I'm going to be honest here, I would pick pop music over country music any day of the week. I'm pretty open to most music genres, but country music has always been the exception. Except for a few songs.
As National Country Music Month is now upon us this October, I wanted to share what I believe are the top ten best country songs (ranging from all different artists and all different years). The real country fans may see these as iconic, but overplayed radio hits. Or maybe they'll see them as obscure, last-track-on-the-album songs I only adore because I relate to.
Either way, keep this in mind, I don't usually like country music. But I'm not here to bash it. For National Country Music Month, I am here to celebrate my exceptions.
1. Outlaws Like Me by Justin Moore
This is a lesser-known song by Justin Moore, and a more obscure song in general, but it undoubtedly earns the number one spot. Whether you like country music or not, give it a listen! (And I'm not just saying this because he's the biggest celebrity of I've ever met!)
2. Long Live by Taylor Swift
If there's one thing I like less than country music, it is Taylor Swift. And believe me, I spent years trying to like her, but I just couldn't hop onto the Swiftie bandwagon. That being said, this song is a DOUBLE-EXCEPTION. It is so beautiful and filled with so much meaning; whether you need a confidence-booster or are feeling nostalgic, this song fits the bill.
3. Meant to Be by Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha
This song is so special to me; my best friend and I belted it out on the beach as we said goodbye to each other, one of us headed to Florida and the other to Georgia. Ironic, huh?
4. Mama's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert
This song is really powerful and shows heartbreak in a totally different way than most of the songs out there, from any genre. It also proves the point that hiding your vulnerability and emotions doesn't make you lady-like. GIRLS — it is OK to be sad AND for other people to know it!
5. All-American Girl by Carrie Underwood
K, Carrie Underwood is my SUPER exception. I LOVE all her songs. And this song is a classic. Plus, it was one of two songs I knew at my very first concert. 'Nuff said.
6. Life's About To Get Good by Shania Twain
So I don't think I had ever listened to a Shania Twain song before this song. Like, was she ever even a country artist before this album? I don't even know, but I know this song is my go-to pick me up song when I'm feeling down or even when I'm feeling victorious.
7. Home in My Mind by Scotty McCreery
Remember when you used to have to call in to cast your vote for American Idol? No texting, no app. Yeah, well, I called in about a million times for Scotty. Def my first celebrity crush. And this song, wow, it definitely describes the homesickness I've felt since starting college. I just listen to this song and feel transported back there.
8. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems by Kenny Chesney
This song is just so fun. Really gets me pumped for weekends and school breaks. Finally time for ZERO STRESS!
9. Better Dig Two by The Band Perry
I don't even really know why I love this song so much. But regardless, it is a hardcore love song. I think? Sometimes I think it's about regretting loving someone so much??? Who knows? It's just really catchy.
10. Homesick by Kane Brown
Okay, I'm not homesick as much as this playlist suggests! But this song has helped me get through some rough days. I discovered it right around when I started college, so it kind of came into my life at an optimal time.
As you've seen, my first concert was a country concert. My first celebrity meet and greet was with a country singer. My first celeb crush was a country superstar. So this month, I'm here to realize the major parts country music has played in my life — regardless of whether or not country music is at the top of my playlist. This month, jam out to those country tunes that have rocked your world!
