The Top 40 Country Songs of 2024 Prove Real Country Music Is in Good Hands
The top country songs of 2024 prove that country music — especially traditional country music — is in very good hands.
A full 25 percent of the Top 40 songs from this year are by artists who’ve never appeared on charts and year-end lists previously. Several — like Zach Top and Ella Langley — give hope for generations that wish people could just get back to singing about three chords and the truth.
Find the list below, but first, some stats about country music in 2024:
Having a viral dance trend helps a girl (or guy) out, but the No. 1 song is a weeper from a man who’s unlikely to ever dance, proving that all rules get tossed in favor of a great country song.
As you’d expect, there are many collaborations (13) on this list, and more interpolations (3) than ever before. Good ol’, straight-forward country music still sells, however — in fact, three of our Top 5 feature little more than a man with his guitar!
The Top 40 Country Songs of 2024, Ranked
New country artists and traditionalists rule this Top Country Songs of 2024 list.
Zach Top and Ella Langley are newcomers that purists may enjoy, while fans of more progressive country music will appreciate Jelly Roll, Post Malone and Shaboozey.
Airplay charts, sales data and streaming numbers helped make this list of country music’s Top 40 songs of 2024, but staff and Taste of Country reader opinion were also influential.
Songs included on our previous Top Country Songs lists were not eligible.
No. 40: Thomas Rhett, “Beautiful as You”
Thomas Rhett’s “Beautiful as You” is a sort of throwback to the fun, more pop-friendly sound of albums like Life Changes. He wrote it — and much of the About a Woman album — about wife Lauren as they enter a new phase of their life. You kind of get the feeling they’re dating each other again, which is really relatable if you’ve been married for a bit.
No. 39: Drew Baldridge, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter”
Drew Baldridge’s breakthrough hit is the wedding song of 2024. The piano-led ballad was first released in 2019, but after his record label shut down, he was left without a promotional arm. So, he re-cut it, formed his own record label, and leveraged social media interactions to score a Top 5 hit that isn’t likely to go away soon.
No. 38: Carly Pearce (Feat. Chris Stapleton), “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Carly Pearce’s duet with Chris Stapleton didn’t become the radio hit that seemed inevitable when it was released — big ballads are hard to promote in the summer — but this pair provide one of the best vocal performances of 2024.
No. 37: Lainey Wilson, “Country’s Cool Again”
For now, this is an album cut from Wilson’s Whirlwind album, but it feels too good to not get significant airplay, right? “Once you get a taste, you’ll lick the spoon / Learn every word to ‘The Dance’ and ‘Neon Moon'” she sings at the start of verse No. 2. There are a lot of good songs on the singer’s latest project, but this one stands out as a true original.
No. 36: Jessie Murph (Feat. Jelly Roll), “Wild Ones”
Jessie Murph was the first out-of-genre star to snag Jelly Roll for a big country hit in 2024. “Wild Ones” is edgy, and maybe this is why radio wouldn’t touch it. It’s also super sticky.
The Alabama native’s hit went Double-Platinum and peaked inside the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Post Malone and MGK would soon snag Jelly for a similar hit.
No. 35: Justin Moore, “This Is My Dirt”
There is more than one song about dirt on this list of the Top 40 country songs of 2024. Justin Moore goes first with a great vocal about protecting the land you grew up on. It reached the Top 5 on airplay charts.
No. 34: Chris Young, “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Chris Young’s latest hit relies on a great David Bowie guitar lick. “Young Love & Saturday Nights” is a Top 10 hit, but it’s also one of the most reliable radio songs of 2024.
No. 33: Marshmello (Feat. Kane Brown), “Miles on It”
“Miles on it” marks Marshmello’s first No. 1 on country radio. It was a sneaky climb for the producer and Kane Brown, but by the end of summer it was clear the song had real staying power. Kane Brown does a lot of things very well, but projecting a sense of fun into his brand of country music might be what he does best.
No. 32: Zach Top, “Sounds Like the Radio”
Zach Top has eyes on becoming one of the top new country artists of 2024 and 2025. “Sounds Like the Radio” is a smart, traditional country song that feels true to his roots. He’ll surely back it up with more for fans of George Strait, etc … This mid-tempo hit has not totally reached critical mass, but a slow ascent up airplay charts might prove to be smart for his career.
No. 31: Kelsea Ballerini (Feat. Noah Kahan), “Cowboys Cry Too”
Few artists cover the breadth of country music as well as Kelsea Ballerini, and during “Cowboys Cry Too,” she leaps to two edges in the space of 3:50.
This is a great traditional country song with a progressive message and a pop-folk artist joining her. Her simple, melodic chorus sticks to the heart as a fiddle transitions between verses.
No. 30: Kenny Chesney, “Take Her Home”
Kenny Chesney’s “Take Her Home” is (arguably) his biggest hit since his 2016 duet with Pink, “Setting the World on Fire.” It’s a circle-of-life song that finds new fans with every verse, and it’s undoubtedly one of the top country songs of 2024.
No. 29: Dustin Lynch (Feat. Jelly Roll), “Chevrolet”
Dustin Lynch’s interpolation of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away” is one of at least three such songs on this Top 40 country songs list. Labelmate Jelly Roll joins him for a feel-good melody that fit the summer of 2024.
No. 28: Ashley Cooke, “Your Place”
Ashley Cooke’s debut single “Your Place” raced up the country charts in early 2024. In fact, only Post Malone’s song on this list of the top country songs of 2024 kept her away from a No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart.
A follow-up would cement her as a female artist to keep a close eye on for years to come.
No. 27: Beyonce, “16 Carriages”
Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” ranks higher on this list, but real fans — and country purists — argue “16 Carriages” is the better song. Lyrically, they’re right, but it’s pretty hard to deny the hook of her more commercially successful hit from 2024.
No. 26: Jackson Dean, “Heavens to Betsy”
Jackson Dean is very good at making country music. His star hasn’t risen as fast as other newcomers, probably because he leans into lyrical depth and resonance before hooks and production gimmicks. This mid-tempo letter from a father to his daughter down on Earth is likely to make a bigger impact in 2025, but we couldn’t resist it for this list.
No. 25: Morgan Wallen, “Love Somebody”
Morgan Wallen’s problem is that so many of his songs reach the top of country charts that we begin to take them (and him) for granted. He needs something that truly stands out to make year-end lists like this one, and “Love Somebody” does just that.
His longing-for-love message recalls hits like “7 Summers.” That’s a sound he’s not really revisited lately, and we’re here for more of it 2025.
No. 24: Post Malone (Feat. Blake Shelton), “Pour Me a Drink”
Post Malone dropped three duets off at country radio, and all three made this list of the Top 40 country songs of 2024. “Pour Me a Drink” directly influenced Blake Shelton to start recording country music again, which is just one more reason to celebrate the pop star’s arrival.
No. 23: Luke Combs, “Where the Wild Things Are”
Luke Combs’ most adventurous song totally worked. “Where the Wild Things Are” is far from his personal story — the nearly four-minute-long rocker is almost a James Dean-style throwback to a time of unattached recklessness and adventure.
In releasing this song to radio, it was as if Combs was wondering how far he could push his fans after a career spent dropping consistent songs about love and heartbreak. A more dynamic Combs is a very exciting thing to think about moving forward.
No. 22: Beyonce, “Texas Hold ‘Em”
It’s fascinating to see how publications ranked Beyoncé’s country album to close out 2024. The much-hyped collection of artists, genres and messages certainly made an impact, and hit songs like “Texas Hold ‘Em” were ubiquitous.
“Texas Hold ‘Em” kept a spot in our list of 2024’s top country songs since its release. It can’t be ignored — it slams!
No. 21: Ernest, “Would If I Could”
In 2022, “Flower Shops” made Taste of Country’s end-of-year top songs list for the same reasons Ernest’s newest single does. “Would If I Could” is an authentic tribute to old-school country music from a guy who doesn’t necessarily present as a traditionalist. This ballad is simple and stunning. See, country music doesn’t have to be complicated!
No. 20: Randy Travis, “Where That Came From”
It’s just good to hear new music from Randy Travis again. “Where That Came From” gave him a voice (courtesy of some seriously high-end AI), and with it he did what he’s always done: Deliver a clean country message that arrests your heart and soul.
No. 19: Jelly Roll, “I Am Not Okay”
“I Am Not Okay” is Jelly Roll’s first release from his 2024 studio album. He’s building on a theme with this ballad; the “Save Me” singer won’t be pivoting from songs that shine light on dark mental spaces anytime soon.
Historically, going back to the well one too many times has proven detrimental to an artist’s career, but there’s nothing that indicates fans or critics are growing weary of it with Jelly. He’s really, really good at inspiring us with songs that zoom in on our similarities. Who’s going to say “no more”?
No. 18: Koe Wetzel (Feat. Jessie Murph), “High Road”
Just months after tapping Jelly Roll to join her on “Wild Ones,” Jessie Murph teams with Koe Wetzel for “High Road,” a rock-influenced story of two lovers fighting.
“I don’t need a ticket to your s–t show,” is the signature lyric here, but just as remarkable is the way the two singers blend. It’s a fire and ice combo that really works.
No. 17: Zach Top, “I Never Lie”
We kind of figured “Sounds Good on the Radio” would be Zach Top’s best contribution to 2024, but then we heard “I Never Lie.” It’s a smarter lyric, but no less committed to real country music. This guy from Washington has a lot of buzz, and we’re pretty sure we know why.
No. 16: Cody Johnson (Feat. Carrie Underwood), “I’m Gonna Love You”
Did anyone think that a collaboration between two of country music’s best contemporary vocalists wouldn’t make the Top 40 songs of 2024 list? “I’m Gonna Love” you is everything fans were hoping for. Johnson set high expectations by teasing this song a year before releasing it, but there’s no doubt they were met.
No. 15: Lainey Wilson, “Hang Tight Honey”
Lainey Wilson’s autobiographical country-rocker was the first taste we got of her Whirlwind album, and fans were excited. It peaked inside the Top 20 on both the Hot Country Songs and Billboard Country Airplay charts.
No. 14: Brooks & Dunn (Feat. Jelly Roll), “Believe”
Jelly Roll doesn’t make Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” better than the original, but his presence brings new eyes to one of the all-time great country songs. Ronnie Dunn somehow sounds as good as ever as he soars toward this ballad’s climax. If you loved “Believe” in 2005, you’ll still get goosebumps.
No. 13: Dasha, “Austin”
Dasha (“Dash” rhymes with “Cash”) is a riveting country music presence with a song that became famous in part because of a great dance. Her scorned response to a cheating boyfriend didn’t need that kind of help to become famous, however.
There’s no denying the forcefulness in which she tears through her good-for-nothing ex. We’ve all felt that at one point or another, and it’s this honesty that sells “Austin.” TikTok did not make this talented newcomer.
No. 12: MGK (Feat. Jelly Roll), “Lonely Road”
Is MGK’s “Lonley Road” the most controversial choice for this Top 40 list? Probably. He and Jelly Roll interpolate John Denver’s “Country Roads” in a way that’s true to the original, but also true to what MGK’s fans want. It’d have been cool to hear this on the radio a bit more in 2024. That’s all that’s keeping it from being in the Top 10 on our list.
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No. 11: Jamey Johnson, “What a View”
Jamey Johnson dropped Midnight Gasoline — his first album in more than a decade — in 2024. It’s everything country fans were hoping for from the “In Color” singer, but “What a View” stands out.
Harmonica, steel, guitars and the purest voice of the 21st century guide this love song. If the world is right, “What a View” will hit No. 1 in 2025.
No. 10: Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?”
Megan Moroney’s ability to package smart, meaningful lyrics inside a pop-friendly melody that purists can’t resist is Taylor Swift-like. “Am I Okay?” is a jam — does anyone else want to scream this chorus back at her at some festival in 2025?
It’s also an on-target illustration of what falling in love feels like. Somehow the Georgian still feels like an under-the-radar artist, but that should change next year.
No. 9: Keith Urban, “Break the Chain”
The best country song from a radio artist that didn’t get released to radio in 2024 is “Break the Chain” by Keith Urban.
Honestly, it should remain as a simply satisfying end to the High album. His most personal song ever breaks down the relationship he had with his dad in ways we can all relate to. Urban doesn’t need to be relied on to sing “Break the Chain” night after night.
No. 8: Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), “I Had Some Help”
It took seven weeks for Post Malone to get “I Had Some Help” to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, which is a bit like flying to the sun in a day.
Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but not by much. The way the pop-turned-country superstar was received at country radio this year is remarkable, and the best part is Post’s country songs have proven to be more than just novelty. Does anyone doubt that we’ll still be hearing this Morgan Wallen duet in five years?
No. 7: Chris Stapleton, “I Think I’m in Love With You”
Dua Lipa joined Chris Stapleton at the 2024 ACM Awards to sing what might be the sexiest country song of 2024. “I Think I’m in Love With You” is his purest bedroom song, but few people doubted his ability to do such a thing.
No. 6: Elle Langley (Feat. Riley Green), “You Look Like You Love Me”
Ella Langley is a popular duet partner in 2024. She joined Kameron Marlowe for a soaring, we-can’t-do-this kind of breakup song called “Strangers,” but this one was everywhere this year. We’re still singing it while wrapping Christmas presents!
In “You Look Like You Love Me,” Langley and Riley Green offer spoken-word verses to prop up a delectable vintage chorus. The more subtle vocal performance stands out between any two country songs on air this year.
No. 5: Willie Nelson, “Last Leaf”
When Willie Nelson dies, they may play this song. “Last Leaf” feels like his “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” although that trivializes the ballad and title track from his most recent album.
Nelson’s perspective is unique to a 91-year-old man, but somehow universal, because we all remember his friends, Johnny, Waylon, Kris, etc…
No. 4: Post Malone (Feat. Luke Combs), “Guy for That”
Luke Combs is the reason “Guy for That” is a Top 5 country song in 2024. No respect to Blake Shelton or Morgan Wallen, but neither elevate an already strong song when they enter in the way Combs does.
No. 3: Kacey Musgraves, “The Architect”
Kacey Musgraves’ “The Architect” is the kind of song that you may never hear on the radio, but know every word to in five or ten years. The acoustic gem is wide open for interpretation — is it a love song? Is she starting a conversation about creation? Is she just showing gratitude as she admires the world? This choice on our Top 40 Country Songs list is perfectly penned.
No. 2: Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is the biggest commercial hit of 2024. It was a No. 1 all-genre hit and it took Morgan Wallen’s parking space at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart, setting a record.
“Tipsy” is more than just a party song, however. Shaboozey slyly introduces himself to his audience and adds just enough lyrical depth to push him to No. 2 on this list of the top country songs of 2024.
No. 1: Cody Johnson, “Dirt Cheap”
Lyrical integrity and Cody Johnson’s sincere vocals make “Dirt Cheap” the No. 1 song of 2024. Year after year, this list of top songs always favors the ones that make us cry. Congrats to you, Mr. Johnson — you owe us a few boxes of tissues.
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