[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] A Guide to Country Music: A Roundup of the Latest Hits and Timeless Classics (11–20)
Bigger Than The SongBrittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer’s new song “Bigger Than The Song” is a powerful work that weaves together a decade of growth honed in Nashville.
It feels like a piece that warmly stands by your life.
Under the deft production of Daniel Tashian, every emotion unfolds into a finely crafted soundscape.
At times it whispers of cherished memories, at others it guides you into a new chapter—becoming a track that’s larger than music itself, coloring the milestones of life.
Though rooted in country, its melody and vocals carry soulful, R&B-tinged hues, making it a great recommendation even for newcomers to country music.
Wagon WheelOld Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show is an alternative country band from Tennessee.
They are among the most popular country artists, having won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album in 2014.
Their hit song “Wagon Wheel” was released in 2004.
It is famous for being co-written with the world-renowned artist Bob Dylan.
Highly recommended for fans of Bob Dylan as well!
In Your LoveTyler Childers
Tyler Childers’s “In Your Love” is a moving lead single from his 2023 album Rustin’ in the Rain.
Portraying the love and trials of a gay couple, the song evokes deep empathy.
The music video’s stunning visuals, in particular, evoke 1950s America and carry an important message that deepens understanding of the LGBTQ community.
Bringing fresh life to country music, its sound gently tells a universal love story that transcends genre.
Childers’s warm voice and emotionally rich lyrics convey a powerful message: no matter how harsh the circumstances, love can see us through.
God’s CountryBlake Shelton
Blake Shelton is a country musician known for his deep voice that resonates from his 196 cm (6’5″) frame.
He’s also active as a TV host.
His appeal lies above all in his low register and smooth vocals—an easy-to-listen sound that welcomes all listeners.
His hit song “God’s Country,” released in 2019, won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year.
Be sure to check it out!
Grew Up CountryDylan Marlowe
Dylan Marlowe is a rising artist in country music.
His song “Grew Up Country” conveys his upbringing in a small town in Georgia and the values he learned there, set to a beautiful melody.
With lyrics that are simple yet full of happiness, valuing experiences and community over material wealth, the song resonates with many and conveys his love and gratitude for his hometown.
It’s a track that will stay with listeners—not only country fans, but anyone who hears it.
Dylan is sure to remain an artist to watch as a new face of country music.
SmileMorgan Wallen
The country singer from the United States, Morgan Wallen, surprise-released a song on December 31, 2024—a moving ballad that delicately portrays the end of a romance.
Through a fleeting smile captured in a photograph, it contrasts past happiness with present distance, conveying the weight of a love that’s been lost.
Written with self-reflection and a mature perspective, the lyrics carry a depth that goes beyond a typical breakup song.
Created in collaboration with Ernest, the track also drew attention for its music video directed by Justin Clough.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone seeking to soothe the pain of heartbreak or to face memories from the past.
[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics (21–30)
VINYLUpchurch
Upchurch is a country musician influenced by hip-hop.
He began his career on YouTube and gradually gained popularity, initially working in genres like rap and hip-hop.
In recent years, his sound has leaned more toward country music.
His latest track, “VINYL,” features a memorable melody that incorporates many phrases from classic country music.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy a relaxed tempo!