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[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!

[2026] Recommended Country Music: A roundup of the latest hits and timeless classics (161–170)

GorgeousBrett Eldredge

Brett Eldredge – Gorgeous (Official Lyric Video)
GorgeousBrett Eldredge

This is a heartwarming song by American country singer Brett Eldredge.

Released in January 2025, the track expresses Eldredge’s deep respect for someone he loves.

It features a fine balance of country and pop, highlighted by Brett’s warm, powerful vocals.

The lyrics encourage listeners to recognize their own worth, offering a boost of confidence.

This work marks the beginning of a new musical journey for Brett, and it’s a perfect song for moments when you want to lift your self-esteem.

The GiverChappell Roan

Chappell Roan – The Giver (Official Lyric Video)
The GiverChappell Roan

Chappell Roan, who emerged on the U.S.

pop music scene in the late 2010s, is taking on a bold, completely fresh take on country music.

Set against the soothing sound of fiddles, her powerful vocal performance is breathtaking.

Released in March 2025, it made a sensational debut at No.

1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

The ambitious work portrays women in a variety of professions—such as construction workers, detectives, and dentists.

It has also sparked buzz with its distinctive promotional rollout and highly original music video, earning fervent support from music fans across diverse genres.

If You Hadn’t Been ThereDolly Parton

Dolly Parton – If You Hadn’t Been There (Official Audio)
If You Hadn’t Been ThereDolly Parton

A gentle ballad woven with piano and strings is layered with the richly emotive vocals of Dolly Parton, the queen of American country music.

Dedicated to her husband, Carl Dean—who supported her unwaveringly throughout her six-decade career—this exquisite love song was released in March 2025 following his passing.

Its plainspoken lyrics, tender, enveloping melody, and gospel-tinged arrangement are in beautiful harmony.

Released on Parton’s own label, the track is also slated for inclusion in her musical, “Dolly: An Original Musical.” It’s a song to turn to when you want to feel the bond with someone dear.

Drunk Girls in BathroomsMaddie & Tae

Maddie & Tae – Drunk Girls in Bathrooms (Official Music Video)
Drunk Girls in BathroomsMaddie & Tae

It’s a classic by American country duo Maddie & Tae that captures those heartwarming bathroom chats and moments of encouragement shared between women—something almost everyone has experienced at least once.

The soulful sound, infused with disco and R&B elements, blends beautifully with lyrics that resonate.

It’s an advance single from their album “Love & Light,” scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, and it just dropped in March 2025.

The music video, set at a roller skating rink, vividly brings out the song’s disco-inspired vibe.

It’s the perfect track to play with friends on the way home from a party or event as you reminisce.

Highly recommended for women listeners looking to deepen their bonds with friends.

carry me throughMaren Morris

Maren Morris – carry me through (Official Video)
carry me throughMaren Morris

Maren Morris, the American country singer who has won the Grammy Awards among many other prestigious honors, delivers a soulful ballad that sings of resilience and hope.

Set against an acoustic arrangement with a restrained instrumentation, her expressively rich vocals truly stand out in this heartwarming track.

Released in March 2025 as the lead single from her forthcoming album “Dreamsicle,” slated for May 2025, the song has also drawn attention for its striking music video that shifts from black-and-white to a golden hue.

With gentle acoustic guitar tones and a simple setup, it’s a perfect pick for those who want to relax at home and savor the music.

I’m The ProblemMorgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen – I’m The Problem (Lyric Video)
I’m The ProblemMorgan Wallen

The flagship track released by Morgan Wallen, a leading figure in the American country scene, is a heartfelt ballad centered on self-reflection.

Set to a sound that masterfully fuses country and rock, it conveys complex emotions—acknowledging his own mistakes in a romantic relationship while subtly hinting at the other person’s share of responsibility.

Released in January 2025, the song was also chosen as the title track for his North American tour starting in June of the same year.

With Wallen’s powerful yet wistful vocals cutting straight to the heart, it’s a mature love song you’re sure to enjoy.

What The Hell Just Happened?Remember Monday

Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened? | United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Official Music Video
What The Hell Just Happened?Remember Monday

A bold, free-spirited anthem for a night to remember, this ambitious new release comes from Remember Monday, the UK’s rising country-pop trio! Catapulted into the spotlight after their 2019 appearance on The Voice UK, they’ve now been selected to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

The track blends a sound influenced by ’80s pop and rock with polished production co-written with Bilal “Billen Ted,” known for work with Little Mix and more.

Showcasing the trio’s stunning harmonies and irresistibly catchy choruses, this song brims with positive energy.

Perfect for a fresh morning drive, it captures the lingering glow of a party night and carries it into the day.