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

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics (21–30)

Sleepless in a Hotel RoomLuke Combs

Luke Combs – Sleepless in a Hotel Room (Official Studio Video)

Sleepless in a Hotel RoomLuke Combs

Luke Combs, a country singer with worldwide popularity, has announced that his much-anticipated new album, “The Way I Am,” will be released in March 2026, generating major buzz.

“Sleepless in a Hotel Room” is a track unveiled in advance from the album.

Written during sleepless nights on tour in hotel rooms, it conveys a heartfelt longing for a loved one far away, with a melody co-written with Randy Montana and others that truly resonates.

The song is crafted as a ballad that highlights his signature vocals—powerful yet delicate.

It’s a track that gently keeps you company on lonely nights, so be sure to give it a listen.

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What Makes You CountryLuke Bryan

Luke Bryan – What Makes You Country (Official Audio)

What Makes You CountryLuke Bryan

This is a work by Luke Bryan, a country singer-songwriter with numerous hit songs.

It features that quintessential country melody and distinctive banjo sound.

The title, which means “What Makes You Country,” carries a strong message about staying true to your path no matter what.

Country music often sings about one’s hometown and identity, and it’s no exaggeration to say this song is a prime example of that.

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SmileMorgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen – Smile (Official Music Video)

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.

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Beer Never Broke My HeartLuke Combs

Luke Combs – Beer Never Broke My Heart (Official Video)

Beer Never Broke My HeartLuke Combs

Luke Combs is an American country music singer-songwriter born in 1990.

He excels at heavyweight country songs featuring a generous, larger-than-life voice and a tough, hard & loud sound.

He’s also a big guy with a chubby, teddy bear-like cuteness.

Recommended for fans of bands like ZZ Top.

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10,000 HoursDan + Shay, Justin Bieber

Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours (Official Music Video)

10,000 HoursDan + Shay, Justin Bieber

This is a collaboration between Dan + Shay, a country duo that has become a regular at the Grammys in recent years, and the one and only American superstar Justin Bieber.

Released in October 2019, it became a huge hit, reaching No.

4 on the U.S.

charts.

While rooted in country music, the song is crafted as a catchy pop tune you’ll want to hum along to, making it popular not only with country fans but with a broad audience.

It’s also a perfect entry point for anyone new to country music.

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