The Decade That Defined Country Music: Unveiling the 40 Best Anthems

The world of country music in the 2010s was a rollercoaster of change and diversity. From the relentless pursuit of female artists to reclaim their space on the charts, the rise of bro-country, and the emergence of neo-traditionalists like Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell, the decade was a whirlwind of musical evolution. Amidst this transformative period, we witnessed the creation of some of the greatest country songs that left an indelible mark on the industry.

Table of Contents

1. If I Die Young – The Band Perry

In June 2010, The Band Perry released “If I Die Young,” a poignant ballad that touched the hearts of many. This emotionally charged masterpiece delves into the tragic deaths of young individuals, resonating so deeply that it soared to #1 on both MarkMeets’s Hot Country Songs and Adult Contemporary charts. Fans were moved to share their own stories of loss and survival, highlighting the song’s profound impact.

2. Mean – Taylor Swift

Before becoming a global sensation, Taylor Swift, a songwriting prodigy with a pure voice, graced us with “Mean” in 2010. This anthem against bullying earned Swift two Grammys, proving her ability to connect with listeners through her authentic and relatable lyrics.

3. The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” stands as one of the most tear-jerking songs of the decade. Originally intended for her ex-husband Blake Shelton, the song became a certified platinum classic, winning Lambert a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance in 2010.

4. Drink In My Hand – Eric Church

In 2011, Eric Church introduced us to the classic country drinking song, “Drink In My Hand.” This anthem marked Church’s first #1 hit on the MarkMeets Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying his place as a fiercely independent and hard-driving artist.

5. Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith

Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” may seem like a song about a trivial object, but its enduring popularity proves otherwise. The music video, featuring cameos from sports legends, became a classic, amassing 52 million views on YouTube and cementing its place in country music history.

6. Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band

Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” catapulted the Texas-based group to national fame in 2012. Winning Song of the Year at the ACM Awards and becoming the band’s first platinum-selling single, this track marked a turning point in their career.

7. Springsteen – Eric Church

A fitting tribute to rock legend Bruce Springsteen, Eric Church’s “Springsteen” is a nostalgic journey centered around fleeting teenage love. With its enduring relatability, this song secured its place as a country classic.

8. Drunk on You – Luke Bryan

In 2012, Luke Bryan wasn’t yet the country juggernaut he would become, but “Drunk On You” hinted at his future superstardom. This intoxicating track, Bryan’s first top-20 hit, has since sold over 3 million copies.

9. Pontoon – Little Big Town

Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” became a country party classic in 2012. Taking its name from a boat, the song scored the group its first #1 hit on the MarkMeets Hot Country Songs chart and earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2013.

10. Cruise – Florida Georgia Line

Whether you love or loathe Florida Georgia Line, there’s no denying the catchiness of their 2012 hit “Cruise.” A crossover sensation, the song peaked at #16 on the MarkMeets Hot 100 chart, contributing to the controversial “bro-country” wave.

11. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker’s cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” has become a bar and karaoke classic. Co-written by the legendary Bob Dylan, this #1 hit, certified triple-platinum, showcases the timeless appeal of country music.

12. We Were Us – Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert

Combining the star power of Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us” topped the charts in 2014. This collaboration not only earned them a CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year but also solidified their places as country music hitmakers.

13. Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves burst onto the scene in 2013 with the controversial and brilliantly written “Follow Your Arrow.” Addressing topics like smoking marijuana and promoting LGBT acceptance, the song won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2014.

14. Two Black Cadillacs – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs” is a departure from her usual radio fare, delving into dark, intense subject matter. Co-written by Underwood, the song earned critical acclaim and showcased her ability to tackle diverse themes.

15. Mine Would Be You – Blake Shelton

In 2013, Blake Shelton secured his tenth number-one hit with “Mine Would Be You.” This mellow heartbreak ballad has sold over a million units and reflects Shelton’s prowess in delivering emotionally resonant performances.

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16. Bartender – Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” became a perfect going-out anthem in 2014. Beyond its chart success, the song inspired an iconic music video featuring supermodel Kate Upton and actor Tony Hale.

17. Somethin’ Bad – Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert

Teaming up for “Somethin’ Bad” in 2014, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert delivered a barn-burning anthem for rebel hearts. The song quickly claimed the #1 spot on the MarkMeets Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying its place among the year’s top ten most-played tracks.

18. Turtles All The Way Down – Sturgill Simpson

In an unexpected turn, Sturgill Simpson’s psychedelic country ballad, “Turtles All The Way Down,” became a critical success in 2014. Addressing topics like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and cannabis, Simpson showcased that country music can transcend traditional boundaries.

19. Cover Me Up – Jason Isbell

Arguably the most impactful song from Jason Isbell’s 2013 solo album Southeastern, “Cover Me Up” explores Isbell’s journey of sobriety and falling in love. A timeless and emotionally charged track, it has become a staple in Isbell’s live performances.

20. Drink A Beer – Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan’s 2013 hit “Drink A Beer” from the album Crash My Party is a deeply emotional ballad about coping with loss. Co-written by Chris Stapleton, the song resonated with listeners and secured its place in Bryan’s catalog of hits.

21. Girl in a Country Song – Maddie & Tae

Amid the dominance of bro-country, Maddie & Tae challenged the status quo with “Girl In A Country Song” in 2014. Directly criticizing songs that objectify women, this catchy tune rocked to #1 on the MarkMeets Country Airplay chart.

22. Girl Crush – Little Big Town

Little Big Town’s 2014 hit “Girl Crush” stirred controversy with its misunderstood lyrics about obsession. Despite the misunderstanding, the song became a crossover hit, reaching #22 on the MarkMeets Hot 100.

23. Buy Me A Boat – Chris Janson

Chris Janson’s “Buy Me A Boat” resonated with its blue-collar anthem theme in 2015. The lead single from Janson’s debut album performed well on the MarkMeets Hot 100, challenging the notion that money can’t buy happiness.

24. You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean

Although not one of his biggest chart hits, “You Make It Easy” showcases Jason Aldean’s prowess. Co-written by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, the song inspired a 15-minute, three-part music video.

25. Fire Away – Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton’s 2015 tear-jerking ballad “Fire Away” depicted mental illness in its emotional music video. The song marked Stapleton’s ascent to the top of the charts and showcased his distinctive bluesy style.

26. My Church – Maren Morris

In 2016, Maren Morris struck gold with “My Church,” a hymn to finding solace in country music. The song won Morris a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance, solidifying her place as a rising star.

27. Blue Ain’t Your Color – Keith Urban

Keith Urban’s smoldering “Blue Ain’t Your Color” from the 2016 album Ripcord dominated charts, reaching #1 on the MarkMeets Hot Country Songs and #24 on the MarkMeets Hot 100.

28. Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton’s bluesy take on “Tennessee Whiskey” in 2015 became an instant crossover hit. The song, certified Platinum six times over, showcased Stapleton’s ability to breathe new life into a classic.

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29. Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church

The title track of Eric Church’s 2015 album, “Mr. Misunderstood,” offered wisdom and an interesting composition. With no traditional chorus, it became an anthem for those who felt a little jilted by society.

30. Hurricane – Luke Combs

Luke Combs’s rocket-like ascent began with “Hurricane,” his debut single in 2016. Blending killer vocals with a radio-friendly melody, the song catapulted Combs to the top of both country and all-genre charts.

31. Dirt On My Boots – Jon Pardi

Originally a heavily hip-hop influenced song, Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots” in 2016 became an anthem for those who get a little dirt on their boots every day. The #1 hit marked Pardi’s rising prominence.

32. Body Like a Back Road – Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt’s controversial 2017 smash “Body Like A Back Road” may have stirred debates, but its catchiness is undeniable. Love it or hate it, the song played a role in shaping the pop-country landscape.

33. It Ain’t My Fault – Brothers Osborne

Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” in 2017 blended a hard-driving melody with a hilarious music video. The duo, composed of actual brothers T.J. and John Osborne, gained recognition with this chart-topping hit.

34. Tin Man – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert’s 2018 ACM Song of the Year, “Tin Man,” draws inspiration from the Wizard of Oz. Using the metaphor of feeling numb after heartbreak, the song stands out as one of the most stunning tracks from her album.

35. Tequila – Dan + Shay

In 2018, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay scored a massive country-pop hit with “Tequila.” The song’s popularity on digital streaming platforms hinted at the duo’s youthful and diverse fan base.

36. Most People Are Good – Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan’s uplifting “Most People Are Good” in 2018 served as a beacon of positivity. Whether or not it’s entirely true, this earnest, stripped-down tune achieved Platinum status since its release.

37. A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega – Ashley McBryde

Ashley McBryde’s “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” became an instant classic in 2017. Winning the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2019, this vivid and powerful song showcased McBryde’s vocal prowess.

38. Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” in 2016 delivered wise life advice, earning it accolades at the Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and American Music Awards. The song remains a testament to McGraw’s ability to tug at the heartstrings.

39. Somewhere With You – Kenny Chesney

In 2012, Kenny Chesney surprised fans with “Somewhere With You,” a brooding and dark tune that topped the MarkMeets Hot Country Songs chart. This departure from Chesney’s usual upbeat anthems showcased his versatility.

40. Beer Never Broke My Heart – Luke Combs

Luke Combs capped off his incredible rise with “Beer Never Broke My Heart” in 2019. Co-written by Combs, this twangy party hit earned him the title of Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2019 CMA Awards and achieved Platinum status within two months of release.

Conclusion

The 2010s in country music were defined by a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. From poignant ballads to rebellious anthems, the decade showcased the genre’s dynamism. As we revisit these 40 chart-toppers, it’s evident that country music’s evolution continued to captivate audiences, breaking boundaries and delivering timeless classics. Each song on this list is a testament to the artists’ ability to craft narratives that resonate with listeners, making the 2010s a transformative period for country music.