Ahhh, summertime. Warm weather, tan skin, beach trips... The list of wonderful things goes on and on. One that's high on my list, though, is listening to country music. Especially new releases that come out just in time for days by the pool. Here are my top 10 country songs for the summer so far.
1.“Sleep Without You” by Brett Young
Brett Young is an overnight country success. On his first official EP released in February, this sweet, catchy love song will have you swooning.
2. "Different For Girls” by Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King
I don't know about you, but I feel like this summer seems to be the season of duets in country music, and that’s fine by me. Elle King’s pop voice is a perfect match for Dierks Bentley’s raspy tone. This song is on Dierks’ newest album “Black”, released on iTunes music last week, and has been on repeat nonstop since I’ve heard it.
3. “Suitcase” by Steve Moakler
As a Pennsylvanian-turned-country artist living in Nashville, Steve Moakler has a fresh perspective of country music. In his most recent EP, “Steve Moakler”, his enthusiasm about life and love makes for an easy listen. (Fun fact: he co-wrote Dierks Bentley’s song “Riser”.)
4. “80s Mercedes” by Maren Morris
Can we get a round of applause for this girl bringing some soul into female country music? Maren rocks. Her new album “Hero”, released Friday, includes songs that are everything from bright and sweet to sultry and badass. It’s hard to choose just one great song from the album, so go ahead and add the whole thing to your playlist (my personal favorites are “I Wish I Was”, the popular “My Church” and “Second Wind”).
5. “21 Summer” by Brothers Osborne
Popular for their hit “Stay A Little Longer”, these brothers have their own laid back sound that is easy for anyone to listen to- country fan or not. This song is off their album “Pawn Shop”, which was released in January, and is sure to be a summer anthem.
6. “Think of You” by Chris Young feat. Cassadee Pope
Yet another perfect match for a fun duet love song. Need I say more? No. Just trust me on this one.
7. “My Mistake” by Cam
This song was released back in December on Cam’s album “Untamed” (which also includes hits "Burning House" and "Mayday"), and I personally don’t think it got enough recognition. It's catchy and relatable, and we need more good girl-country, am I right?
8. “Drunk Girls Don’t Cry” by Maren Morris
I won’t bore you with my obsession with her again (see number 4), but this song is hilarious and will make you want to be her best friend.
9. “She’s Got A Way With Words” by Blake Shelton
So, "if I'm honest" (get it, his new album title?), I was pretty excited to hear Blake’s new album after his public divorce from Miranda Lambert. This song is exactly what we were waiting for… a not-so-discreet, hilarious but vengeful song about his recent heartbreak.
10. "Outskirts" by Eric Dodd
Eric Dodd is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Nashville, TN. His music style is a perfect mixture of country, rock and Americana and this brand new single is working its way up the iTunes country charts. Since he’s a Georgia-native, Eric plays a lot of local gigs and puts on a great show. Go here to check them out or buy tickets to an Atlanta show next month.
To listen to these songs and more from my favorite country artists, follow my Summer Playlist on Spotify.
What are your favorite country songs for the summer? Leave a comment!
