[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 (131–140)
Blue StripsJessie Murph
American artist Jessie Murph delivers gangsta-country that makes your heart race, her vocals reclaiming confidence after past pain.
The innovative sound fusing trap beats with country brims with a fresh allure reminiscent of Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey.
Her 2024 album “That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil” reached No.
24 in the U.S., and she was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
This work was also showcased at the Coachella Festival in April 2025, where it drew a huge response.
It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking genre-defying music where edgy production and down-to-earth lyrics blend beautifully.
Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be CowboysDeana Carter & Sara Evans
A collaboration between American country music singers Deana Carter and Sara Evans.
Originally a hit track released in 1975 by Ed Bruce, it has also been covered by artists such as Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Broken Hearted People (Take Me To A Barroom)Guy Clark
This is a song by Guy Clark, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter from Texas.
It was included on his 1976 album “Texas Cookin’.” It’s described as a smooth, dusky ballad that pairs well with late-night tears and whiskey.
WantedHunter Hayes
It’s a romantic ballad, like a love letter.
It was released for digital download in 2012 by American country music singer Hunter Hayes.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts and was certified platinum.
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.
Dirt Road Dancin’Trea Landon
Trey Landon is a singer-songwriter born in 1993 who carries on the traditionalist strain of country music.
It’s been a long time since country music began blending with pop, but this song clearly sets itself apart from that trend.
Its earthy sound and slightly nasal vocals evoke classic country, yet the incorporation of a rhythmic groove keeps it from feeling dated.
The title—Dancing in the Mud—fits the song perfectly.
When You Say Nothing at AllKeith Whitley
A track written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz.
It was released by country music artist Keith Whitley in 1988.
It has also been recorded by artists such as Alison Krauss and Ronan Keating, and is a popular track for baptisms and weddings.