The country music industry saw several artists achieve new levels of viral success in 2021, including Walker Hayes and Gracie Carol. Country radio has been impacted by collaborations between Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley, Elle King and Miranda Lambert.
Morgan Wade and Restless Road were this year’s label standouts, and 2022 promises to be an exciting year. Furthermore, independent artists like Brady Lee, Parker Graye, Colby Acuff, and Carter Faith reached career milestones, paving the way for a promising 2022.
Here’s PopWrapped’s 21 Best Country Songs of 2021 in no particular order.
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Alden (ft. Carrie Underwood)
There’s a superstar duet for every year, and 2021’s was “If I Didn’t Love You” by Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood. With a dark and brooding feel that is in Aldean’s wheelhouse, and with Underwood unleashing a flurry of emotional punches, the song was a sure-fire hit from the get-go, and once again proved that opposites attract.
“Villian” – Lily Rose
With her breakup song, “Villain,” in December 2020, Rose topped the iTunes all-genre chart, serving as a reminder that every story has two sides. This year, it was given a push by country radio. The character of Rose in “Villain” is sufficiently confident in her feelings and the effort put into the relationship, that even though it ultimately failed, she is willing to take the blame. The song reveals Rose to be the true hero in this breakup, despite being unfairly painted as the villain.
“Home Sweet” – Russell Dickerson
Rusell Dickerson has proved to 2021 that he’s a talent that’s on your radar. With jaw-dropping collaborations with Jake Scott and even a special remake collaboration with Lady A, the singer/songwriter combines elements of hip-hop and pop to introduce his own style of country music.
“Dying Breed” – Colby Acuff
Idaho native, Colby Acuff, captures audiences with words of honesty that are based on real-life experiences. Colby Acuff released his latest album in 2021 entitled “If I Were the Devil.” Over three million streams have already been accumulated on Spotify alone. The latest song from him, “Dying Breed,” is about his time as a fly fishing guide on the Coeur d’ Alene river.
“I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven” – Nate Smith
The Nashville-based songwriter just signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville in November 2021, but long before then, he was building a fan base with his story-driven songwriting and emotion-filled vocals. Smith continues to gain fans with the release of songs such as “Wildfire,” and the piano ballad “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven.”
“Rewind” – Brady Lee
Throughout the year, Brady Lee showcased his talent and status through his edgy cross over genre. With “Rewind,” the singer-songwriter lays the foundation for the release of his debut country-pop project to be released in 2022.
“Wilder Days”- Morgan Wade
“Wilder Days” is one of Morgan Wade’s most stunning debut novels of 2021. It chronicles the romance of two souls in very different places in their lives. It is Wade’s gritty, pleading voice and candid lyrics that establish her as one of the most promising singer-songwriters to make a name for herself in 2021.
“Fancy Like” – Walker Hayes
Applebee’s date nights and that Oreo Shake are the talks of the industry when it comes to ‘Fancy Like’, the biggest crossover country hit of the year. Walker Hayes, on the other hand, has had very little success with his songs as far as radio airplay goes. Let’s hope he continues to explore the genre’s edges.
“Half Of My Hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (ft. Kenny Chesney)
A study of what could have been, “Half of My Hometown” brought East Tennessee’s biggest stars together in a captivating tribute to a timeless country classic. Kelsea Ballerini’s first pairing with her hometown hero brought back images of the small town hero she left behind, but filled with understanding, not disdain, and felt true to her. Ballerini may have been inspired to leave, even though the novel imagined a world in which she would stay.
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
In addition to her massive hit (“I Hope”), Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones” spent multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart before she’d even been able to tour. Despite the song’s commercial success, the lyrics and performance are warm and endearing.
“Cowboys & Dreamers” – Carter Faith
While still a student at Belmont University, Carter Faith was working on and releasing her debut EP “Let Love Be Love.” Carter’s six-song project showcases her versatility as a singer and songwriter with the road trip anthem “Joyride,” the dreamy and romantic “Cowboys & Dreamers,” and the dark, wild west-themed “Lasso.” With her fan-favorite single “Cowboys & Dreamers,” the singer-songwriter is proving her status and showcasing her talent.
“Thinking ‘Bout You” – Dustin Lynch (ft. MacKenzie Porter)
Wanting to add something to his already fan-favorite song, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” Dustin Lynch invited MacKenzie Porter to join the track. Despite keeping the same groove, they give the song a new spin with enchanting harmonies and memories-infused vocals that conjure up romantic nostalgia, making the duet even sweeter.
“Bar Friends” – Restless Road
The hottest up-and-coming country trio, Restless Road, has released their second single of the year, “Bar Friends.” On the infectious track, Beeken, Nichols, and Pack celebrate the significant role that their friends play in their lives. Despite its universal message, the singalong chorus will appeal to all listeners.
“Last Time” – Parker Graye
Hailing from Canada, Parker Graye is an indepdent artist who absolutely knocked down doors in 2021. With her single, “Last Time,” the singer-songwriter saw new heights and even received a music video debut from CMT.
“Beach Cowboy” – Brian Kelly
In 2021, Flordia Georgia Line’s Brian Kelly dipped his hands into his solo project with the release of his EP which features “Beach Cowboy.” With full island country vibes, we get the tropical feel throughout the lyrics.
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King (ft. Miranda Lambert)
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” adds a distinct punk rock dimension to country music’s tradition, but the best songs are unconventional. A party song made for Elle King and Miranda Lambert, this no-holds-barred celebration invites fans of pop, Americana, bluegrass, rock and country to the dance floor for some anthemic insanity. It was requested by country radio fans that this be released to country radio in mid-June.
“Better Than The Dream” – Becca Bowen
From performing with Jimmie Allen to releasing her own music, Becca Bowen soared into new heights within the past year. With her single, “Better Than The Dream,” the artist showcases her new found sound. Bowen showcases a different pop sound that isn’t heard with her past country-infused tracks.
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
In 2021, Cody Johnson released “‘Til You Can’t,” a song that has become one of country music’s top recordings. Despite the song’s relative newness, it will quickly emerge as a Song of the Year contender. A story he tells is more important than his vocals. The song was not his own, but the performance was influenced by his near-death experience.
“BREAKUP SZN” – Gracie Carol
After a viral TikTok, Gracie Carol shared the release of her pop-country track “BREAKUP SZN,” and heights continued to soar from there. Across all streaming platforms, this 2021 Artist To Watch reached a career milestone of receiving 2-million streams on the track.
“Freedom Was A Highway” – Jimmie Allen (ft. Brad Paisley)
The superstar collaboration “Freedom Was a Highway” was already one of country radio’s best songs, the perfect anthem for a road trip, and a nostalgic ode to simpler times long past for those no longer in their twenties.
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce (ft. Ashley McBryde)
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” a gut-punching duet with fellow modern country star Ashley McBryde, she is faced with ever-increasing evidence that her man simply isn’t who he claims to be, who now must decide how much attention she can bear to pay to what’s right in front of her.
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