Currently, we are in an era in that genres like pop, hip-hop, contemporary R&B, and rock music have dominated music charts. We are electrified by the hits by Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. We snap with the beats brought to us by Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, and Ed Sheeran. Many of us will open our Spotify to hear these kinds of music.
There are songs that we also love to play on repeat (and suddenly had Last Song Syndrome or LSS) because of the meaning of the song or story in the song, the overall sound, and the exceptional voice of the singer. One may be wondering what genre they are in. Aha! You might be listening to a country song, dear.
We have shortlisted Ten U.S. Country Songs that made top marks not only in the music charts but in the audience’s hearts and souls for the past 19 years in the 21st century.
The Top 10 U.S Country Songs
Bless the Broken Road (2000) by Rascal Flatts
The song was created in 1994 by Singer-Songwriters by Marcus Hummon, Jeff Hanna, and Bobby Boyd. It tackles how broken relationships, failures, and disappointments help someone to find the way to true love in a world where things are not smooth (referred to as the broken road in the song).
The undeniable beauty of the song leads several American Country Singers to have their own renditions. Rascal Flatts’ version, which was initially recorded and released in 2000, was the favorite, making it to Billboard’s Top US Country Songs in 2005.
You’ll Think of Me (2002) by Keith Urban
If we will talk about Breakup Songs, You’ll Think of Me will be one of the most recommended songs. It is a narrative of a person who is having a hard time moving on from the past relationship, and hoping that one day, the one who left will think about him.
The heartbreaking song was composed by Darell Brown, Dennis Matkosky, and Ty Lacy. It was sung by Keith Urban and recorded in 2002. The song and music video have been released in 2004, and eventually, it became one of the chart-topper Country hits.
Live Like You Were Dying (2004) by Tim McGraw
Country songs are popular for conveying a deep sense of life. Live Like You Were Dying, a song composed by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, is a gist of stories of people who had a sudden shift in their outlook on life, upon knowing that they are running out of time.
It encourages people to experience life to its full potential and use these experiences to be a better individuals. This inspirational song performed by Tim McGraw landed at the top spot on Billboard Country Charts for seven weeks and garnered several nominations and recognitions.
Before He Cheats (2005) by Carrie Underwood
Before He Cheats is part of the debut album of Carrie Underwood in 2005. The Country Hit was composed by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear. The overall theme is a woman’s revenge for her boyfriend that has the possibility to become unfaithful in the relationship.
It pictures the possible actions of a woman to remind the man what can happen if ever he cheats on her. Being a relatable song, it became a top hit and received awards such as Grammy Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and many more.
Stay (2006) by Sugarland
If a mistress would have her theme song, Stay would be a perfect choice. The 2006 Hit is an original song performed by the duo band Sugarland written by their lead vocalist, Jennifer Nettles. It narrates a story of a mistress begging his man to stay, even if the wife is looking for him.
However, in the last chorus of the song, it revealed the change in the mistress’ mindset- that she deserves more than being in a forbidden relationship. With its striking content, Stay received several recognitions (both for the song itself and for Nettles as the songwriter).
Love Story (2008) by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s popularity as a singer-songwriter started upon the release of her single Love Story in her second album, Fearless, in 2008. Swift’s creativity in songwriting had been praised for she was able to relate her personal experience with the famous William Shakespeare novel, Romeo and Juliet. The song primarily talks about a complicated relationship she had with a man who was never her boyfriend.
She described the experience as what Romeo and Juliet had in the novel, but she decided to change the ending from being tragic to a happy ending. Aside from its content, the song had a catchy tune, that makes many listeners sing along with it. No wonder that Love Story has been a chart-topping Country hit and a multi-awarded hit.
Need You Now (2009) by Lady Antebellum
Are you feeling alone late at night and you’re a little drunk? Need You Know, performed by the Trio band Lady Antebellum, can be your soundtrack while having a “drama” time.
The Grammy Award Winning Song gives us a picture of a person who is making late-night calls in the middle of the night, searching for someone to be with or to talk with, and the next day, feeling regret doing it. Many, including the singers themselves, have been in this situation and were able to relate, that’s why the song was a huge success.
The House That Built Me (2009) by Miranda Lambert
“Nostalgic” is the best word to describe the country ballad song The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert. The song was composed by Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, with a theme of “going back to roots.” It narrates the move of an adult female character going back to her old house, where she grew up.
She asked the new resident there if she can go inside and roam around to revisit and rekindle all the memories she had in the “house that built her.” The overall vibe of the song made it to the top of the music charts and was recognized by many award-giving bodies in the music field.
The Climb (2009) by Miley Cyrus
The Climb is performed by Miley Cyrus for Hannah Montana: The Movie and became the single that introduced her to the country genre. It was composed by Jon Mabe and Jessi Alexander, and its theme is inspirational. It gives the listeners a boost in pursuing their goals, whatever difficulties they may encounter along their way up. Because of its motivational content, it climbed to the top spots in music charts across the world in 2009.
Cruise (2012) by Florida Georgia Line
Cruise was created by the Florida Georgia Line members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, together with Joey Moi, Chase Rice, and Jesse Rice. The exact genre of the song is “Bro-Country,” a sub-genre of country music that tells about parties, alcohol, women, and some other vices.
This term was first used to describe Cruise, which makes the song more remarkable. Since it is a different taste of country song, it became the subject of curiosity of many and was received well by the listeners, making it belong on the top spots of music charts, especially in the Billboard U.S.
What was the most-played country song in the 2000s?
According to Billboard, the most played country song of the 2000s was “Breathe” by Faith Hill. The song was released in 1999 and spent several weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
It also topped the Billboard year-end chart for the country songs in 2000 and cross over to the Adult Contemporary and Adult Pop Songs chart. It was a huge commercial success and was certified 5× Platinum by the RIAA.
What is the #1 country song of all time?
Cccording to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the best-selling country song of all time is “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline. It was released in 1961 and became a hit for Patsy, reaching the top of the Billboard country chart and also crossing over to pop chart.
It has been certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over 3 million copies in the United States. Additionally, it is considered a classic and has been covered by many artists over the years.
What is the best modern country song?
Some recent popular country songs that have been well-received by both critics and audiences include:
- “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
- “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt
- “Tin Man” by Miranda Lambert
- “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
- “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban
- “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton
- “Tequila” by Dan + Shay
- “Drunk Girl” by Chris Janson
- “Tequila Does” by Miranda Lambert
- “Hell Right” by Blake Shelton ft. Trace Adkins
These songs have topped the billboard country chart, won awards, and have been critically acclaimed. It is important to note that these are just examples of some of the most popular and well-received songs in recent years.
Are your favorite country songs included in the list? Tell us your thoughts.
