Top Country songs of 2014 (so far…)
The following country songs are considered to be among the best for 2014 and rightfully so. 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.
