2023 – what a year in country music. Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen – There hasn’t been a “Big 3” like this talked about since the show “This Is Us” or when Troy, Emmit and Michael played for the Cowboys.
So, how does one pick their top 10 country songs of 2023. You and I may agree on a couple of these, but I guarantee we won’t agree on all – but that’s what makes music great. We each get something a little different from it.
Let’s get to it, here are my Top 10 Country Songs of 2023
10. Kelsea Ballerini – “Leave Me Again” .
From her “Roll Up The Welcome Mat” EP, this was my favorite song. Why, because while many thought she was singing to someone else, I listened to it from the perspective was entirely a song to herself. Totally, changes the song for me thinking the “you” she refers to was the version of herself she lost.
9. Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know” .
This is a perfect, feel good song. No other explaination needed.
8. Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”.
I am a sucker for a simple love song and a story of inclusion. Love is Love – that’s what I believe. Reminds me a lot of those sappy 90’s pop country ballads I can’t help but love. Simple word play, beautiful accompaniment. Plus the music video is lovely. one of my favorite ballads all year.
7. Morgan Wallen – “Everything I love” .
Of all the Morgan Wallen songs, this is my favorite so far, because it feels like such a cool throwback Johnny Cash/Waylon type of song and it’s very fun. Some cool moments on here like “I don’t wanna hear oooone moooore silver dollar” and whatnot. Song I went back to a lot this year.
6. Megan Moroney – “Why Johnny”
Went a little deeper on this one. Not a radio single, but a single I discovered this year that I just hung on every word. Sure it’s from a female perspective, but I think we’ve all been in that love that’s toxic and really hard to leave.
5. Bailey Zimmerman – “Rock And A Hard Place”
What a year for this guy. His unique voice and songs of relationship heartache made us all go “dude, I’ve been there”. According to his record label, Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock And A Hard Place” has ended up as the most played song for the entire year.
4. “Hey Driver” – Zach Bryan feat. The War and Treaty
Two names we heard a lot in 2023. Zach Bryan set records for tickets sales, merch sales and food sales back in August at Intrust Bank Arena. The harmonies and the story telling in this song made me struggle not to put it at #3.
3. Chris Stapleton – “White Horse”
This was a tough choice for me because I wanted to include his National Anthem from the Super Bowl early in the year and his MNF theme with Snoop. That being said, White Horse is my number 3. Why, for the simple reason when I first listened to it, I admittedly didn’t get it….I was like “MEH”. Then it grew on me and I finally arrived at that place where I was like “DAMN!!” This song slaps. (late to the party as always)
https://youtu.be/AQcMM4xAzIA?si=VQHMPT_OitI1ES2h
2. Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
I would love to interview her again. A few years back I was lucky enough to talk to her when she was just gettin’ started with “Things a Man Outta Know”. Now, she is everywhere but still just as humble and grounded. “Watermelon Moonshine”, not her 1st #1, but what a great song of young love and growing up.
1. Jelly Roll feat. Lainey Wilson – “Save Me”. There was no other song this year that resonated with so many. Probably my most requested song of 2023. Also, if you haven’t downloaded and listend to Jelly Roll’s album, “Whitsitt Chapel” do it….one of my favorite albums of the year. And the ACM performance….C’MON…that was FIRE!
