Country music is constantly changing and 2015 was no different. Over the last couple of decades it has become a big influence for many music genres, but it has also been at the receiving end several times. Looking back on 2015 it’s clear that country music is making a turn back to its roots in terms of lyrics and presentation. Ladies and gentlemen, the bittersweet tales of lost love, drinking a little too much sometimes and finding hope when there is seemingly nothing have made their way back onto the airwaves. In no specific order, here is a look at the most influential country songs of 2015.

Ashley Monroe – On To Something Good

It’s not easy to write a happy-go-lucky song while preserving depth in terms of the lyrics, by Ashley has done it beautifully. Better known for her ballads, she used several influences to come up with a song that won’t just get your foot tapping, but it will also get you to think a little. It’s the lead single from her 2015 album entitled “The Blade” and thanks to the mixture of genres she used, Monroe has made it a good year for country.

LoCash – I Love This Life

This bro-country duo might not be famous for their optimistic tunes, but they’ve decided the world needs a little hope. It’s unfortunate that 2015 had several bad moments around the world, which makes it hard to see the silver lining at times, but LoCash took the torch and brought some love back to life. When it seems like everything is falling apart around you then look to the small pleasures, because they typically get you through the worst parts.

Kip Moore – Running For You

This is not the most polished song out there, but it’s with good reason. Moore’s distinct voice is pushed a little further with something that sounds more like a live recording rather than a professional sound studio production. He is vulnerable, emotional and most of all, he is honest to a fault. It’s a realistic song about love that simply can’t happen and he has to make peace with it, and just like we all do, he lies to himself at certain points hoping it will work.

Jana Kramer – I Got The Boy

For everyone who thinks Kramer is just a pretty face with great legs, here is a little surprise for you. This is a song that will have you reminiscing about those first butterflies you had in high school and maybe even bring a tear to your eye, because Jana sings it from the heart. You can hear the longing in her voice and the “what if” tone that accompanies it all the way through. Forget an over-the-top chorus and fancy guitar licks. Instead, strap yourself in for a very sentimental ride you can’t stop listening to.

Carrie Underwood – Smoke Break

Carrie has built up a career for being a straight shooter and it seems she’ll be continuing down that road. In this case she says what everyone is thinking when the day simply gets too long – the relief that comes with a smoke break or stiff drink. Carrie doesn’t inspire people to start drinking and smoking, but she is relating to those who do. For some people life is a little harder and she knows it.

Kelsea Ballerini – Love Me Like You Mean It

The silly little country-pop song that will outlast the others come from Kelsea Ballerini. Her debut single jumped to no.1 on the charts and she is close on the heels of heavyweights such as Underwood and Swift. It’s a pretty straight song where Ballerini tells all the guys that if they can’t do it right from the start then they shouldn’t try at all, and it will most likely be a hit in karaoke clubs for years to come, but Ballerini just brings something else to the table.

Brothers Osborne – Stay A Little Longer

It’s obvious that the Brothers Osborne have the skills to write songs that won’t leave your head for days, but they aren’t making any sacrifices to get them on the radio. These guys manage to grab attention from just about everywhere, because you can sing along to the first part of the song, but the last part you have to listen to a nice guitar piece. Basically, they are catering to the easy-listeners and the hardcore music lovers and this is no easy feat.

Luke Bryan – Strip It Down

It looks like Luke Bryan is finally growing up and moving away from his well-known youthful tracks. In the end artists take huge risks when they feel the need to evolve and Bryan has reached his now-or-never point in time. Fans can expect to hear what Bryan regards as intimacy and for the most part everyone will agree. Make no mistake, Bryan has a great talent for entertaining those who care to listen, but this time around he is really making a deep connection.

The Cadillac Tree – White Lightening

The relation between country, rock and blues is a complex and close one, as can be seen in this great song by The Cadillac Tree. Where you would usually expect them to tear it up, they bring you a love song that is just as sincere as an Alan Jackson ballad. It’s unfortunate that White Lightening didn’t receive as much recognition as the rest of the songs on this list in terms of airplay and chart positions, but it would be a bigger shame not to mention it here.

Dierks Bentley – Riser

Consider this song the anthem for 2015, because it will have you standing up to all the possible problems you are facing. With such an inspirational video, Bentley’s passionate voice and lyrics that come around once in a lifetime, this single is much more than just a song to sing along with. It’s about getting up when life is pushing you down and never giving up when things get too tough. Even though Bentley didn’t write the song, he sure as hell believes in the words.

In 2016 it will be interesting to see which road country music is going to take, especially after such an explosive year. But it’s safe to assume it’s going to be great!

The following country songs are considered to be among the best for 2014. They all make a statement in some way or another and the talent behind them only increases the greatness. Some of them are just starting to build a reputation, while others have been in the industry for a long time.

Kip Moore – Dirt Road

It’s definitely one of the more controversial songs of 2014 and Moore suspects that a lot of people might misinterpret the lyrics. Rolling Stone already added it to their Top 100 and according to Moore it’s for those individuals who aren’t scared to question what they are told in terms of religion. He was raised in a rather conventional setting and for him the song has a very deep meaning. Moore makes it clear that he doesn’t have anything against religion, but there are some things on earth that he will dearly miss.

Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill – Meanwhile Back at Mama’s

What is a “Greatest Country Song List” without Tim, and there is no doubt that when McGraw makes use of his beautiful wife then you know the song is a winner. Faith Hill brought that extra dimension to the table and the song entered the Billboard charts at number 41, but the real magic has to be between the country couple. Just the sentimental emotion between them is unequalled, making the song more special than expected and launching it into a hit. If their previous collaborations are anything to go by then we’ll be hearing this song for quite some time.

Hunter Hayes – Invisible

Hayes had a big part in writing the song and it comes from his second album entitled “Storyline”. The first time he performed it was at the 2014 Grammy Awards and mere hours after his performance it reached 36 000 sales. On the Billboard charts it debuted at nr. 88, but the following week it settled at no.1, making it his biggest single debut thus far. The lyrics are based on his difficult high school days and getting through it. Apparently he loves being a geek and for this he had to endure an existensive amount of bullying. However, he doesn’t forget to mention the great support system he had in his friends and family.

Miranda Lambert – Automatic

The main single “Automatic” comes from Lambert’s fifth studio album “Platinum” and it’s her most successful single debut yet. Since June it has sold 473 000 copies and entered the Billboard Charts at number 35. According to Lambert, the song is about reminiscing and remembering a time when things weren’t so technologically advanced. It’s good to remember where we come from and she goes into tiny details people tend to forget. For example, old cars, old phones and mail that still had a stamp on. Lambert just keeps on moving from strength to strength and “Automatic” clearly shows how she is growing.

The Swon Brothers – Later On

This is the first major label release from the two brothers and critics describe it as a “breath of fresh air”. In October the single sold 205 000 copies since it was made available and it seems these two guys have a knack for creating energy and compelling storytelling. You can find the song on their album entitled “The Swon Borthers”. Expect to be spellbound from the beginning of the song right through till the end.

Lady Antebellum – Bartender

Is there any song by this group that isn’t a hit? For their sixth album “747”, the trio of Lady Antebellum decided to explore a different sound and their main single “Bartender” is definitely a successful experiment. With more than 940 000 sold copies the single has reached certified gold status and peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Charts. It’s a fresh take on an old story about drinking to forget. Only this time the melody is more upbeat and it’s very difficult to feel depressed while listening to the song.

Brad Paisley – River Bank

In celebration of summer, bikinis and skiing on the river, Paisley adds another hit to the bro-country list. He breaks away from the more serious issues people have associated with his music. It comes from his tenth studio album entitled “Moonshine in the Trunk” and it peaked at number 12 on the US Hot Country Songs. This is definitely a country star that is heavily focused on staying on top of his game and critics praise the song for its clever chorus, guitar riffs and edgy production. It has a great atmosphere in addition to stirring excitement for summer activities.

Cole Swindell – Hope you get Lonely Tonight

It’s the second single off his debut album “Cole Swindell” and according to critics he is destined for success along with “Hope you get Lonely Tonight”. More specifically, fans are raving about the sharp lyrics and the manner in which he presents the song. Already Cole is regarded as a great storyteller, making him invaluable to country music. This is also his first number one hit and up until October it sold 590 000 copies. The tone of his voice doesn’t disappoint and it’s obvious why this single is doing so well.

Eli Young Band – Dust

The band returns to their rock country roots with this second single from the fifth album “10 000 Towns”. Instead of trying to sound trendy, you can hear them following a deeper passion and purpose. It’s as clean and professional as a recording can get while it serves as a very uplifting song. In terms of the Billboard Charts, “Dust” peaked at 79 and sold more than 320 000 copies since the release. For country fans who like to add a little more distortion to their music then this is the single to listen to.

Jana Kramer – Love

Even though the song is all about love, Jana is still happily single. It comes from her second album and it’s very inspirational thanks to her skills for writing great songs. The fans love it and critics mostly agree that “Love” is a single that goes much deeper than the average sing-a-long tune. The lyrics justify her voice and Jana is on her way to great heights with pieces like this. Hopefully it will inspire the rest of the world as well.