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Music enthusiasts from around the globe will celebrate International Country Music Day on 17th September 2025. Country music is a popular category of music that originated in the early 20th century in the Southern United States.
This day was originally established in the 1950s. The day marks an ode to the legendary country artists of all time. This type of music originally reflects the American folk culture and tradition, resonating with people of all ages.
It focuses on themes such as love, heartbreak, family, struggle, and resilience. Banjo, Acoustic guitar, fiddle, electric guitar, harmonica, and bass guitar are some of the instruments associated with the country music style.
Over the years, we have been blessed with many country music artists who have influenced our lives. To celebrate the annual day, we have curated a list of the best country songs, which have been ranked from best to worst by fans.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's personal opinion. Please share how you would rank the songs in the comment section below.
International Country Music Day 2025: Ranking the 10 greatest country songs from best to worst
We have been blessed with a range of country music from the likes of artists such as Dolly Parton, George Strait, and Randy Travis, among others. On this International Country Music Day, we bring you a list of the 10 best country songs of all time, ranked from highest to lowest by the online fanbase.
He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones
Released in 1980, He Stopped Loving Her Today is sung by George Jones. Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman penned the lyrics of the beautiful track. Fans called it “the saddest song ever,” as the song resonates with anyone who has felt unrequited love. Another said that the song is a universal favorite when it comes to country music.
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Regarded as one of the best songwriters of the 20th century, Jolene is Dolly Parton’s finest work. It was written and released in 1973. The song tells how a woman pleads with another woman named Jolene not to take her man. The song is said to be inspired by a bank teller who flirted with Parton’s husband, Carl Dean. It was ranked as the #1 Greatest Country Song of All-Time by Rolling Stone in 2024.
Carrying Your Love with Me by George Strait
George Strait’s Carrying Your Love with Me is a 1997 hit released as the second single from the album of the same name. The heartfelt lyrics are penned by Steve Bogard and Jeff Stevens. The song stayed at the No. 1 spot for four weeks on Billboard Hot Country Songs. Fans love this track as they deeply resonate with the lyrics.
Lost Highway by Hank Williams
Online users have ranked Lost Highway in their top five. Written by Leon Payne and crooned by Hank Williams, the track is based on a dark theme of struggle and loneliness. Although Lost Highway didn’t climb to the no. 1 spot on its release in 1949, it is regarded as a timeless classic.
Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
Randy Travis released it in 1987 as part of the album Always & Forever. Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, it is a masterpiece about wholesome love, which some people get to experience in their lives. It reportedly topped the Billboard chart for three weeks. The song even won a Grammy for Best Country & Western Song and an ACM Song of the Year award.
Truck Yeah by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw released Truck Yeah in 2012 as the lead single from the album Two Lanes of Freedom. The song has received mixed reactions, with some finding it fun and catchy, but others perceived it as a low-grade song representing a decline in his songwriting. It is co-written by LoCash's Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, Chris Janson, and Danny Myrick.
That's My Kind of Night – Luke Bryan
That’s My Kind of Night is a country pop/rock song by Luke Bryan, released as the second single from his 2013 album, Crash My Party. Reddit users have said that it is not one of the best works by Bryan. They said that he became a “sell-out” for trying to appeal to more of a pop genre. The track lacked the traditional country music style.
Honky Tonk Badonkadonk by Trace Adkins
Co-written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser, and Jamey Johnson, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk was released in 2005 by Trace Adkins. The track has been placed as one of the worst country songs by fans. Jamey Johnson, Dallas Davidson, and Randy Houser wrote the track while watching a young woman at a nightclub. Users labelled it a “low point for objectification.”
Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
Achy Breaky Heart is a 1992 track by Billy Ray Cyrus, written by Don Von Tress. Although the song ranked No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, according to major fans, it lacked depth. The song was placed on Reddit’s “worst country songs” lists by fans. A user called it “the lamest song in the history of music.”
Donkey by Jerrod Niemann
A 2014 song released by Jerrod Niemann, Donkey is another track ranked as largely negative by fans. David Tolliver, Kyle Jacobs, and Fred Wilhelm have penned the lyrics. Fans believe that it didn’t deserve to be released as a single, as it damaged Niemann’s mainstream career.
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From George Jones’ heartwarming He Stopped Loving Her Today to Billy Ray Cyrus’ iconic Achy Breaky Heart, these country music tracks hold a special place in the hearts of millions for their distinct themes and storytelling.
Although not all country music released over time by legendary artists failed to impress the audience, many songs deeply resonated with the fans, such that they formed an emotional connection with the tracks. On this International Country Music Day, let us listen to these tracks again, cherishing the golden times.
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