That Nashville Sound's Top Country And Americana Songs For 2023

Ghost Hounds - "Last Train To Nowhere"

2023 has been an exceptional year for country music, showcasing a rich blend of styles including traditional country, bluegrass, modern country, and Americana. This diversity in roots-oriented music is clearly evident in our annual list, reflecting the wide-ranging appeal of the genre.

We're excited to soon reveal our top albums of 2023, but for now, we're focusing on the songs that captured our hearts this year. Many of these tracks may not be mainstream radio hits, but their quality and impact are undeniable, especially for regular followers of our site.

Our selection criteria for this list were strict. Each song had to either be from an album released in 2023, be an independent single not associated with any other project, or be a pre-released single from an upcoming album. We excluded any tracks from albums released in 2022 or earlier, regardless of their single release date in 2023.

Reflecting on the past years, we've encountered numerous songs that deeply resonated with us:

2022: Lyle Lovett - "12th of June"

2021: Jason Eady - "French Summer Sun"

2020: Mickey Guyton - "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?"

2019: Erin Enderlin - "Broken"

2018: Ashley McBryde - “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”

2017: Sunny Sweeney – “Bottle By My Bed”

2016: Jack Ingram - "The Sailor and the Sea"

2015: Chris Stapleton - "Tennessee Whiskey"

2014: Emily West - "Made for the Radio"

2013: Kacey Musgraves - "Follow Your Arrow"

2012: Waylon Jennings - "I Do Believe"

2011: Ronnie Dunn - "Cost of Livin'"

2010: Joe Diffie - "Route 5 Box 109"

2009: Dean Brody - "Cattleman's Gun"

2008: Jamey Johnson - "In Color"

2007: Miranda Lambert - "Gunpowder and Lead"

2006: Johnny Cash – “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”

Now, let's dive into the songs from 2023 that truly stood out:

1. Ghost Hounds - "Last Train To Nowhere": This song captures a haunting blend of blues and rock, infused with a sense of nostalgia and longing. Its powerful lyrics and compelling melody create an atmosphere of a timeless journey. It's a roller-coaster of a performance and an awesome wild ride that provided a level of infectious energy that was superior to everything else had in our ears this year. 

2. Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves - "I Remember Everything": A beautiful duet that showcases the incredible vocal chemistry between Bryan and Musgraves. The song's poignant lyrics and delicate instrumentation make it a heartfelt reflection on memory and loss.

3. Chris Stapleton - "White Horse": Stapleton's rich, soulful voice brings a raw emotional depth to this song. Its stirring narrative and the fusion of traditional and contemporary country elements demonstrate his exceptional songwriting skills.

4. Anne Wilson - "Seventh of June": Wilson's angelic voice and the song's gentle acoustic arrangement create a touching and intimate listening experience. It's a tender ode to love and the beauty of simple, enduring moments- with introspective lyrics that will slay you. I won't spoil the storyline, but trust me, listen to this with an open heart and keep the tissues nearby. 

5. Lori McKenna - "Killing Me" (ft Hillary Lindsey): McKenna and Lindsey's harmonies blend seamlessly, elevating the song's emotional impact. The narrative storytelling and poignant lyrics explore the complexities of relationships and the pain of love.

6. Ernest - "Takes After You": This song stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and Ernest's expressive vocal delivery. It's a touching tribute to family and the lasting influence of loved ones, set against a backdrop of warm, traditional country instrumentation.

7. Jamie Lin Wilson & Courtney Patton - "Hard Time Lately": A song that perfectly captures the struggles of everyday life with its honest lyrics and resonant harmonies. The blend of Wilson and Patton's voices adds a layer of authenticity and depth.

8. Julie Williams - "The Prince": Williams brings a unique storytelling ability to this song, weaving a narrative that is incredibly poignant about the topic of consent and what it means in a sexual relationship- and the impact that it can have from the decisions therein. The song's lush instrumentation and her expressive voice create a fairy-tale-like ambiance.

9. Lee Brice - "Save The Roses": Brice's soulful voice and the song's reflective lyrics make it a standout. It's a moving piece about cherishing moments with loved ones, underscored by its rich, melodic arrangement.

10. Oliver Anthony - "Rich Men North of Richmond":  This song was a revelation this year, finding an incredibly large audience organically from its messaging. Anthony's songwriting shines in this track, which tells a compelling story set against the backdrop of Americana. The song's vivid imagery and engaging melody capture the essence of storytelling in country music.

11. Carly Pearce - "We Don't Fight Anymore" (ft. Chris Stapleton): Pearce and Stapleton's duet is a powerful exploration of the complexities of a fading relationship. Their harmonies and the emotional depth of the lyrics make this song a poignant and memorable ballad.

12. Jelly Roll & Lainey Wilson - "Save Me": This collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of music. The raw honesty in the lyrics, combined with Jelly Roll and Wilson's heartfelt and passionate delivery, creates an anthem of hope and redemption.