I’m tired of hearing country music slander. YES, there is bad country music, but there is bad music in all genres, which doesn’t even consider the complex differences in taste between people.
I was born in Texas and moved around a lot as a kid, so country music was the way my mom shared her “Texan culture” with me. Because of this, I was exposed to a lot of country music, especially 80s and 90s icons like Faith Hill and Brooks & Dunn.
All of this is to say that I believe my love of country music is a) because I’ve been listening to it my entire life, but also b) I know what good country music should sound like. For that reason, I have made a short playlist of ten country songs that will give you a better understanding of why I love it so much.
- All My Ex’s Live in Texas by George Strait
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This man has never looked bad a day in his life. In addition, he puts out excellent music and has consistently beaten music industry-wide records (the Beatles and Elvis Presley are the only acts he has not beaten).
I chose this song because it’s one of his best-known and most approachable songs, and it highlights classic country elements in a way that doesn’t feel forced. In “Ex’s,” Strait sings about his failed relationships, causing him to move away from the Lone Star State, searching for refuge.
The reason I love this song is simple: I’m a Texas girl, and indeed, all my exes do live in Texas.
- Ready to Run by The Chicks
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The CHICKS! Oh, how I wanted to be them as a child. Classic country-women, with an independent and free-spirited side. The Chicks were originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and the sisters actually went to high school with my dad (small world).
Their music has such a level of relatability to me, especially in songs like this. I don’t think I’m alone in having the fantasy of just being a cowgirl riding off into the sunset all by myself. This is a great song to get yourself hyped up for a trip, to manifest something new and leave the old. If that image appeals to you, you’ll love this song.
- Head Over Boots by Jon Pardi
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If you want an example of what modern country should sound like, look no further than Jon Pardi. I was supposed to see him at the Houston Rodeo in 2020. And because I didn’t get that experience, I have a special obsession with him.
Pardi includes classic elements of romance, western attire, and the fiddle in this wholesome and adorable love song. If you know anything about country dancing, this is the perfect song to two-step to.
- Blue by LeAnn Rimes
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I had to include this song because of the incredible story behind it. LeAnn Rimes always knew she wanted to become a country singer. When she was just a middle schooler, a DJ discovered her, and at THIRTEEN YEARS OLD, she recorded this rendition of the song “Blue.”
“Blue” wasn’t a new song when she recorded it (at 13), but this skyrocketed her career, and I would argue this is the best-known version of the song. Whether you end up liking country music after this article or not, her vocals are undeniably incredible, leading to Rimes winning a Grammy at the age of 16. That’s insane.
This is one of my favorite songs to unwind after a long day, an emotional chat, or just yodel along to in the car.
- Drinkin’ Problem by Midland
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This song highlights another classic country theme: drinking beer to get over a failed relationship. Much like Pardi’s song, this is excellent if you know any country dance steps, and it is one of my parents’ favorites for dancing.
As a long-time country fan, I feel like Midland brings a classic country feeling to the modern era. It retains what makes the country fun to listen to, but it doesn’t feel overused or overproduced.
A personal note: Saying “Midland” like “Mit-len” makes it a lot more fun.
- Vice by Miranda Lambert
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Miranda Lambert is another modern country star. Again, her vocals and amazing songwriting skills impress me with every release. Though she has songwriting support -like almost every modern artist- songs like this highlight a tone that is uniquely Miranda’s.
If you love a powerful woman, you will love Ms. Miranda Lambert. This song is the perfect soundtrack to a rough day when you’ve made less-than-perfect decisions that you feel like you should’ve learned from already.
- The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire
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While this isn’t the original version of this song, Reba made it a classic. This song is not only catchy and blessed with her talented vocals, but it does what country music does best. It tells a complete story with detail and an amazing chorus.
Side note: if you’re a fan of the show Designing Women, this song is referenced in an infamous Julia Sugarbaker monologue.
- Drunk on a Plane by Dierks Bentley
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Again, recovering from a failed relationship with alcohol. While not a healthy habit, it sure makes a great song. Bentley’s character in this song is dumped by his fiancee shortly before their wedding. And he cannot get a refund on his honeymoon. This leads to an in-flight party, which makes the song just as fun as it sounds.
When I was making this playlist, my boyfriend immediately asked: “Are you putting that plane party song on it?” Yes, yes, I am. - Cowgirls Don’t Cry (ft. Reba McEntire) by Brooks & Dunn
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Now this one is getting more emotional. Another reason I love country music so much is that it really resonates with me when I’m feeling down. Something about the balance of fiddle and guitar with a lone voice is just immensely touching, and I feel that very strongly with this particular song.
Regardless of where you’re from, you, too, can be a cowgirl and probably have felt like you had to keep it together for one reason or another when you were going through a tough time. If that’s the case -listener beware- you will cry at this song.
- You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allan Coe
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This is the song that my entire family sings along to in the car. Yes, to the point where we’re essentially screaming. If you’ve ever wanted to pretend that you were a cowboy living a tough life, just singing about your woes, this is an excellent outlet.
Coe also gets self-aware in this song, as he talks through the interlude about some of the elements that make a perfect country and western song: mama, trains, trucks, prison, and getting drunk.
I hope y’all check out this playlist on Spotify, and if you’re saddled up and ready to ride into the sunset with more country, check out my master country playlist here.