2025 Saving Country Music Single of the Year Nominees

We’ve run down the nominees for Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Now it’s time to give some love to the songs that simply get stuck in out heads and remind us of the sheer joy of music. We call these the Single of the Year nominees, and they’re the toe-tappers, the boot-scooters, and the earworms. These are the songs you sing at the top of your lungs and then hum all day after you hear them.PLEASE NOTE: Just because a song isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it’s being snubbed or forgotten. Picking the best songs is always even more subjective than the best albums. We’re not looking to pit songs and songwriters against each other, we’re looking to combine our collective perspectives and opinions into a pool of musical knowledge for the benefit of everyone.

By all means, if you have a song or a list of songs you think are the best of 2024 and want to share, please do so in the comments section below. Feedback will factor into the final tabulations for the winner, but this is not an up and down vote. Try to convince us why you think a song should win.

When you talk about catchy country singles that you don’t feel embarrassed to listen to, Joshua Ray Walker has assembled an entire album of them in his 2025 release Tropicana. With his knack for constructing big melodies and singing them like a songbird, he decided to write and record an entire album around the concept, seeding a track list with the kind of summer radio singles and beach songs that we all get nostalgic for.

You could pick multiple songs from Tropicana to highlight here (Honorable Mention goes to “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone”). But “Keys To The Tacoma” feels like that summer song that becomes part of your lasting memories from 20 years ago that just happens to be brand new. That’s the magic Joshua Ray Walker pulls off.

When talking about the surge of young new traditionalists saving country music in real time, make sure you don’t forget to mention Jake Worthington. Not dissimilar to Zach Top and others, Jake Worthington has captured the greatness of ’90s country, but with new songs and a fresh face that young and old can enjoy together.

Worthington might have discovered his breakout single. “It Ain’t The Whiskey” has been on fire since its release, and is the top streamed song in his catalog. It was inspired by the true story of when a love interest got Jake’s heart fluttering and tires swerving, resulting in getting pulled over for suspected DUI. The song appears on Worthington’s 2025 album When I Write The Song.

Kelsey Waldon’s writing has always been uncommonly involved and thoughtful for country. On her new album Every Ghost, she focuses more on simply telling relatable and personal stories in song, resulting in a more accessible experience. “Tiger Lilies” is about the flowers bequeathed to Waldon by her grandmother. Though her grandmother is no longer around, the flowers keep her grandmother’s memory blooming and alive in the corporal world every spring.

As opposed to this song being rendered all sweet and sentimental though, the sound of “Tiger Lilies” is that of a hard-charging Outlaw country song, just with a personal aspect to it. Sentimental as it may be to Waldon, the song is also just a banger that you can’t help but keep pressing repeat on.

As critics tongue bathe Tyler’s new record Snipe Hunter with vociferous praise about it being his most “personal” or “spiritual” album or other such nonsense simply because they overdubbed some Hare Krishna chanting on a track, Childer’s actually released a record with some of the most wild and harebrained bangers of his career. To go along with sport hunting millionaires, bragging about $1,000 watches, and rattling on about Koalas with chlamydia, Childer’s delivered us “Bitin’ List,” which is one hell of raucous, vengeful good time that even the most even-keeled among us can find some guilty pleasure in.

Leave it to Mike Harmeier to do right what so many mainstream/Bro-Country songs get wrong, which is running through lists of cultural references about rural America without any story or soul to tie them together instead of making them feel real in your mind. The Silverada frontman’s greatest knack has always been to understand how words can jar loose vivid memories through song, but only if you know where to poke the brain, and how.

You can sing about a dominoes game, carburetors, tobacco stains, but if it doesn’t come with that lived blue collar experience, they’re just words. “Texas 42” is the title track to an acoustic album Silverada is released in installments throughout 2025.

Sunny Sweeney did her time opening for big acts, and got her taste of the mainstream for sure. But instead of spending this phase of her career being envious, she’s embraced the honky tonk way of life, not just in sound, but in attitude. The songs from her new album Rhinestone Requiem are of the honky tonks, and for the honky tonks.Sweeney co-wrote eight of the ten tracks of the new album, and there are some real gems in here you’d swear were classics from back in the ’70s. “Houston Belongs To Me” co-written with Brennen Leigh is the perfect specimen of heartbreak country, utilizing geography to craft a story most all can relate to.

Matt Daniel made it onto the musical map of many with his previous album All I’ll Ever Need from 2022, especially the song “Weatherman” that burrowed deep in our souls, and has refused to leave since. His new 2025 album The Poet picks up where that last album left off, including another one of those one-in-a-million masterpiece country songs with an incredible melody called “Long Way Home” that closes out the album.

Matt Daniel has a voice that is pitch perfect for this type of traditional country. And when get gets a hold of a great song like “Long Way Home,” the result is country music bliss.

“Heaven Passing Through” is also up for Song of the Year, along with “On The Red River” from the Turnpike album The Price of Admission. But with the way “Heaven Passing Through” doesn’t just boasts superior writing, but has a way of seeping into your bones, and lingering with you hours and days after you last heard it, it feels worthy of being considered in the Single of the Year category as well.

There’s a lot of specificity to the verses to this song that seem to speak to a deeper story or parallel narrative, like the reference to working a late shift at the nursing home, or washing X’s off your hands. But “Heaven Passing Through” might just be a song about gratefulness and the beauty of moments that employs a multi-generational perspective to its timeline. Either way, it’s a great song, and one that proves that great songs can also come with an infectiousness and immediacy, and don’t always have to go down like a bitter pill.

Releasing their new album Little Crosses in the dead of summer was smart timing for the Joe Stamm Band. It was a summer album full of serious heartland rock, songs that stoke sentimental memories, and a little bit of recklessness to make it ripe to bark at the moon and drive too fast to, basking in the moments that warm summer evenings are most agreeable for.The opening song “Territory Town” might as well be straight from the John Cougar Mellencamp catalog, or Springsteen’s mid-career output. And though the folks in the mainstream would never consider it such, for the Joe Stamm faithful, “Territory Town” was their Song of the Summer.

You don’t need to be told how hard it is for women in country, and especially for a single from a woman to make any kind of noise in the mainstream. But believe it or not, based completely off the strength of this song co-written and co-produced by Miranda Lambert, “Choosin’ Texas” has made it to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, even as it meanders at #16 on the radio chart to close out the year. Langely’s famous duet with Riley Green called “You Look Like You Love Me” has won a gazillion awards, but even it couldn’t get to #1 on Hot Country Songs. It peaked at #7, and with a male counterpart to help it along. “Choosin’ Texas” might be one of those tracks we look back on years from now as a landmark for Langley, and for traditional country music.

Ella Langley, Jake Worthington, Joe Stamm Band, Joshua Ray Walker, Kelsey Waldon, Matt Daniel, Silverada, Sunny Sweeney, Turnpike Troubadours, Tyler Childers

I think Lucky Penny is for me here. It’s not as good as Every Girl but it’s that same feeling of before the song was over I was like I’m a huge fan already. So infectious so fun and good.

What Part of No by Hayden Baker also sounds like my idea of a country radio hit. Cheating on My Honky Tonk by Randall King as well. Those were my favorites of the feel good singles category (though yes heaven passing through is the best song mentioned in this article)

Of NOT those, there’s sorta obvious omissions- 1800 miles, Dead or gone to Dallas, Fort Worth, about any song on the Kat Hasty album, just fun songs from places you’d expect to find fun songs…

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Tennessee Jet
RC&B – David Quinn
Yardwork- Jason Scott
West TX- Cole Phillips
Too drunk to drive- Darci Carlson
Dive bar Moses- Adam Chaffin
Four on the floor- Adam hood & Brent Cobb
It ain’t me – Emily Zeck
Grand Slam – Grayson Jenkins
Very last time – Lauren Lovelle

Joe Stamm Band 1000 percent. “Territory Town” is exactly what Single OTY should be – upbeat, nostalgic, and just plain fun. Who amongst us Midwesterners and small town folks wasn’t “living life on the edge of a dull knife” as teenagers? This song is like the second greatest movie of all-time (Dazed and Confused) wrapped up into a 3 minute vignette. “Almost Famous” being the greatest of course…. I was blessed to be able to sing it word for word with hundreds of other folks and Joe three times since it was released and each time the “Summer Time” chorus was louder and more cathartic. It’s not just the song of Summer, it’s Single OTY by a mile!

Others on my personal list – Lost Highway by Jinks, Heartlands by Marcus King, Comanche by Kelsey, Lie a Little by Ashland Craft (infectious Dwight Yoakum swagger on that one) and in the non-country category Candy from Strangers by Morgan Wade.

Definitely my choice too! It’s so much fun live he even played it twice at his album release party. Even if you’ve never heard it before you are singing “Summertiiiime” by the end of the song.

Of course I’ll try not be to biased here, but Joe Stamm Band’s Territory Town is just A+. These others got many spins too in no particular order…..Whitters, Worthington, Randall & Braxton, Sweeney, Langley, and of course Dan Lepien’s Neon Dream was played as much as any song. It’s the very definition of boot scootin’ toe tapper!!!

American Blue from Alma Russ deserves a listen from anyone who loves that classic country song with exceptional lyrics! https://open.spotify.com/track/6dFuNH7SkSxkjwHGuU0UFJ?si=07F3UZ9aQu-PdcLKM1T1uQ

Ernest – Turn Me Up
Dillon Carmichael – When She’s Drinkin’
Dee White – Whiskey Please
Pug Johnson – El Cabron
Spencer Hatcher – When She Lies
Matt Daniel – On My Own
Aaron Watson – Pontiac
Tyce Delk – As Long As I Got You

Not since Miranda Lambert burst onto the scene 20 years ago have I been able to say I love mainstream country music artist like I do Ella Langley. “Choosin’ Texas” is my vote.

Definitely Tiger Lilies gets my top billing. I love Pug Johnson’s El Cabron, but that was released in 2024. Heaven Passing Through is pretty much a perfect song. TT might as well take the full sweep of Best Album, Song, and Single for 2025. Luke Bell sings The King Is Back, and it’s fantastic, but TT are the clear kings and this album removed any and all doubt that they are, indeed, back!

Lost Highways by Jinks is high on my list. Childer’s biting list has bitten me! It is a great song performed live. Honourable mentions for the singles from Langley, Butts, Sweeney and Worthington. Any of them would be deserving winners. The winner for me though is TT’s Heaven Passing Through. Great song.

I’m not seeing many shout-outs in the comments to Jake Worthington’s “It Aint the Whiskey,” presumably because it’s too silly. Back in the day, though, it would have been a perfect example of what a blockbuster country hit should be. My runners-up for single of the year would be Luke Bell’s “The King Is Back” and Marcus King’s “Heartlands.”

I thought “Wagon” was the song from “Corn Queen” most likely to return Hailey to country radio, but Big Loud, which talks the talk but too often fails to walk the walk, didn’t send anything from that album to radio. Say what you may about country radio, there is always room (but not much) on it for a song with quality as well as catchiness, and I just don’t get that label’s lack of promotion for Whitters’ work.

Also liked you gave a nod to Butts for that Jimmy Eat World cover. People miss how well written that song was because it rocks so hard – think there was like 6 tracked guitars on the chorus of the album version. Kaitlin did a beautiful job stripping it down and centering the message.

Other Honorable Mentions:
“Learning my Lesson” Wilder Blue
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” Cody Jinks
“Game I Can’t Win” Charley Crockett
“Sailing Away” James McMurtry
“Leaving Town” Turnpike
“Party of One” Sean Tobin
“Goat House Blues” Fust

Long Way Home – Matt Daniel. That voice and melody blew my socks off. I showed multiple people that song which I rarely do anymore because everyone has such niche taste and endless access. But that song is undeniable regardless of genre.

Given your list, Jake Worthington seems a great one. Yes it’s a banger, it’s a honky- tonker, it hearkens back to a time where Sammy Kershaw was on the radio, it could have been a Jones tune comparable to some of his humorous songs. Its feel good and instrumentally hits on all cylinders. The man can flat out sing and this songs no exception.

I do think Marcus Kings Heartlands is way up there. Should be high on the list. Its catchy, it’s fun, it’s got all the makings of a monster hit song. Marcus King is a once in a generation talent, and this cut is one of his most Country sounding songs.
I do like Joe Stamm a lot, it’s a fun song though im hearing it more as a rock tune.

Not only agree with that but Marcus’s album is album of the year for me. I’ve been wondering why nobody’s mentioning him. So glad to see your comment!

Territory Town, without question, for me. Usually love Joe Stamm Band for all the gut punch stuff, but this is just a fun, sing it at the top of your lungs, flying down the road with the windows down, kinda song.

Couldn’t agree more! Territory Town became the road trip anthem for the wife and I. She even said, “It ain’t a road trip unless we sing Territory Town.”

You turned me onto Mike Kuster a few years ago, and I’m surprised none of his songs are on here. I’ve been loving his music this year. Friend Zone and Til Dawns Early Light are great. He put out a bluegrass song with Michael Cleveland called Distant Trains that is really good.

Harmeier’s writing is superb country: he wins this group for songcraft. But that’s not a “single.” Worthington, Walker, and Felker wrote the catchiest melodies that are ready for commercial radio. They win for melody, but their songs are not winning “singles” if they’re not successful commercially. I still think commercial success has to do with radio and legacy media, bless my superannuated heart. Slow songs, no matter how good they are (Sweeney, Daniel), aren’t commercial enough to be “singles,” so that knocks out a bunch. Stamm’s music is for a different yard altogether. Childers is right on the edge of being a parody of a Childers song.

So that leaves Langley. Single of the year. Her career has taken off. Like Jessi Colter with more sass and a bigger team. I would’ve like to have been at her little gig in Chicago a year or so ago.

In here to stump for Matt Daniel. Lots of great songs on this list, but I have probably listened to this song a thousand times this year and still love it every time. Just an incredible sound and voice.

From this list, it’s definitely Spencer Hatcher’s “The Way She Lies”, for me. But for the category single of the year, I think that Graycie York’s “Call Me Crazy” should be considered as a serious pick too.

Single of the Year criteria: which song did I select the most on the family trips when it was my turn to pick the song? The fix is in – Trig’s trying to submarine Sunny Sweeney as her two (2) best singles are Diamonds & Divorce Decree & I Drink Well with Others. Each has perfect turn-of-phrases that hook you in the gut and won’t let go. I’ll sing along to each for years to come. Following closely and while a recut (and criminally left off the list) Sierra Ferrell, Nikki Lane – “A Lesson In Leavin’”. Those voices in this duet could literally sub-out for the sirens and wreck any ship. Again criminally neglected, Randall King, Braxton Keith – “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk”; a boot scooting boogie with cheatin’ and drinkin’ but a total opposite turn of the phrase. And, well Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas” which is the only song to which I posted onto tic-tok by my 14 year old daughter – we were two-stepping in front of the grill loaded with oysters to the tune. So my final list:

1. (tie) Diamonds & Divorce Decree or I Drink Well with Others
2. Sierra & Nicki – “A Lesson In Leavin’”
3. Randall & Braxton – “Cheatin’ On My Honky Tonk”
4. Ella (dang she’s charming!) – “Choosin’ Texas”

Honorable mentions: Spencer Hatcher – “The Way She Lies”, Kristina Murray – “Watchin’ The World Pass Me By”, Josh Ward – “Talkin’ To Your Picture”, Tony Logue – “Cinnamon Blonde”,
Zach Top and Billy Strings – “Things To Do”, The Castellows – “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am”, Charley Crockett – “Tennessee Quick Cash”, Joshua Hedley – “Fresh Hot Biscuits”,
Spencer Hatcher – “When She Calls Me Cowboy”, Luke Bell – “The King Is Back”, Ladybird – “Famous Band”

I like the darker music so for me its probably Rebecca Potter’s gothic Americana Shadow Of Doubt, an amazing song about domestic violence, alhough she released it in a more conventionally country version the year before

Lots of fun songs here. For my money, Single of the Year contenders:
“Keys to the Tacoma”, Joshua Ray Walker – Underneath this boot stomper are some surprisingly deep feelings about addiction, loss and home-going. This is country music, after all, so if you haven’t lost your first love and your hometown, what are you even doing here?
“Long Way Home”, Matt Daniel – That opening guitar riff (is that a baritone guitar?) is fabulous and it gets better from there.
“Honkey Tonk Blue”, William Beckmann – Great song, super arrangement, amazing voice.
“Territory Town”, Joe Stamm Band – Nice song, very well-written and arranged. Great opener for my AOTY winner. A fun song on a pretty dark album.

IMHO Single of the Year should be something you could play for your kids, and Childers’ gratuitous profanity on “Bitin’ List” eliminates it from contention. Honestly it’s not that great of a song, so no great loss. If there’s a Disappointment of the Year category, /Snipe Hunt/ wins it going away.

Billy Strings dressed as a werewolf, no guitar, on a pedestal being raised in the air, also with an added drummer and keys, covering Childer’s bitin list

Some solid choices for me. Personally, I think “Heaven Passing Through” works better as a Song of the Year (and it was my choice on there), so I’m not going to include it in contention here. And in a lot of years, I might have picked “Keys to the Tacoma,” because that is a banger, for sure. For me, this one EASILY goes to JOE STAMM BAND and “TERRITORY TOWN.” Just an absolutely infectious song that is super fun to sing along to at the top of your lungs whether alone in your truck or at a packed-to-the-gills dive bar for a JSB show. It was definitely my “Song of the Summer,” this year. If that song doesn’t put you in a good mood, I don’t know what will.

Joe Stamm Band blew out my stereo this summer… I howled Territory Town more times than I can count. Single of the Year 2025 for sure.
On Red River for Song of the Year with Heaven Passing Through a close second.

another single that I enjoyed a lot this year was K.O.W. by Kenny Feidler. I wanted to shout this song out for all of those who have not heard of Kenny Feidler because I find out about artist through Triggers post and through the comments section. BTW, Kenny in concert is awesome. His album that this song landed on, The Western Tragedy is great from start to finish.

1. Luke Bell – “The King Is Back”: Its cocksure attitude would be irresistible even if one didn’t know the backstory.
2. Kristina Murray – “Watchin’ The World Pass Me By”: The thumping bassline is great fun and makes sure the song keeps thumping in your ears long after it ends.
3. Sunny Sweeney – “Half Lit in 3/4 Time”: A classic punning honky-tonk number.

Strong vote for Territory Town. Single of the year is the type on song you turn on first on a road trip or at BQQ when friends are coming over. No song fits that mold better than Territory Town.

Thank you so much for all you do trigger. Bringing so much joy to light. Art is such an important part of life and you are a beacon year after year. Less culture wars articles would be great but haha thanks so much. Merry Christmas. It still feels like we are prime Brady (turnpike) and everyone else is trying to keep up.