In the new millennium, country music had a resurgence and went through some massive changes. For many, the start of the new century marks the divide between classic country music and contemporary (although the mark keeps moving up each year!). Here, we’ll talk about some of the songs that defined the atmosphere and the sound of country music through the 00s and 10s.
| Song | Artist | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Goodbye Earl | The Chicks | 2000 |
| I Hope You Dance | Lee Ann Womack | 2000 |
| Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) | Alan Jackson | 2001 |
| Somebody Like You | Keith Urban | 2002 |
| It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere | Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett | 2003 |
| Redneck Woman | Gretchen Wilson | 2004 |
| Live Like You Were Dying | Tim McGraw | 2004 |
| Bless the Broken Road | Rascal Flatts | 2004 |
| Jesus, Take the Wheel | Carrie Underwood | 2005 |
| When I Get Where I’m Going | Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton | 2005 |
| Before He Cheats | Carrie Underwood | 2006 |
| What Hurts the Most | Rascal Flatts | 2006 |
| You Belong with Me | Taylor Swift | 2008 |
| Need You Now | Lady A | 2009 |
| Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song) | Chris Young | 2009 |
| If I Die Young | The Band Perry | 2010 |
| The House That Built Me | Miranda Lambert | 2010 |
| Springsteen | Eric Church | 2012 |
| Follow Your Arrow | Kacey Musgraves | 2013 |
| Drink a Beer | Luke Bryan | 2013 |
| Girl Crush | Little Big Town | 2014 |
| Take Your Time | Sam Hunt | 2014 |
| Tennessee Whiskey | Chris Stapleton | 2015 |
| Die a Happy Man | Thomas Rhett | 2015 |
| My Church | Maren Morris | 2016 |
| Humble and Kind | Tim McGraw | 2016 |
| Body Like a Back Road | Sam Hunt | 2017 |
| Meant to Be | Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line | 2017 |
| Speechless | Dan + Shay | 2018 |
| Highwomen | The Highwomen | 2019 |
15 Best 2000s Country Songs
The popularity and prevalence of music as a concept around this time increased dramatically due to the invention of the internet and music streaming. For the first time, people were able to type a few words on a computer and start listening to whatever songs they wanted!
This new way of delivering music allowed people’s tastes to change quickly and therefore also influenced the sound of music just as quickly, leading to more new experimental subgenres.
In the 00s, there were many schools of thought among country music creators and fans. Country pop was becoming more popular, but there were also many artists who embraced the more traditional country sounds. But at this point, there were many types of country music that were considered “classic,” so there was a much bigger pool of source materials than past artists had access to!
There were also many cultural events and shifts happening at this time, making many songs from 2000 to 2010 across genres address specific timely issues. Here are some of the best country songs 2000s that encapsulate the feeling of the decade.
"Goodbye Earl" - The Chicks (2000)
Starting early 2000s country songs off strong were The Chicks with their darkly comedic song about two friends taking revenge on an abusive husband. Written by Dennis Linde, the song combined an upbeat tempo with its bold, controversial storyline, sparking debates about domestic violence and justice. The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) used their playful harmonies to deliver a catchy tune with a unique mix of humor and heavy themes, which is exactly the type of attitude that was prevalent across youth pop culture at the time. The music video won both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Video of the Year and the Country Music Association (CMA) Video of the Year in 2000.
"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack (2000)
With its country pop sound, this emotional and inspirational ballad is a quintessential example of 2000s music. It quickly became an anthem for hope and perseverance as a crossover hit, strumming the heartstrings of country and pop fans alike. The song won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Song, CMA Song of the Year, and ACM Single of the Year. The poignant message of embracing life’s opportunities made it a universal favorite for many celebrations, graduations, and weddings.
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" - Alan Jackson (2001)
Written in the aftermath of 9/11, Jackson sought to capture his initial thoughts and feelings upon hearing the news in a heartfelt song.
The introspective and prayer-like lyrics convey the grief and sorrow the nation felt on that fateful day.
It earned Jackson a Grammy for Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance and multiple CMA awards.
"Somebody Like You" - Keith Urban (2002)
Named the #1 Country Song of the Decade by Billboard, this upbeat love song brought a fresh, modern energy to country music. The New Zealand-Australian country singer successfully broke into mainstream pop and pop country with this hit single. His popularity propelled Urban into a highly successful career which lead him to being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
"It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere" - Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett (2003)
This fun, laid-back duet became a summertime anthem and a tribute to taking life a little less seriously. The successful collab between Buffett and Jackson meant that the track was a crossover hit, topping the country charts for eight weeks. It even won CMA's Vocal Event of the Year!
"Redneck Woman" - Gretchen Wilson (2004)
Some will call this track trashy, while others will see it as empowering; everyone’s tastes are different! What can’t be argued is the song’s impressive impact on the country music scene, especially at the time. The unapologetic and fun performance earned Wilson instant fame. As one of the 2000s country hits album songs, it went on to win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
"Live Like You Were Dying" - Tim McGraw (2004)
Inspired by a friend's battle with cancer, McGraw’s tearjearking and encouraging lyrics taught listeners to seize the moment and embrace life.
It became an anthem of inspiration for a generation.
The song won many awards including a Grammy for Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance, CMA awards, and multiple ACM awards.
"Bless the Broken Road" - Rascal Flatts (2004)
This romantic ballad about finding love after heartbreak found success with Rascal Flatts’ rendition. It had actually been recorded by several artists previously, but not found this type of success which rocketed Rascal Flatts into to country and country pop sphere. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Country song and was a popular choice for weddings for many years.
"Jesus, Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood (2005)
Carrie Underwood’s debut single after American Idol catapulted her into stardom and launched her singing career. This faith-inspired track won multiple awards and became a modern-day hymn. Her song popularized the phrase “Jesus, take the wheel,” and it has become a commonplace phrase as a result of her song’s success. For this single, Underwood won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song in 2007, as well as the CMA Single of the Year award and multiple ACM awards.
"When I Get Where I’m Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton (2005)
This heartfelt duet about the afterlife brought comfort and hope to listeners. Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton’s collaboration created a deeply spiritual and uplifting track. This collab won CMA Musical Event of the Year in 2006 and was Dolly’s first appearance on the country charts in decades, introducing her to a new generation and reigniting her fame.
"Before He Cheats" - Carrie Underwood (2006)
Underwood became a crossover hit with this fiery revenge anthem that served as an outlet for many an angry woman. Its unflinching portrayal of anger was an incredibly refreshing piece of media for women, since it had never really been done before in pop music. It’s one of the best-selling country songs of all time, having won the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song as well as the CMA for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year. As one of the best songs of the 2000s, it’s still a very popular choice for karaoke.
"What Hurts the Most" - Rascal Flatts (2006)
Rascal Flatts again showed off their talent for emotional storytelling, this time about heartbreak rather than love. In the tradition of classic country songs, but with new musical stylings, this despairing song resonated with audiences just like the heartbreak hits of yore. It won the CMA award for Best Single of the Year making it one of the best country songs of the 2000s.
"You Belong with Me" - Taylor Swift (2008)
Taylor Swift first debuted as a country singer, as you may already know. One of her first big hits was this relatable tale of unrequited love, which helped her quickly turn into a global sensation. The song’s crossover success helped introduce a younger generation to country music and is a staple in 2000s country. It was nominated for three Grammy categories and won the MTV Best Female Video award in 2009.
"Need You Now" - Lady A (2009)
This soulful country-pop ballad is hands-down one of the top songs of the 2000s. The crossover hit, full of longing and heartbreak, won multiple Grammys: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. It was also ranked No. 2 on the Hot 100 Song of the Year list by Billboard for 2010, which was the highest ranking for a country song since 2000.
"Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)" - Chris Young (2009)
This sultry love song marked a career breakthrough for Chris Young. The playfully romantic lyrics combined with his smooth baritone, classically country-sounding voice made the song instantly popular. The track earned Chris Young his first #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. This breakout song made Young one of the most recognizable male country singers 2000s.
15 Best Country Hits from the 2010s
When the 2010s came around, country music continued to progress and take on another distinct sound from the previous eras, leading up to just about present day. Older country music artists and fresh new faces alike filled the Top 10 lists each year in both country and country pop, among other country subgenres.
Likewise, traditional country themes mingled with contemporary motifs and music styles. Find out some of the tracks that made the best country music of the 2010s!
The country music scene itself saw many big changes amidst a changing world. Some of the changes included: Chely Wright becoming the first openly gay country musician; legendary performer George Strait retiring from touring; Brad Paisley attempting to write a song tackling racism with LL Cool J, and failing; gender inequality in country music becoming glaringly obvious with the "tomatogate" scandal; and the passing of country legends George Jones and Merle Haggard.
"If I Die Young" - The Band Perry (2010)
Written in just a few contemplative hours by Kimberly Perry, this breakout hit for The Band Perry quickly topped the charts. A poignant song about life, loss, and legacy, the somber track won a CMA for Single of the Year. Its poetic lyrics and emotive delivery made it a radio staple for months with high sing-along-ability.
"The House That Built Me" - Miranda Lambert (2010)
Originally written with Blake Shelton in mind, Lambert took it over when Shelton suggested it would be perfect for her. This deeply personal ballad about returning to one’s childhood home struck a chord with listeners because of its emotional vulnerability. It won The Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and multiple CMA awards.
"Springsteen" - Eric Church (2012)
A nostalgic track that reads like a love letter to youthful memories, young romance, and the power of music, this song won the ACM Video of the Year award.
It was even praised by Bruce Springsteen himself in a letter to Church, who called it a beautiful tribute.
Critics praised the song for its tune and relatability, calling the song approachable and memorable.
"Follow Your Arrow" - Kacey Musgraves (2013)
At the start of Musgraves’ ‘moment’ in the 2010s, this anthem of individuality and acceptance broke barriers with its progressive themes. It encouraged listeners to live authentically, no matter societal expectations. The song won a Grammy for Best Country Song and solidified Musgraves as a champion of modern, socially conscious country music.
"Drink a Beer" - Luke Bryan (2013)
Written by Chris Stapleton, the song deeply resonated with fans experiencing grief, making it an important song for many. The emotional ballad about loss and reflection became a source of comfort for audiences. Bryan has said performing the song reminds him of his late siblings, making it one of his most heartfelt performances. It won the CMA award for Song of the Year.
"Girl Crush" - Little Big Town (2014)
A sultry ballad, this song broke boundaries with its unique storytelling about jealousy and longing. The interesting angle sparked conversations about its bold lyrics and quickly became a crossover hit. The song won multiple Grammys, including Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and spent 13 weeks at #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
"Take Your Time" - Sam Hunt (2014)
This genre-bending track showcased a unique mix of spoken word, pop, and country sounds in an interesting and new combination. Hunt’s conversational lyrics and emotional delivery made it an earworm for audiences. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and opened a new path for country-pop music to explore.
"Tennessee Whiskey" - Chris Stapleton (2015)
Stapleton's soulful rendition of this classic track (which was originally performed by David Allen Coe in 1981) left audiences speechless. Stapleton’s incredible vocalizations brought an unmatched depth to the song that is simply irresistible with its technical execution. His performance at the 2015 CMA Awards, where he won Male Vocalist of the Year, with Justin Timberlake is widely regarded as one of the greatest in CMA history.
"Die a Happy Man" - Thomas Rhett (2015)
With deeply romantic lyrics and a gentle tune, this love song quickly became a fan favorite and a wedding staple. The song was so beloved that it also achieved crossover success, making it onto the pop and adult contemporary charts. It was inspired by Rhett’s wife, adding an extra sweetness factor for audiences. The track won CMA Single of the Year and ACM Song of the Year.
"Humble and Kind" - Tim McGraw (2016)
This heartfelt ballad delivers a message of kindness, gratitude, and living with integrity. It aligns with the simpler feeling of classic country, promoting the kinds of qualities associated with a simpler time. The message acted as a cultural touchstone as it reminded people to go back to the basics, especially in a world that has begun to move much faster and be filled with so many more distractions than there used to be. Tim McGraw created a global campaign around the Grammy-winning song, partnering with Oprah Winfrey to spread its message of compassion.
"My Church" - Maren Morris (2016)
Morris’s breakout hit about finding spirit and grace in an everyday situation that many people experience earned her a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.
The gospel-tinged anthem is purposefully crafted to be a perfect sing-along-in-the-car song so audiences can experience the song’s subject while listening! Her easygoing tune really conveys the spiritual feeling that sometimes comes from music.
"Body Like a Back Road" - Sam Hunt (2017)
Combining old-time country themes of infatuation and love with contemporary risqué, Hunt successfully created a crossover hit. With its catchy beat and playful lyrics, this track blended country with pop. It spent a record-breaking 34 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and brought country into the pop spotlight, attracting new interested audiences.
"Meant to Be" - Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line (2017)
Further blurring the lines between country and pop, this duet became an unprecedented success. It spent a record 50 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and won the Billboard Top Country Song award. Interestingly, the collaboration was spontaneous, written during a casual studio session, and became a global hit.
"Speechless" - Dan + Shay (2018)
Inspired by their own weddings, this romantic ballad struck a chord with couples everywhere. Its dreamy melody and emotional lyrics made it a wedding favorite. The song’s music video featured footage from both Dan and Shay’s weddings, adding a personal touch for fans. While many may argue that the song leans too far into pop territory to properly be called country, it is still considered country by leaders in the music industry, even winning a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
"Highwomen" - The Highwomen (2019)
This feminist anthem, performed by the supergroup The Highwomen, reimagines the classic Highwaymen song written in 1977 by Jimmy Webb. With his blessing, the group repurposed the story of a man with four incarnations throughout time to instead tell the story of a woman’s four incarnations.
The importance of this group and track can be seen by looking at the “tomatogate” incident that happened in 2015, where a radio consultant compared male country artists to lettuce (the bulk of a salad) and female country artists to tomatoes (as in, nobody wants too many tomatoes in their radio salad).
The group’s lineup—Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby—came together to address the gender imbalance in country music, sparking a movement for equality.
Country music in the 2000s and 2010s certainly went through a few transformations! With country pop being a particularly hot-button debate amongst country fans, this era nevertheless set the stage for more experimentation in country music. But, there will always be plenty of artists who love to hark back to the sounds of traditional country!
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