2016 has been a great year for country music. We have had many hits from old favourites as well as breakthrough artists. Lets look back at some of the biggest hits in country music from this year.
1. Kelsea Ballerini – Peter Pan
Kelsea’s third single reached number one on the “US Country Airplay” chart and Billboard “Hot Country Songs”. This made Kelsea the first female country artist to top the two charts at the same time. She also became the first female country artist since Wynonna Judd to get to number one with their first three singles. Kelsea received a plaque to celebrate the song going gold, after a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
2. Artists of Then, Now and Forever – Forever Country
The song was recorded for the 50th anniversary of the CMA Awards. It is a medley of three legendary country songs “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, On The Road Again” and “I Will Always Love You”. The song features thirty country stars including Dolly Parton, Reba Mcentire, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. Also featured were Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Willie Nelson. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard “Hot Country Songs”. It also became only the third song to achieve this.
3. Maren Morris – My Church
Maren’s debut single “My Church” made her one of the biggest breakthrough stars in country music this year. The song reached number five on the Billboard “US Hot Country Songs” and was certified Gold. As well as this, the song is up for two Grammys for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Solo Performance”.
4. Little Big Town – Better Man
The song, written by Taylor Swift, is a track from the band’s eighth album. It was released in October and peaked at number four on the Billboard “US Hot Country Songs”. The band first performed the song at the CMA Awards. As of December, they have sold more than 230,000 copies of the song.
5. Lauren Alaina – Road Less Travelled
Lauren co-wrote the song with Meghan Trainor and Jesse Frasure in 2013, when she was dealing with some struggles in her life. She wrote the song to inspire others and to help anybody going through similar issues. The song peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart, making it Lauren’s highest charting single to date.
6. Carrie Underwood – Church Bells
“Church Bells” is a song from Carrie’s fifth album Storyteller. It reached number one on the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart. As well as this, Carrie holds the record for the female artist with the most number ones on the chart. The song is also up for “Best Country Solo Performance” at next years Grammys.
7. Tim McGraw – Humble and Kind
The song, released in January, reached number one in the country music charts in both the US and Canada, and was certified platinum. A website was set up for the song where stories about acts of kindness were shared. It also won “Video of the Year” at the CMT Music Awards, “Country Song of the Year” at the American Music Awards, and “Song of the Year” at the CMA Awards. As well as this, it is up for “Best Country Song” at next year’s Grammys.
8. Miranda Lambert – Vice
“Vice” is the lead single from Miranda’s sixth album The Weight of These Wings. It reached number two on the Billboard “US Hot Country Songs” chart. As of December, the song has sold 470,000 copies. Additionally, the song is up for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Solo Performance” at next years Grammys.
9. Keith Urban – Wasted Time
“Wasted Time” is an upbeat song from Keith’s ninth album. It topped the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart, becoming Urban’s twentieth number one on the chart. The song also reached number one on the country chart in Canada.
10. Hunter Hayes – Yesterday’s Song
The song is the lead single from Hunter’s upcoming fourth studio album. It was first added to Spotify alongside two other songs “Amen” and “Young Blood”, before being released digitally. The song debuted at number twenty-nine on the “Country Digital Song Sales” chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs3JY35Y3dY
11. Chris Young and Cassadee Pope – Think of You
“Think of You” is a country pop song which was released in January. It reached number one on the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart. The song also reached number one on the Billboard country chart in Canada. As of November, the song has sold over 500,000 copies.
12. Dan and Shay – From the Ground Up
The song is a country ballad on the duo’s second album Obsessed. It reached number one on the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart after its release in February. The song has also been certified gold after selling over 550,000 copies.
13. Jon Pardi – Head Over Boots
This is the lead single from Jon’s second album California Sunrise. It became his first number one after reaching the top spot of the Billboard “US Country Airplay” chart. The song was also the most played on radio and sold over 670,000 copies.
14. Dierks Bentley (Featuring Elle King) – Different For Girls
“Different for Girls” has an impactful message about the differences in how men and women deal with a broken heart. It peaked at number one on the Billboard “US County Airplay” chart and the Billboard counry chart in Canada. The song was also up for “Vocal Event of the Year” at the CMA Awards.
15. Eric Church – Record Year
“Record Year” is the second single from Eric’s fifth album Mr Misunderstood. The song reached the top spot on the Billboard “US County Airplay” chart, becoming his seventh number one on the chart. It also reached number one on the Billboard counry chart in Canada.
16. Florida Georgia Line – H.O.L.Y
H.O.L.Y (High on Loving You) is the lead single from the duo’s third album Dig Your Roots. After its release in August, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard “US Hot Country Songs”. Additionally, the song stayed at the top spot of the chart for eighteen consecutive weeks. The song also reached number one on the “US Country Airplay” chart.
Which song was your favourite? Are there any other country songs you enjoyed this year? Let us know @CelebMix.