This Is Country Music
  • Home
  • Album Reviews
  • Other Stuff
  • Archives

Top 20 Singles of 2019

12/16/2019

0 Comments

 
After breaking down the worst mainstream country music had to offer in 2019, it's time to take a more positive look at the music that made our years. It's a diverse list that includes both radio smashes and commercial underdogs, and that covers the wide range of emotions and experiences that makes the genre so special. Here are the top 20 singles of 2019, brought to you as always by myself, Markus, and Zack. Let us know what your favorites were, and here's to another great year (and decade) of music!
Picture
#20
​Jason Aldean, "Rearview Town"

To Jason Aldean’s credit, his stoic, rough demeanor can work incredibly well for a song, given the content. For “Rearview Town,” there’s a brooding sense of nihilistic fury as the narrator leaves his nowhere town behind. For once, too, there’s a deeper subtext to the situation; Aldean may be leaving because of a breakup, but the decision comes from years of watching rusted plows and a general decay of a place he used to love. - Zackary Kephart
Picture
#19
​Brooks & Dunn feat. Luke Combs, "Brand New Man"


​An electric cover that is actually superior to the original. Combs adds a massive dose of energy to the track, and blends perfectly with Ronnie Dunn's always-excellent vocals. An exhilarating track that exceptionally blends the past and present of country music. - Markus Meyer
Picture
#18
Parmalee, "Be Alright"


I certainly didn't have 'Parmalee covering  a pop smash and making my year-end list' on my 2019 country music bingo card, but here we are. It's a very well-done version of an already good song, with Matt Thomas coming off as immensely sincere and the production adding a layer of regret to the track. Parmalee is pretty hit-or-miss (emphasis on the miss, lately), but "Be Alright" is a great effort that deserves credit for its earnestness and emotional depth. - MM
Picture
#17
​Riley Green, "In Love By Now"


I’ll forever wish this could have been the hit over “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” It’s Green’s sunny disposition that sells this track – a lighthearted, yet mature. reflection of wondering where a former lover is now and wishing them the best. The tones are rollicking enough to support the song’s brighter atmosphere, and the general optimism surrounding how both parties will be alright in the end makes this one of the funnest breakup songs in recent memory. - ZK
Picture
#16
Brantley Gilbert feat. Lindsay Ell, "What Happens In a Small Town"


There a lot of problems with Fire and Brimstone as an album, but the hit lead single represents a lot of what Brantley Gilbert does well. The hook is memorable, the melody effective, and the production relatively restrained. What really makes it click is the chemistry between Ell and Gilbert, an unlikely combo but one that ultimately succeeds with flying colours. An excellent return to form after a handful of poor radio releases. - MM
Picture
#15
Carly Pearce feat. Lee Brice, "I Hope You're Happy Now"


After the unfortunate mess of “Closer To You,” it’s refreshing to hear Carly Pearce return to a sound comfortable for her with “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The real gut-punch of the track comes in both lovers thinking they’re doing the other one a favor by saying goodbye, and deep down neither one wants that. Lee Brice hasn’t sounded this good in years. - ZK
Picture
#14
Midland, "Mr. Lonely"


The title character may be sleazy as hell, but when the song is an exercise in lighthearted fun, it’s more than forgivable. Beyond feeling like a literal blast to the past, “Mr. Lonely” excels for its top-notch energy and clever one-liners (how did no one come up with “I’m the number that you know by broken heart” yet?). - ZK

Picture
#13
Ashley McBryde, "One Night Standards"


For as much as I enjoy every song on this list, very few of them explored dark, uncomfortable territory. Granted, Ashley McBryde isn’t getting the radio airplay she deserves anyway, so she might as well deliver “One Night Standards” - a blunt, painful exchange of rules for a one night stand, where the focus is less on the deed and more on the subtle implications of how badly damaged the narrator to not care anymore. McBryde’s performance is what truly sells this track. - ZK
Picture
#12
Maddie & Tae, "Die From a Broken Heart"


A damning sign of the times more than anything, Maddie and Tae’s team thought pushing “Friends Don’t” over this song last year was a good idea. Now, more than a year later, the momentum behind “Die From A Broken Heart” has faded, but the song remains a wonderful return to form for the duo. Despite stemming from a younger perspective, the narrator’s pain never feels oversold, and instead tells its story from the questions she asks to her mother. It’s a genuine expression of pain that’s heartfelt and relatable in any scenario. - ZK

Picture
#11
Randy Houser, "No Stone Unturned"


The revival of Randy Houser is one of the most noteworthy storylines of 2019 for country music, and "No Stone Unturned" epitomizes this development. It's a refreshing, lively record that enbodies the carefree spirit it details, He's in top form vocally, and the production is a perfect blend of contemporary stylings and traditional influence. A superb effort from a former victim of the bro-country influx. - MM
Picture
#10
​Thomas Rhett, "Remember You Young"


"Remember You Young" encompasses Thomas Rhett's best traits: a magnetic performance, a tight, coherent production, a compelling melody and hook, and a mature, reflective outlook on life. It's a dynamic record that is both memorable and accessible. Center Point Road was a lot of what Rhett does poorly, but this track is undoubtedly a career highlight for him. - MM
Picture
#9
​Eric Church. "Some of It"


A list song, but the good kind. "Some of It" expresses a sense of wisdom and reflection backed by an effective production and melody, fostering both unbound optimism and melancholic reflection. It's somewhat of a sonic diversion for Church, but once again exemplifies that he's the most compelling star in mainstream country music these days. - MM
Picture
#8
Blake Shelton, "God's Country"


Let’s be honest – Blake Shelton hadn’t released an interesting single in nearly a decade. Then comes along “God’s Country” - a dark, southern-Gothic-inspired track that found Shelton in top form, vocally. Even if it’s little more than a salute to the character’s rural land, it avoids the typical pandering and cliches by coming across as a mystifying reverence for the world around him. It’s one of the biggest singles of the year, and for once it’s for a good reason. - ZK
Picture
#7
Kelsea Ballerini, "homecoming queen?"


In what is by far her best effort to-date, Kelsea Ballerini demonstrates a sense of vulnerability rarely seen on country radio these days. A stunning empowerment ode that balances exceptional songwriting with a tender pop-county backdrop. Remarkable stuff. - MM
Picture
#6
Tenille Townes, "Jersey on the Wall (I'm Just Asking)"


What this single demonstrates is Tenille Townes' ability to blend an intricate storyline with a broader thematic arc, making for a compelling listen. The performance exudes equal parts regret and wonder, with a production that only amplifies those sentiments. Townes is maybe the most exciting young talent in the genre these days, and "Jersey on the Wall (I'm Just Asking)" only reinforces that. - MM
Picture
#5
Kacey Musgraves, "Rainbow"


Fresh off her Grammy Award sweep, Kacey Musgraves should have had one of the biggest hits of the year when “Rainbow” was released. Instead, like pretty much any of her singles outside of “Merry ‘Go Round,” the song floundered within the top 40 at radio. It’s all the more sad given that the song’s message of hope and resilience, wrapped in an understated, poetic elegance, was among the songs we needed in 2019. One of her best in any capacity, though. - ZK
Picture
#4
Luke Combs, "Even Though I'm Leaving"


Sure, the song basically goes overboard to tug at the listener’s heartstrings, but it works. The bond between the father and son begins and ends with a promise to protect, and even if that ending is fairly predictable, Luke Combs effectively underplays the track to make sure it connects anyway. Plus, I’m a sucker for that mandolin. - ZK

Picture
#3
Eric Church, "Monsters"


​A masterful blend of faith and humanity, made accessible by Church's earnest performance and the largely acoustic backdrop. Maybe his best written song to-date, and an effort that demonstrates his continued artistic growth and maturity. The hook is both powerful and melodically competent. Church continues to outdo himself. - MM
Picture
#2
Ashley McBryde, "Girl Goin' Nowhere"


In a just world, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” would be Ashley McBryde’s signature song – a personal victory lap where the triumph comes in just being able to play music. With her recent recognition from the Country Music Association and Grammys, Ashley McBryde may not have the radio hits, but she’s proving she doesn’t need them to get somewhere. - ZK
Picture
#1
Ingrid Andress, "More Hearts Than Mine"


An essentially flawless record from a dynamic young talent. The songwriting is raw and unique; the melody and hook flow wonderfully; the production expertly blends traditionalism and modern stylings. The highlight is the vocal performance, as Andress is both a uniquely capable technical vocalist and an impactfully expressive performer. Country radio's apparent embrace of "More Hearts Than Mine" may be their best decision in years, and if there's any justice, Andress will be a mainstream staple for years to come. - MM
0 Comments

    Like us on Facebook! Also, follow us on Twitter @TICMWeebly!

    Writers

    Markus Meyer
    A country music fan from B.C., Canada. You can find his work at theshotgunseat.com. You can follow Markus on twitter at @Markus_Meyer27.

    Contributors

    Chris Baggs
    A country music and Buffalo Sabres fan from Buffalo.

    Zackary Kephart
    A country music fan from Buffalo, New York. 
    ​
    Comment Policy

    TICM is dedicated to the respect of readers and authors, and their opinions. Any comments that contain derogatory language will be deleted.
    ​

    More Country Music Content:

    All Access
    ​B-Sides & Badlands
    Country Exclusive
    ​
    Country Perspective
    Country Universe
    Farce the Music
    ​Grady Smith on Country
    Highway Queens
    Pulse Music Board
    Queens Of Country
    Roughstock
    Saving Country Music
    Shore2Shore Country
    The Shotgun Seat
    ​The Musical Divide
    ​The Word

    Tweets by @Markus_Meyer27

    Categories

    All
    3 Up 3 Down
    5 Second Single Reviews
    5 Second Single Reviews
    Aaron Watson
    Alan Jackson
    American Aquarium
    Ash Bowers
    Ash Bowers
    Ashley Campbell
    Ashley McBryde
    Ashley Monroe
    A Thousand Horses
    Austin Webb
    Autumn Hill
    Awards
    Bebe Rexha
    Best Of 2012
    Big & Rich
    Billy Currington
    Blackjack Billy
    Blake Shelton
    Blanco Brown
    Brad Paisley
    Brantley Gilbert
    Brett Eldredge
    Brett Young
    Brooks & Dunn
    Brothers Osborne
    Cam
    Canaan Smith
    Candi Carpenter
    Carly Pearce
    Carrie Underwood
    Casey James
    Cassadee Pope
    Chad Brownlee
    Charlie Worsham
    Chase Bryant
    Chase Rice
    Chris Cagle
    Chris Janson
    Chris Lane
    Chris Stapleton
    Chris Young
    Chris Young
    Cole Swindell
    Colt Ford
    Craig Campbell
    Craig Morgan
    Craig Morgan
    Dallas Smith
    Danielle Bradbery
    Dan + Shay
    Darius Rucker
    David Lee Murphy
    David Nail
    Dean Brody
    Devin Dawson
    Dierks Bentley
    Doc Walker
    Dustin Lynch
    Dylan Scott
    Easton Corbin
    Edens Edge
    Eli Young Band
    Eric Church
    Eric Paslay
    Faith Hill
    Florida Georgia Line
    Florida Georgia Line
    Frankie Ballard
    Garth Brooks
    Gary Allan
    George Strait
    Gloriana
    Greg Bates
    Hayden Panettiere
    Hunter Hayes
    Ingrid Andress
    Jake Owen
    Jake Owen
    James Wesley
    Jana Kramer
    Jason Aldean
    Jason Aldean
    Jason Blaine
    Jason Mitchell
    Jennifer Nettles
    Jerrod Niemann
    Joe Diffie
    Joel Crouse
    Joe Nichols
    Joey Hyde
    John Mayer
    Jon Pardi
    Jordan Davis
    Justin Moore
    Kacey Musgraves
    Kane Brown
    Karen Fairchild
    Keith Urban
    Kelleigh Bannen
    Kellie Pickler
    Kelly Clarkson
    Kelsea Ballerini
    Kenny Chesney
    Kip Moore
    Kristian Bush
    Lady Antebellum
    LANCO
    Laura Bell Bundy
    Lauren Alaina
    Leann Rimes
    Lee Brice
    Lindsay Ell
    Little Big Town
    LoCash
    Locash Cowboys
    Lonestar
    Love And Theft
    Luke Bryan
    Luke Combs
    Maddie & Tae
    Maggie Rose
    Maren Morris
    Martina Mcbride
    Michael Bublé
    Michael Ray
    Mickey Guyton
    Midland
    Miranda Lambert
    Montgomery Gentry
    Mo Pitney
    Morgan Wallen
    Nashville
    Natasha Bedingfield
    Nelly
    News
    Niko Moon
    Old Dominion
    Parmalee
    Pat Green
    Pistol Annies
    Raelynn
    Rainey Qualley
    Randy Houser
    Randy Rogers Band
    Rascal Flatts
    Riley Green
    Robert Counts
    Rodney Atkins
    Ronnie Dunn
    Runaway June
    Russell Dickerson
    Sam Hunt
    Sara Evans
    Sarah Buxton
    Sarah Darling
    Scotty McCreery
    Seth Ennis
    Shania Twain
    Sheryl Crow
    Single Reviews
    Single Reviews
    Single Round Up
    Striking Matches
    Sugarland
    Sunny Sweeney
    Tate Stevens
    Taylor Swift
    Tebey
    Tenille Townes
    The Band Perry
    The Chicks
    The Civil Wars
    The Farm
    The Henningsens
    The Last Bandoleros
    Thomas Rhett
    Thompson Square
    Tim Hicks
    Tim Mcgraw
    Toby Keith
    Todd O' Neill
    Trace Adkins
    Train
    Travis Denning
    Tucker Beathard
    Turnpike Troubadours
    Tyler Farr
    Tyminski
    Vince Gill
    Walker Hayes
    Walker McGuire
    William Michael Morgan
    Willie Nelson
    Worst Of 2013
    Worst Of 2014
    Worst Of 2020
    Year End Countdowns
    Zac Brown Band

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    December 2021
    August 2021
    December 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Album Reviews
  • Other Stuff
  • Archives