[2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites

weren’t for the windElla Langley

Ella Langley – weren’t for the wind (Official Visualizer)

Many listeners may find themselves startled by this song that portrays the heart of a woman living as if carried by the wind.

Released in October 2024 by Alabama native Ella Langley, the track pairs a wistful pedal steel guitar melody with a deep, Southern-accented vocal that resonates deeply.

Included on the deluxe edition of her debut album, Still Hungover, the song captures the struggle between a soul yearning for freedom and a desire for stability.

Langley was also nominated for a CMA Award in 2023 for a duet with Lily Rose, and expectations for her future are high.

It’s a must-hear for anyone standing at a crossroads in life or feeling uncertain about their own path.

RumorLee Brice

Lee Brice – Rumor

This is a song by American singer-songwriter Lee Brice.

His warm, gentle voice softly resonates in your heart, doesn’t it? The electric guitar that comes in between has a rounded, warm tone as well, giving it a pleasant, easy-on-the-ears quality.

You can’t help but get drawn in just by listening.

Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics that perfectly match the wistful mood of the track, and savor every detail of this song.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Whiskey GlassesMorgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen – Whiskey Glasses (Live)

Morgan Wallen is a hot young country musician born in 1993.

He blends country with flavors of Southern rock and EDM, earning fans beyond the country scene.

His trademark is a red checkered flannel shirt.

All three of his released albums have gone gold, making him one of the most in-demand country singers today.

SixteenThomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett – Sixteen

“Sixteen” is a track from American country-pop singer Thomas Rhett’s third album, Life Changes, released in September 2017.

In the song, the 25-year-old narrator reminisces with his wife, laughing about how he used to think of nothing but turning sixteen—saying he’d do anything to be sixteen because it seemed cool and free.

It’s a song that makes you drift into memories of your own past and feel a warm sense of nostalgia.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

Whiskey LullabyBrad Paisley, Alison Krauss

Brad Paisley – Whiskey Lullaby (Full Version – Official Video) ft. Alison Krauss

It’s a duet by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, released in 2004.

It’s a ballad that tells a tragic love story about a couple facing alcoholism and death.

The song has been certified Platinum twice by the RIAA.

What If I Never Get Over YouLady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum – What If I Never Get Over You

Lady Antebellum, a country group from Tennessee.

In Japan, they’re kind of like Ikimonogakari.

They’re a country group, but most of their songs have a pop feel, making them easy to listen to even for newcomers to country music.

Their track “What If I Never Get Over You” is also crafted with an accessible, refreshingly uplifting sound.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Here TonightBrett Young

Brett Young – Here Tonight (Official Music Video)

This is a song released in 2018 by Brett Young, a popular country singer-songwriter.

The sound blends modern electronic elements while preserving a traditional country vibe, making it very easy to listen to.

It’s a romantic love song with quintessential country-style lyrics, so I highly recommend checking out a Japanese translation of the lyrics as well.

It would also make great background music for a drive.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem