[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)
Here You Come AgainDolly Parton
This track was written around 1975 by the songwriting team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
Released by Dolly Parton in 1977, it reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
It has been covered by many artists, including Patti LaBelle.
[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites (121–130)
BreatheFaith Hill
“Breathe” is a love- and romance-filled song released in 1999 by American country music artist Faith Hill.
It reached No.
1 on the country music charts and made a strong showing on many other charts as well.
Lonesom Road BluesFoggy Mountain Boys
This is a bluegrass group formed by guitarist Lester Flatt and banjo player Earl Scruggs.
“Lonesome Road Blues” is a country song released as a single in 1923.
Featuring crisp, snappy banjo fingerpicking, precisely driving guitar accompaniment, and the thrilling interplay between the two, this rendition showcases their formidable technique in an irresistibly enjoyable way.
Closing Time In CaliforniaLuke Bryan
A poignant yet warm song that feels as if you’re steeped in a California night.
It’s a track released in August 2024 by American country star Luke Bryan, delicately portraying feelings for a former lover against the backdrop of last call at a bar.
The song was released ahead of his album “Mind Of A Country Boy,” scheduled for September of the same year.
While rooted in country music tradition, it shines with Bryan’s signature approachable melodies and emotionally rich delivery.
It’s perfect for anyone feeling inner conflict in the stillness of the night.
Walkin’ After MidnightPatsy Cline
A song written by Alan Block and Donn Hecht, released by Patsy Cline in 1957.
Although Cline was not a fan of the song at first, it ironically became her first charting hit.
Her restrained vocal performance effectively portrays a lonely woman.
Stand by Your ManTammy Wynette
May 5, 1942 – April 6, 1998.
A female country music singer-songwriter.
“Stand by Your Man” is a song that won the 1969 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
It is a melodic country-pop song.
Wildwood FlowerThe Carter Family
A bluegrass, country, and rockabilly band active from 1927 to 1943.
Maybelle Carter’s guitar playing has influenced many guitarists who followed.
Wildwood Flower, recorded in 1928, is a song that has been passed down as a historic standard in country and bluegrass.
Their tight ensemble and harmonies, along with the guitar fingerpicking, are real highlights.