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31 Best 2000s Country Songs

These best 2000s country songs will make you want to wear your best boots and sing along. Read on to see which of your favorites made this list.

1. “Live Like You Were Dying” – Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying (Official Music Video)

“Live Like You Were Dying” had multiple weeks at number one on the charts. It also won a Grammy, Song of the Year at the CMA, and the ACM awards.

It’s all about appreciating all of the special moments in life. Its light-heartedness and tenderness and its catchy riff make it an all-time classic.

Next: Greatest songs about death ever recorded

2. “Redneck Woman” – Gretchen Wilson

Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman

“Redneck Woman” is Wilson’s first single from her debut album. It received a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. We consider it one of the best country songs ever recorded, too. It’s a zealous girl-anthem that invites everyone to sing along with it.

Next: The best songs about female empowerment (women power playlist)

3. “Forever and For Always” – Shania Twain

Shania Twain - Forever And For Always (Red Version) (Official Music Video)

The third single from Twain’s fourth album, “Up!”, “Forever and For Always,” is one of the best songs from Shania Twain’s discography. It talks about the sweetness of steadfast love throughout a lifetime.

Next: Best country love songs ever recorded

4. “Somebody Like You” – Keith Urban

Keith Urban - Somebody Like You (Official Music Video)

Urban’s breakout hit was this catchy tune about finding new love after heartbreak.

“Somebody Like You” is an upbeat song that celebrates finding love again after being hurt in the past. It’s a perfect song for anyone who has ever been through a tough break-up and comes out the other side.

Next: Best upbeat love songs ever recorded

5. “Mud on the Tires” – Brad Paisley

Paisley’s ode to country living was one of his many number one hits.

“Mud on the Tires” is a fun song about getting away from the city and enjoying the simple things in life. It’s the perfect summertime jam.

Next: Best summertime songs to enjoy summer to

6. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats (Official Video)

Underwood’s massive hit was a revenge anthem for scorned women everywhere.

“Before He Cheats” is a fierce song about a woman getting revenge on her cheating partner. It’s empowering and cathartic, and its driving melody will get anyone fired up.

Next: The best cheating songs ever recorded

7. “There Goes My Life” – Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney - There Goes My Life (Official Video)

Chesney’s touching ballad spent seven weeks at number one.

“There Goes My Life” is a moving song about a father’s love for his child. It may even bring a tear to your eye, no matter how hard you try to hold it back.

Next: Best songs about sons ever recorded

8. “Stay” – Sugarland

Sugarland - Stay (Official Video)

Sugarland’s massive hit was a touching ballad about holding on to the ones you love.

“Stay” is a beautiful song about the importance of never giving up on the people you love, no matter how difficult things might get. Its heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery make it one of the best 2000s country songs.

Next: Greatest 2000s songs overall (top picks)

9. “Bless the Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts

Bless The Broken Road

Rascal Flatts’ signature song is a touching ballad about finding your way in life.

“Bless the Broken Road” is a moving song about the ups and downs of life and how they can lead you to that special person. It will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost in life.

Next: Greatest country singers of all time

10. “As Good as I Once Was” – Toby Keith

Toby Keith - As Good As I Once Was

Keith’s ode to getting older was one of his many hits.

“As Good as I Once Was” is a funny and relatable song about getting older and not being able to do the things you used to be able to do. It resonates with those of us that are getting up there in age.

Next: The best songs about growing up ever recorded (our list)

11. “Austin” – Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton - Austin (Official Music Video)

Shelton’s debut single was a massive hit, spending five weeks at number one.

“Austin” is an ode to small-town living and the simple things in life. It’s sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever longed for a more straightforward way of life.

Next: Top male country singers ever

12. “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Lady Antebellum’s massive hit was a touching ballad about the power of love.

“Need You Now” is a beautiful song about how love can overcome obstacles. Its passionate lyrics and delivery will resonate with anyone who has ever been in love.

The country trio wrote the song with Josh Kear.

“I Need You Now” received four Grammy awards, and it was the first country song since 2006 to win both “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year.”

Next: Top female country singers ever

13. “Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried (Official Music Video) | The Foundation

The Zac Brown Band’s debut single was an instant classic. When we hear the lyrics we instantly think of drinking beer and sitting at home (with a pair of jeans that fit just right, of course). Who can forget this feel good imagery that this song promotes?

“Chicken Fried” is a fun song about good food, good times, and good friends. It’s the perfect song for anyone who loves to kick back and relax with the people they love. Its moving chorus is a great sing-along and can lift your spirits on any day. The band features a violin player that gives the song a relatable bluegrass breakdown in the bridge. It’s all about how the things in life mean the most to many people.

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14. “In Color” – Jamey Johnson

Jamey Johnson - In Color (Official Video)

This down-to-earth song tells the story of a grandfather teaching his grandson about life as he goes through his photo album. The Academy of Country Music Awards awarded it the Song of the Year.

Next: Greatest songs about grandparents

15. “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me

“The House That Built Me” is a moving song about how our childhood homes can shape us into the people we become. It is all about feeling homesick or nostalgic for the innocence of childhood.

Allen Shamblin and Tom Douglas wrote the song. It was one of Miranda Lambert’s most successful songs. It reached a certified platinum ranking twice. 

Lambert sang the song at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The song also won her the Grammy for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance.”

Next: Best nostalgic songs of all time (our list)

16. “You’ll Think of Me” – Keith Urban

Keith Urban - You'll Think Of Me (Official Music Video)

Urban’s debut single was a massive hit, spending six weeks at number one.

“You’ll Think of Me” is a heartwarming song about how the people we love never really leave us, even when they’re gone. Anyone who has ever loved can undoubtedly relate to this song.

Dennis Matkosky, Ty Lacy, and Darrell Brown wrote this song. It was the fourth single from the 2002 album “Golden Road.” It stayed on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number one for two weeks. It even reached number 6 on the US Adult Top 40 chart.

Next: Greatest 2000s love songs (our list)

17. “Alcohol” – Brad Paisley

Paisley’s ode to drinking was one of his many hits. It sings from the perception of alcohol in the first person.

“Alcohol” is a funny and relatable song about the joys and pains of drinking. In addition, it is a playful song that talks about some of the ridiculous things that happen after having one too many.

18. “That’s What I Love About Sunday” – Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan - That's What I Love About Sunday (Music Video)

This song was the first #1 hit from Broken Bow Records and Craig Morgan’s first #1 hit. It showed off the talent of the young singer.

“That’s What I Love About Sunday” is a fun and nostalgic song about the best day of the week. It resonates with people who value their family, friends, and the beauty of a laid-back Sunday.

Next: The best songs about the weekend (ever recorded)

19. “Jesus, Take The Wheel” – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood - Jesus, Take The Wheel (Official Video)

The American Idol singer’s first single, “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” talks about faith in a harrowing situation. It was also a crossover success on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart and the Billboard Adult Contemporary. It won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Performance and Best Country Song.

Next: Best Christian songs for worshipping Jesus (our list)

20. “American Soldier” – Toby Keith

Toby Keith - American Soldier (Radio Edit)

This patriotic hit won Keith the CMT Video of the Year award in 2004. He sings about a family man and his commitment to honor with a snare drum percussion line.

Next: Best patriotic songs ever recorded

21. “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” – Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker - Don't Think I Don't Think About It (Official Video)

Rucker, of Hootie and the Blowfish, became the first African American with a #1 country song for more than 25 years. It went on to be certified platinum.

22. “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow” – Soggy Bottom Boys

I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow (With Band)

The song debuted on the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack and went on to win a Grammy.

“Man of Constant Sorrow” is a beautiful and tragic song about a man who has lost everything. The Soggy Bottom Boys, however, are a fictional band. In “O Brother Where Art Thou,” the actors (including George Clooney) perform it twice. The actual singer of the song is Dan Tyminski.

Next: The best sad songs of all time (saddest tracks ever recorded)

23. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” – Alan Jackson (Feat. Jimmy Buffett)

Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett - It's Five O' Clock Somewhere (Official HD Video)

This song was a massive hit for both Jackson and Buffett. It is a fun and catchy song about how it is always happy hour somewhere in the world.

“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” is the perfect song for anyone who loves to relax with a cold drink. It’s a feel-good song that will make you want to kick back and enjoy life.

Next: The best bar songs ever recorded

24. “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” – Big & Rich

Big & Rich - Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy) (Official Music Video)

Big & Rich’s debut single was a massive hit, spending weeks at number one.

“Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” is a fun and playful song about how there is more to life than material possessions. It’s a great song for anyone who loves to have a good time and enjoys the simple things in life.

Next: Greatest cowboy songs of all time (our picks)

25. “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning” – Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson - Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) (Official Audio)

Written in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, this song helped capture the feelings of a nation in the wake of the tragedy.

Next: Best songs about 9/11 ever recorded

26. “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Music Video)

Womack’s song is all about finding hope and inspiration in life. It connects with fans across all genres. The song reached #1 on the Country and Adult Contemporary charts.

Next: Top 2000s dance songs list

27. “Young” – Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney - Young (Official Video)

“Crash My Party” is a fun and catchy song about how sometimes you need to let loose and have a good time. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to party or needs a pick-me-up.

Ashley Gorley and Rodney Clawson wrote the song. It was featured on the “Crash my Party” album.

Luke Bryan performed this song at the Academy of Country Music awards. 

28. “I Go Back” – Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney - I Go Back (Official Video)

Chesney’s nostalgic song spent seven weeks at number two behind “Live Like You Were Dying.”

“I Go Back” is a beautiful and sentimental song about how the places we love never really leave us.

It was the third single on the album “When the Sun Goes Down.”

It features the narrator explaining how certain places remind him of his favorite songs. In addition, the music video has Chesney’s family and friends.

29. “Give It Away” – George Strait

“Give It Away” is Strait’s 41st Hot Country Songs chart. It reached number 1 in both US and Canada. It’s a story about letting go and moving on with beautiful storytelling.

30. “More Than a Memory” – Lee Brice

More Than A Memory (Acoustic)

Billy Montana, Lee Brice, and Kyle Jacobs wrote this song. They said it was a “dream come true” for him to perform the song. The track was the 51st single released by Brooks and the first single from his “The Ultimate Hits Album,” his third compilation album. It was the first song to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

“More Than a Memory” is a beautiful and nostalgic song about how the people we love never really leave us. It is perfect for anyone who has ever lost someone they love or who is struggling with their own mortality.

31. “Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley (Feat. Alison Krauss)

Brad Paisley - Whiskey Lullaby (Full Version - Official Video) ft. Alison Krauss

Jon Randall and Bill Anderson wrote the song. Brad Paisley performed it with Grammy award-winning artist Alison Krauss on the album “Mud on the Tires.” It reached its highest position at #3 on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks. It was certified platinum twice. It also won the Song of the Year Award from the Country Music Association. 

It’s an acoustic ballad and duet. “Whiskey Lullaby” is a beautiful and tragic song about how alcohol can numb the pain of losing someone we love.

These top country hits topped the airwaves in the 2000s and are definitely worth a listen!

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