Country Girl Autumn: Ranking Popular Country Songs
I’ve never been a fan of country music. The only preference I have in this genre is for songs about women killing their husbands and only when that woman is Miranda Lambert. I am definitely biased, but I will try to go into this with an open mind and try even harder to not end up in cowgirl boots.
1. “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes
This song is a nice, catchy tune that features a few weird references. Hayes must be doing something right, as I already have it stuck in my head and might have to cry myself to sleep after this. Though I appreciate the wide-ranging vocals, the Southern accent is not my personal favorite. The syntax is very nice, blends well. 7/10.
2. “U Gurl” by Walker Hayes
Very different vibe than fancy-like. A bit darker. In this song the girl the singer is talking about from their identity, calling the girl a ‘cherry bottom boom girl’. Almost everyone in this industry does that these days, but despite this flaw and a lack of enunciation, the song is very good. There is a solid and catchy beat in the background 6/10.
3. “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
It is more of a solemn tune, maybe too fast for the topic, and is about love, how cute. Nostalgic. Catchy. I agree. I like it. 9/10.
4. “If I was a Cowboy” by Miranda Lambert
I love Miranda Lambert, but I haven’t listened to any of her new stuff lately. This song is very catchy and very country. Good or bad, your choice. “If I was a cowboy” sounds like wanting to run away from life and responsibilities. Not exactly what I listen to, but the lyricism is cutesy. Different from my preference of her murdering her toxic boyfriend, but good nonetheless. 7/10.
5. “If I Didn’t Love You” by Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean’s voice is very patronizing but also calming (quite the oxymoron). The duet flows very well as their voices blend perfectly. Carrie’s voice is mesmerizing and adds to the beautiful harmonies 8/10.
6. “Same Boat” by Zack Brown Band
This song is definitely country, with a subtle hint of Pentatonix acapella, and even a little Hallmark Christmas movie. Very go with the flow, but sounds like all of their other songs. #CrackerBarrel vibes. When listening, I feel like a cowgirl at a bar who meets a cowboy and falls in love; we got married in jeans. 5/10.
7. “Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
Sounds like every other country singer, but not in a bad way. Talking about love, carpe diem, but catchy, distinct beat. 7/10.
8. “Neon Moon” by Brooks and Dunn
This is a popular song on TikTok. A slow dance country tune, not usually what I listen to. Not very good in my opinion. 2/10
9. You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton
Chris, you sound generic, it is embarrassing. I can’t understand anything he says; I cannot give a rating of this song if I can’t even hear the words.
10. Chasing After You by Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris
There isn’t anything distinguishing about this song. We want a CMA!!!!! Monster emoji space monster emoji. It sounds nice but there is too much testosterone. It is nothing we have not seen in the genre, to be honest. 6/10
This is a biased article. I personally do not love country music, so I decided to try something out. I will be listening to some of the songs on this list from now on, and some of them I will not. After listening to these, I do not want to dance around in cowboy boots and sing Dolly Parton, but I might just sing Dolly Parton while wearing I’m normal shoes. This is progress.
By Caroline Lackey