[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 timeless classics (161–170)
BuriedBrandy Clark

Buried is a new light in country music.
This track from Brandy Clark is moving for the way it poignantly expresses deep regret over love and the resolve to move forward.
Recorded at Malibu’s Shangri-La Studio, it features a warmly textured acoustic sound and lyrics that feel as if they see straight into your heart.
Even while holding onto lingering feelings, the song conveys the strength to keep walking ahead—something that will resonate even with those who aren’t country fans.
Beautiful melody and burning passion—this is country music at its finest.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this work that gets to the very roots of the artist!
Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout YouBrooks&Dunn

This is a track released in 2001 by the American country music duo Brooks & Dunn.
It reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts.
The music video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, features actress Alana de la Garza.
My Hang-Up Is YouFreddie Hart

Freddie Hart is an American country musician who has been active since 1953.
He is also known for his later work as a gospel singer.
This track was released in 1972 and reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
The Thunder RollsGarth Brooks

It was released on February 7, 1962.
He is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Since his debut in 1989, he has consistently charted, overturning the then-common belief that country music doesn’t sell.
“The Thunder Rolls” is a single released in 1991.
Backed by minor-key guitar arpeggios, it’s a chilling number that grips you from the heartfelt, soaring intro.
Rhinestone CowboyGlen Campbell

It’s a track written by Brooklyn songwriter Larry Weiss.
It was released in 1975 by American country music singer Glen Campbell.
It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and has become one of his signature songs.
Return Of The Grievous AngelGram Parsons

This is a 1974 Gram Parsons song recorded with support from the main core of the TCB Band—Elvis Presley’s band’s core rhythm section—featuring Emmylou Harris.
It’s a lonely ballad that sings of things like early Native American traditions experienced by a protagonist on a road trip across the United States.
I’M SO LONESOME I COULD CRYHank Williams

A song written by singer-songwriter Hank Williams.
Born from the troubled relationship he had with his wife, the song sings about loneliness.
Elvis Presley commented that it was “probably the saddest song I’ve ever heard.”



