It's officially the season of music festivals, and that means it's go-time in terms of preparation. You have your outfits, you have your camping gear or hotel reservations made, now it's time to get down to the whole reason you're attending the event: the music. With so many artists to see, it can be hard to figure out what to listen to beforehand so you can sing along with the rest of the crowd. To help ease the stress of trying to get a handle on every must-see musician and must know song here is your official Country Thunder 2016 playlist.
1. Jake Owen
Headlining on Saturday night, Jake Owen and his four album playlist can not be missed. You can't attend a Jake Owen performance without knowing all of the words to his hit songs, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" and "Beachin'," and his latest single, "American Country Love Song." Attendees can only hope for a performance by both Jake Owen and Friday night headliner Florida Georgia Line of their collaborative song, "Summer Jam."
2. Kip Moore
Headlining on Thursday night, Kip Moore's hit song "Somethin' Bout A Truck," can often be heard on the country radio stations. If you're looking for a jam to get you in the drinkin' mood, "Beer Money" is definitely the way to go. Don't skip over some of his slower ballads, the kind you can wave a lighter in the air too during the concert, such as, "Wild Ones" and "Backseat."
3. Old Dominion
Performing on Thursday night, be sure to know all of the words to their upbeat and most popular songs, "Break Up With Him" and "Snapback." "Shut Me Up" is another must listen to the song where they give a great suggestion on how to shut someone up when they're talking too much.
4. Cole Swindell
Performing on Friday night, Cole Swindell has a wide variety of popular songs that you definitely need to know. His latest single, "You Should Be Here," about the loss of his father will definitely bring a tear to your eye. "Chillin' It" is sure to get you in the summertime, driving with the windows down type of mood and "Let Me See Ya' Girl" is guaranteed to get the crowd dancing.
6. Eric Church
Closing out the festival on Sunday night, Eric Church is absolutely not to be missed. His love ballad, "Like A Wrecking Ball" is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels. "Springsteen" will bring you right back to those memories of your first summer love, and both "Talladega" and "Give Me Back My Hometown" will make you more homesick than you knew you could be.
7. Florida Georgia Line
Headlining on Friday night, Florida Georgia Line has so much more to contribute than their radio hit featuring Nelly that we all know ("Cruise"). "Sun Daze" is the ultimate feel-good, sunny day song to get you in the outdoor party mood. Be sure not to skip out on their popular hits, "Anything Goes", "This Is How We Roll" or "Round Here."
8. Randy Houser
Performing on Sunday night, Randy Houser is sure to get the crowd in high spirits. If you've ever been to a country bar or listened to a country radio station, you're sure to have heard "Running Out Of Moonlight" and "We Went," so make sure to brush up on those lyrics before the festival. Listening to both "Goodnight Kiss" and "Mine Tonight" will make you fall in love with the nearest country boy in the area.
9. Chris Janson
Performing on Saturday night, Chris Janson has two essential songs you need to know. The first being "Buy Me A Boat," a twangy jam about the things money can buy you, and the second being "Power Of Positive Drinkin'," about handling a break up by drinking a beer.
While these may be the main Country Thunder 2016 essentials, honorable mention also goes out to "Little Bit Of You" by Chase Bryant, "Burning House" by Cam and "I Love This Life" by Locash.
To listen the songs mentioned above, check out Spotify's Country Thunder 2016 Playlist .
