[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites
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!
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[2026] Recommended Country Music: A Roundup of the Latest Hits and Classics (111–120)
Choosin’ TexasElla Langley

Ella Langley is a country singer-songwriter from Alabama.
She became a breakout artist when her collaboration with Lily Rose, “You Look Like You Love Me,” hit No.
1 on the country radio charts.
Her new song, “Choosin’ Texas,” was released in October 2025.
Co-written with Miranda Lambert, it tells a bittersweet story of a man who’s drawn to a Texas woman and ends up leaving.
The track pairs an old-school country sound—steel guitar and a two-step rhythm—with candid emotions from a woman’s perspective, and its whiskey-in-hand, heartbreak lyrics are sure to resonate.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play when you’re drinking alone after a breakup.
YumaJustin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle is the son of singer-songwriter Steve Earle, and he was named after Townes Van Zandt, a gifted singer-songwriter.
“Yuma” is a poignantly delicate acoustic fingerpicking ballad.
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk AngelsKitty Wells

Written by J.D.
Miller in 1952 and released by Kitty Wells, the song is an answer to Hank Thompson’s hit “The Wild Side of Life.” It challenges the stereotype that women are always submissive to men and that men are often unfaithful.
Miami (feat. Lil Wayne and Rick Ross)Morgan Wallen

This work beautifully blends the distinct genres of country and hip-hop to paint a poignant scene.
The vocalist is American star Morgan Wallen.
For this release, he’s joined by hip-hop legends Lil Wayne and Rick Ross, elevating the moody original into something even more dramatic.
Wallen’s wistful vocals riding over trap-leaning beats intertwine with the two artists’ distinctive rap verses, creating a truly breathtaking sound.
The track is a remix from the album “I’m The Problem,” which spent eight consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard 200, and it generated major buzz after a teaser was unveiled during a tour stop in Arizona in July 2025.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play while gazing at the city lights at night, lost in thought.
Take Your TimeSam Hunt

A mid-tempo ballad released for digital download in 2014 by American singer-songwriter Sam Hunt.
It became a hit in Canada and various European countries, and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
country chart.
One That Got AwayMichael Ray

This is a song released in 2018 by Michael Ray, known as a country music singer.
It has a very refreshing sound that matches his rich, soaring vocal style.
Just listening to it can lift your spirits, so give it a try when you’re feeling down.
Also, don’t miss the cool guitar solo in the middle of the track.
Love’s Gonna Live HereBuck Owens

Buck Owens was an American singer-songwriter who had been active since 1945.
This track was released as a single in 1963 and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
country chart.
It has been covered by many artists, including Sten & Stanley.



