I have a running joke with my sister that goes something like, "If there ever comes a time when *insert song* doesn't make me stop in my tracks, please just punch me in the face." You know the songs. They give you goosebumps from the very first note. You stop whatever you're doing, and I mean whatever, just to listen. And if you weren't listening close enough, you start the song over as many times as needed to soak it all in.
There's a little bit of everything thrown in this list, but country music fills my heart with wildflowers and sunshine, it's what I was raised on, so it will always reign as king.
1. Somebody Else- the 1975
Remember that joke I mentioned earlier. Somebody Else is normally the song that fills in the blank. It's my favorite.
2. Whiskey Lullaby- Brad Paisley feat. Alison Krause
If this song doesn't give you chills, I don't know what will.
3. She's Got This Thing About Her- Chris Young
A relatively unknown song from country crooner Chris Young, this is one you need to add to your playlist ASAP.
4. Amarillo By Morning- George Strait
Every time I listen to Amarillo By Morning, I always do some air drums towards the middle of the song, and my mom always laughs.
5. Remember When- Alan Jackson
How can this song not give you chills?
6. I'm Already There- Lonestar
I get choked up just thinking about this song.
7. Sweet Creature- Harry Styles
I love Harry more than anything in the world, that is all, bye.
8. The Chain- Fleetwood Mac
This is the perfect song to belt out when you're in the car alone... or with others, whatever floats your boat.
9. Burn- Phillipa Soo
SO. MUCH. EMOTION.
10. Same Old Lang Syne- Dan Fogelberg
Ah, yes. This song stops time and sends you back to 80's prom night.
11. Hallelujah- Rufus Wainwright
Yes, it's from Shrek. And yes, it's a damn good song.
12. People- Barbara Streisand
My sister is a theater nut, and I've always said that if she doesn't star in Funny Girl at some point in her life, I'm disowning her.
13. I Know Where I've Been- Queen Latifah
There is only one word that comes to mind when this song plays: passion.
14. Everybody Loves Somebody- Dean Martin
For me, Dean's voice sounds like home.
15. Nana- the 1975
Sweet and simple, just how I like it.
16. The Greatest Love Of All- Whitney Houston
There will never be another Whitney, ever. Queen.
17. My Way- Frank Sinatra
Just like Dean, Frank is home.
18. Just a Dream- Carrie Underwood
Queen of country music, and basically the world.
19. Dear Hate- Marren Morris & Vince Gill
Released after the Vegas Shooting, this song is 100000% chill-inducing.
20. Supermarket Flowers- Ed Sheeran
Ed could sing me his grocery list and I'd still swoon.
21. Huckleberry- Toby Keith
This one is for my mom.
22. Skin (Sarabeth)- Rascal Flatts
If you don't stop everything you're doing and cry when this song comes on, you're not human. End of story.
23. Everywhere- Tim McGraw
This one is for my dad.
24. Three Wooden Crosses- Randy Travis
Classic country to stop you in your tracks.
25. Heart To Heart- Toby Keith
My family always joked that this song was about my brother and my dad, so it really hits me in the heart.
26. Concrete Angel- Martina McBride
When I was younger, I physically could not listen to this song because I would cry every single time. Flash forward, I still cry, I'm just better at hiding it.
27. My Wish- Rascal Flatts
This song was played at my dad's funeral and it's never been the same.
28. Forever Country- Artists of Now, Then & Forever
The most iconic mashup country music has ever witnessed.
29. I Cross My Heart- George Strait
My parents' wedding song. Need I say more.
30. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You- Toby Keith
Nothing better than classic 90's country.
There you have it, folks. 30 songs to stop you in your tracks and make you feel alive. You're welcome.
