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[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

What kind of image comes to mind when you hear “country music”? In fact, country music—which has influenced pop, hip-hop, and more—remains an enormously popular genre today, especially in its home base of the United States.

Taylor Swift, one of the most famous Western artists in Japan, actually first rose to fame as a young country singer.

To explore the appeal of country music, this article will introduce the latest country songs in the first half and classic standards in the second half.

We hope this piece helps you discover great country songs that are not so well known in Japan!

[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics (51–60)

How Do You Like Me Now?!Toby Keith

Toby Keith – How Do You Like Me Now?!

How Do You Like Me Now?!Toby Keith

It’s a track released in 1999 by American country music artist Toby Keith.

It reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.

Billboard has recognized it as the biggest country song hit of 2000.

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CruiseFlorida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line – Cruise

CruiseFlorida Georgia Line

This is a track by Florida Georgia Line, an American country music duo consisting of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley.

It was released in 2012 and won a CMA Award.

A remixed version featuring the rapper Nelly won an American Music Award.

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Ain’t Always The CowboyJon Pardi

Jon Pardi – Ain’t Always The Cowboy (Official Music Video)

Ain't Always The CowboyJon Pardi

Jon Pardi is a representative artist of neo-traditional country.

Neo-traditional country is a genre of country music characterized by classic, old-school sounds.

While Jon Pardi generally releases many songs in an old-style country vein, “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” features a melody with a stronger pop influence.

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What If I Never Get Over YouLady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum – What If I Never Get Over You

What If I Never Get Over YouLady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum, a country group from Tennessee.

In Japan, they’re kind of like Ikimonogakari.

They’re a country group, but most of their songs have a pop feel, making them easy to listen to even for newcomers to country music.

Their track “What If I Never Get Over You” is also crafted with an accessible, refreshingly uplifting sound.

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Girl Like YouJason Aldean

Jason Aldean – Girl Like You (Official Audio)

Girl Like YouJason Aldean

This is a song released by country singer Jason Aldean in 2018.

With guitar phrases that capture the essence of country, the track really grabs your ear, and the chorus is incredibly cool.

The drum parts give it an electronic music flavor, resulting in a more modern sound.

Lately, more and more country music has been incorporating these kinds of electronic elements.

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