10. "Like Jesus Does" by Eric Church
"Like Jesus Does" is one of the few mellow tunes of Eric Church’s Chief, an album that mixes country and rock in a way that makes us hope for an Eric Church and Kid Rock collaboration. However, with that said, its mellowness does not mean that it is a sleeper, far from it. This song is a standout on the album, letting the listener get a glimpse at Church’s soft side emotionally and strong side vocally. If you need any further proof that this song is amazing, just check out Church’s recent performance at the ACM Awards.
9. "See You Tonight" by Scotty McCreery
“See You Tonight” is a fun and flirty song that gives a glimpse of the new direction Scotty McCreery is heading in. The American Idol winner has certainly made a name for himself in country music and has shown us that good guys don’t always come in last. In fact, with how much fun this song is and how successful his first album was, we imagine Scotty will be coming in first for many years to come. Our only question: How does he do it all? He’s like the James Franco of country music just way less awkward.
8. "Downtown" by Lady Antebellum
We’ve actually already told you all the reasons we love this song in our recent review of the brand new Lady A single. But here’s the trimmed down version: "Downtown" brings back the rosy stars-in-our-eyes sound of Lady Antebellum’s first album and mixes it with the good times of the second album and the song-writing maturity of their third. The song is simply a good time that makes you want to move along with the music, roll your windows down, and head downtown.
7. "Blowin' Smoke" by Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves is everything that you love about country music. She sings about small town life with a big time voice and big time song-writing talent. She actually co-wrote the #2 song on our list. “Blowin’ Smoke” is a more upbeat version of Musgraves’ previous single, "Merry Go 'Round.” Her sultry voice and song production makes it easy to immerse yourself in the song. You may not have a bad smoking habit, but, if you listen to this song, you’ll have a KM habit, and you’ll never want to quit.
6. "Hush Hush" by Pistol Annies
Pistol Annies is comprised of three gorgeous and talented women who also happen to kick serious country butt. Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley got rave reviews after their debut album, Hell On Heels, proved just how powerful three country ladies can be in this industry largely dominated by men. With the success of their first album, they were bound to put out a second one. And the fans said, “Amen.” "Hush Hush" is just a small taste of the greatness that is to come from Annie Up, so ante up!
5. "I Want Crazy" by Hunter Hayes
This rising country star has it all: good looks, great vocals, awesome song-writing skills, and a ridiculous amount of musical talent (he plays a bajillion instruments, approximately). His self-titled debut album is simply amazing, and this brand new single is no exception to that legacy. While we can’t necessarily see Hunter Hayes going crazy (his song "Wanted” has us convinced us that he’s the perfect gentleman), "I Want Crazy" definitely has us hoping for our own crazy moment with the country cutie.
4. "Crash My Party" by Luke Bryan
Let’s face it, Luke Bryan is hot, like ridiculously good looking, I’m-fanning-myself hot. His songs are almost as hot as he it, which is saying a lot. This brand new single off of his upcoming album reminds us a lot of "I Don't Want This Night to End,” a song that launched this hottie to a new level of fame. "Crash My Party" is the perfect mixture of slow jam verse and up-tempo chorus that fits any mood and moment, especially those when you get caught staring at Luke Bryan in his oh-so-tight jeans. Sigh.
3. "Highway Don't Care" by Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
2. "Mama's Broken Heart" by Miranda Lambert
This song, like much of Miranda Lambert’s Four the Record album, screams sassy, and we love every house-wife-gone-crazy line and note. "Mama's Broken Heart" is a drama queen’s dream paired with a country flair that makes us wish Honey Boo Boo really was Miranda Lambert’s daughter. So stop hiding your crazy, cut your bangs with some rusty kitchen scissors, and tell that ex of yours and all your relatives that you simply don’t care enough to care what people think.
1. "Your Side of the Bed" by Little Big Town
If there was an award for most emotional song on our list, this song would win it. Since there’s not, we’ll simply give it our #1 spot instead. Little Big Town know how to have fun (just check out “Pontoon”), but they also know how to sing the mess out of a good country ballad. "Your Side of the Bed" is a heart-wrencher that is quite simply beautiful. Fair warning: If you’re already in a tender emotional state, this song will break you. If you’re not in an emotional state, you will be by the time the bridge hits.
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