I like music. Who doesn't? I like all types of music but I've really gotten into country music in the last 10 years. I've been to numerous country concerts each year (a lot during the peak season of the summertime). There has been A LOT of good music that has come out and keeps pouring out quickly so sometimes it's hard to appreciate a good song when another one is right there the next week. With that being said, these 5 songs captured my attention and stayed with me for a while and are still with me from the these last 5 years. It wasn't due to the large amount of radio play they got (and some did) but because in my opinion, they were spectacular and truly excellent songs!
Without further ado, these are my top 5 country songs in the last 5 years, in no particular order:
1) "Nobody to Blame"-Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is one of the BEST male vocalists of this generation & I mean that across all platforms. He has this country rock/soul/blues sound that is un-matchable. It's incredible, he's incredible and this song is classic country. If you can't appreciate Stapleton's voice (even if you don't like country), it's official, you're tone deaf!
2) "Tequila"- Dan & Shay
Dan & Shay in my opinion are so underrated. They write and sing the most beautiful songs and this one gives me all the feels. Just listen to that! This was a hit song and while it's country, it can almost crossover into pop. They really are a phenomenal duo.
3) The Fighter-Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood
This is one of those songs that EVERYONE knew. My parents knew this one and loved it. The song crossed many generations and everyone could relate to it. It was off of Urban's "Ripcord" album which was a smash hit. People love a good male/female duet and they hit it out of the park with this one.
4) H.O.L.Y- By Florida Georgia Line
This song was an absolute GRAND SLAM. Florida Georgia Line has been ushering out the hits for a while when this song came out but this one they released, they far exceeded anything else that was out at the time. The song dominated the radio and charts and for good reason. It's beautiful, catchy, and just addictive! Heck, I've been debating using it for my wedding song! I can't say enough about how fantastic this song is. 10 out of 10!
5) "Marry Me"-Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett loves the microphone and the microphone loves him. This song was heartbreaking and beautiful and addictive all at the same time. His lyrics grabbed hold of your heartstrings and didn't let go the entire song. This song had the ability to be slow and heartbreaking yet a smash hit for radio. It's one of those songs that make you reflect on your own life at the same time as he pulls you into the singer's. Rhett is more than a singer/songwriter, he's a storyteller and this is one of his best stories yet!
Those are my top 5 of the last 5 years. A little fun, light-hearted insight for you here. If you've never heard those songs yet before, be sure to take a listen because they're fantastic! I didn't pick them as my top 5 for the heck of it!
-Producer Lightning