We’re nearing the dead center of the 2020s, and the best country songs to come out of the decade thus far are sure to be legendary for years to come. This list isn’t definitive or exhaustive by any means; we just really love these five particular tracks. Let’s dive in!
1. “Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney
Rising country star Megan Moroney has had a great year in 2024, and we can expect things to only get better for her through the rest of the 2020s. “Tennessee Orange” was the debut single from Moroney’s certified gold album Lucky, and it was the perfect single to pick as the lead. It’s an ode to Tennessee and the potential for a beautiful relationship all at once.
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2. “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton
This title track from Chris Stapleton’s gorgeous 2020 album has to be one of the best country songs of the 2020s. It’s a slow, powerful track that shows off just how talented Stapleton is as a vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist. Though, it is worth noting that the song was co-written by the late Mike Henderson.
3. “Things A Man Oughta Know” by Lainey Wilson
This wouldn’t be a decent list of the best country songs to come out of the 2020s thus far without mentioning at least one Lainey Wilson track. We went with “Things A Man Oughta Know” from Wilson’s 2021 album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. It also happened to be Wilson’s very first no. 1 hit.
4. “Russell County Line” by 49 Winchester
49 Winchester came to be in Russell County, Virginia, so it only makes sense that this country band would pen a tune about their hometown. Few bands capture the modern enigma of Appalachia quite like them, and we’d say “Russell County Line” is a great introduction for those who aren’t entirely familiar with 49 Winchester.
5. “The Kind Of Love We Make”
Luke Combs could easily have more than one entry on our list of the best country songs of the 2020s. However, we opted to go with “The Kind Of Love We Make” from Combs’ 2022 album Growin’ Up. This track was all over the place well into 2023, scored a three-times platinum status, and sold millions of units. It’s an excellent modern-day beer-drinking ode.
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