Year: 1996
Paula Cole’s country-pop hit song “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” is an amazing tune to play driving down country roads. The song mourns the loss of cowboy culture and how hard it is to find a man like John Wayne.
69. “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day” by Luke Bryan
Song Year: 2015
Country singer Luke Bryan released the feel-good song “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day” on his album Kill the Lights. This hit song peaked at number one on the Canadian weekly country music charts and number two on the US Billboard weekly Hot Country Songs.
70. “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden” by Martina McBride
Song Year: 2005
Feel your toes tapping to “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden” by Martina McBride from her album Timeless. This country song speaks about the reality of the downs and ups of love.
71. “A Little Gasoline” by Terri Clark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPv2rhax0FA
Song Year: 2000
Canadian country singer Terri Clark released the hit country song “A Little Gasoline” in 2000 on her album Fearless. This feel-good song sings about how all of life’s problems are solvable with a full tank of gas in the car.
Top Country Songs Of All Time, Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of country music or not, these top country songs have shaped the genre and popular culture. These songs are an homage to the south, country living, love, and heartbreak. They have been featured in movies, won grammies, and made music history.
From classic hits to modern chart-topping masterpieces, this extensive list of amazing country songs is sure to please any cowboy or cowgirl.