The best country songs of 2023

2023 has really been Lainey Wilson's year. She's one of country's biggest breakout stars right now, and that's thanks in large part to catchy tunes like "Watermelon Moonshine." It's essentially an updated retelling of Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine," but that's the kind of story that anybody can relate to. 

The first single from his album "Rustin' In The Rain," Tyler Childers stunned audiences — and stirred a little controversy — when he dropped this heartfelt ballad over the summer. It's a gorgeous love song, one that's helped bring Childers a broader audience than ever before. 

Though technically released as a single in 2022, Megan Moroney has been a big name in country music in 2023. "I'm Not Pretty" is a very Gen Z tune, told from the perspective of a girl who's being Insta-stalked by her ex's new flame. 

Combs's straightforward, heartfelt cover of this Tracy Chapman classic has been the biggest country hit of the year, spending weeks at the top of the Billboard charts and racking up millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. 

This heartbreaker combines the talents of Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton to powerful effect. "We Don't Fight Anymore" is a classic country breakup song, one that's sure to bring a tear or two if you're going through the end of a relationship. 

Indie juggernaut Zach Bryan is arguably the biggest thing in country music right now, and he's certainly the genre's most prolific artist at the moment. Appearing on his acclaimed self-titled album, "I Remember Everything" is yet another of 2023's killer breakup songs. 

Now on her fourth album, Ashley McBryde is sitting at the top of her game. "Light On In The Kitchen" is her latest stellar single, and it's packed with the kind of good advice that only a mom (or grandma) can pass down. "So Honey, trust yourself, you better love yourself," she sings. "'Cause 'til you do you ain't no good to anybody else." 

Released in July, Chris Stapleton's "White Horse" has been steadily climbing the charts. Featuring plenty of Stapleton's signature powerhouse vocals and a Southern rock vibe, this song is practically destined to be a #1 when his forthcoming album "Higher" is released. 

Written during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original version of "Save Me" was released in 2020. But in 2023, breakout star Jelly Roll teamed up with fellow rising superstar Lainey Wilson for a remix of the song, which maintains the original's stripped-down vibe while adding Wilson's killer vocals. 

West Virginia native Charles Wesley Godwin is downright poetic when singing about the triumphs and tribulations of working in the state's coal industry in this tender, loving tribute to his father. 

A tribute to the Oklahoma band's fans after a long hiatus, "Brought Me" is an excellent introduction to the Turnpike Troubadours for country fans who aren't familiar with their distinct brand of rock-infused tunes. 

Bailey Zimmerman realizes that he's totally screwed up, and allowed the only woman who ever really cared about him to get away on "Religiously." 

This sweet little love song from Texas country stalwart Cody Johnson is a tribute to his wife, Brandi. "My life was black and white, but she's the painter," he sings. It was a crossover success for Johnson, landing at #55 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. 

Wyatt Flores has earned himself millions of likes on TikTok and other social platforms, and in 2023, he's burning up the charts with "West of Tulsa," a song that takes a whole lot of influence from his home state of Oklahoma's longstanding Red Dirt music scene. 

Teaming up with Brandi Carlile, who produced Clark's 2023 self-titled album, "Dear Insecurity" is a song for anyone who's ever dealt with the scourge of imposter syndrome. Clark speaks directly to her insecurities on this song, which is packed with lyrics that are relatable to pretty much everyone who's ever struggled with self-doubt. 

Whether or not you believe the rumors that Morgan Wade is having an affair with "Real Housewives" star Kyle Richards, who stars in the video for "80's Movie," there's no denying the appeal of this super-catchy nostalgia anthem.