The Top Country Music of 2015
Contents
- Chris Stapleton- “Traveller”
- Jason Isbell- “Something More Than Free”
- Zac Brown Band- “Jekyll + Hyde”
- Toby Keith- “35 MPH Town”
- Kacey Musgraves- “Pageant Material”
- Keith Urban- “ripCORD”
- Luke Bryan- “Kill the Lights”
- Florida Georgia Line- “Anything Goes”
- Blake Shelton- “Bringing Back the Sunshine”
- Sam Hunt- “Montevallo”
It’s been an eventful year in country music. Here’s a look at the top country songs of 2015.
Chris Stapleton- “Traveller”
Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” is a force to be reckoned with. It topped the Billboard 200 and was the best-selling album of 2015. It also won Album of the Year at both the CMA and ACM Awards, and was nominated for a Grammy.
Jason Isbell- “Something More Than Free”
Jason Isbell’s “Something More Than Free” is the top country music of 2015. The album was released on July 17, 2015, by Southeastern Records and 30 Tigers. “Something More Than Free” won two Grammy Awards for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song.
Zac Brown Band- “Jekyll + Hyde”
Zac Brown Band’s silenced their critics with the release of “Jekyll + Hyde.” The album is a diverse collection of songs that showcased the band’s versatility. The lead single, “Homegrown,” is a down-home country tune, while “Loving You Easy” has a laid back, tropical feel. Other standout tracks include the heart-wrenching ballad “Beautiful Drug” and the anthemic “Tomorrow Never Comes.” Zac Brown Band took home the Grammy for Best Country Album in 2016 for “Jekyll + Hyde.”
Toby Keith- “35 MPH Town”
“35 MPH Town” is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in October 2015 as the lead single from his 2015 album 35 MPH Town. The song became Keith’s twenty-seventh number one hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 2016. The song was Toby Keith’s first release for his own Show Dog Nashville label, after departing from DreamWorks Records Nashville in early 2014.
In an interview with Country Countdown USA, Keith said that “35 MPH Town” is “a song about getting away from it all and slowing down.” He also said that the town mentioned in the title is not a real town, but rather “a state of mind… It could be anywhere.”
The song has received positive reviews from critics. In his review of the album, Chuck Dauphin of Taste of Country gave “35 MPH Town” 4 stars out of 5, calling it “a return to classic Toby Keith.” He praised the production, saying that it “sounds as if it was recorded in a barn… with loads of fiddles and steel guitar underscoring Toby’s affection for small-town values.”
Kacey Musgraves- “Pageant Material”
Kacey Musgraves released her second album, “Pageant Material,” in 2015 to critical acclaim. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. “Pageant Material” includes the singles “Biscuits,” “Dime Store Cowgirl,” and “Die Fun.”
Keith Urban- “ripCORD”
Keith Urban’s latest album, “RipCORD,” has been praised by fans and critics alike, and it’s easy to see why. The album is a perfect blend of country and pop, with a little bit of rock thrown in for good measure. The result is an incredibly catchy and polished album that is sure to please any country music fan.
At the heart of “RipCORD” is Urban’s incredible voice, which is on full display throughout the album. From the soaring lead single, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16,” to the heartfelt ballad “Your Body,”Urban showcases his virtuosity as a singer. And he isn’t afraid to experiment either; on the rollicking title track, he delivers one of the most unique vocal performances of his career.
But it’s not just Urban’s voice that makes “RipCORD” such a great album; it’s also his songwriting. On tracks like “Wasted Time” and “Gone Tomorrow (Here Today),” he pens catchy, radio-friendly tunes that are sure to get stuck in your head. But he also knows how to write a touching ballad, as evidenced by the beautiful “Sun Don’t Let Me Down.”
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Keith Urban or you’re just looking for a great country album to add to your collection, “RipCORD” is sure to please.
Luke Bryan- “Kill the Lights”
This guitar-driven party anthem was the lead single off of Bryan’s Kill the Lights album, and became his sixth song to hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. It was also his 13th career No. 1 Single, which made him tied with Brad Paisley for the most among active male artists. “It’s just one of those songs that every time it comes on, man, you just can’t help but move,” Bryan said of the tune.
Florida Georgia Line- “Anything Goes”
This album has a great mix of upbeat and slower songs, as well as some really good party songs. There are also some great love songs on this album. Overall, this is a great album and I highly recommend it.
Blake Shelton- “Bringing Back the Sunshine”
Blake Shelton’s “Bringing Back the Sunshine” was one of the top country songs of 2015. The song was released in September of that year and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The song is about a man who is down on his luck and struggling to find happiness. However, he finds joy in simple things like spending time with friends and family. The song is lighthearted and upbeat, making it perfect for a summertime cruise or road trip.
Sam Hunt- “Montevallo”
Sam Hunt’s “Montevallo” was one of the top country albums of 2015. The album was released in October of 2014, but its popularity carried into 2015. “Montevallo” is a collection of 11 songs that showcase Hunt’s talent for writing catchy hooks and intimate lyrics. Some of the album’s standout tracks include “Leave the Night On,” “Raised on It,” and “Take Your Time.”