25 of the best country songs for a road trip
You get the keys, we've got the music
Who hasn't dreamed of taking a road trip across America, blasting country music in a pick up truck or old time car? While hopping across the pond might not be an option right now, country music hasn't gone anywhere. If you're in need of the perfect soundtrack for your next long drive, we've got it covered.
These are the classics, the ones you know and love. Get ready to sing at the top of your lungs, roll the windows down and put your feet up on the dashboard - here are the top 25 country road trip songs.
1) John Denver - 'Take Me Home Country Roads'
You'll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't know this song. John Denver's mega classic hits home for all the right reasons; the perfect country song is always about wanting to get out of a small town, only to find yourself on the road home again. Need we say more?
LISTEN: John Denver - 'Take Me Home Country Roads' (Official Audio)
2) Shania Twain - 'Any Man Of Mine'
Of all the Shania Twain songs - and there are so many you should have on your driving playlist - 'Any Man Of Mine' made the cut. There's no better feeling than be being the wheel and screaming: 'Any man of mine better be proud of me / Even when I'm ugly, he still better love me.' It's such a fun song that you might get the urge to start line dancing while driving. Please resist.
WATCH: Shania Twain - 'Any Man Of Mine' (Official Music Video)
3) Darius Rucker - 'Wagon Wheel'
A crowd pleaser, Darius Rucker shifted gears from 90s rock to country in the 2000s and blessed us all with 'Wagon Wheel'. We can't wait for the days when we can sing along to this in a country bar, but until then, our front seat will have to do.
WATCH: Darius Rucker - 'Wagon Wheel' (Official Music Video)
4) Reba McEntire - 'Fancy'
It's not a good country time until 'Fancy' gets played. Reba McEntire took Bobbie Gentry's southern gothic tune and turned it into one of the most well-known country songs. If you feel the pressure of being car DJ, 'Fancy' won't let you down.
WATCH: Reba McEntire - 'Fancy' (Official Music Video)
5) Luke Combs - 'When It Rains, It Pours'
You didn't think we'd leave out Luke Combs, did you? After all, what country fan doesn't love the genre's newest, biggest star? This song gets better the more you listen and we'll never tire of the yelling the line: 'And I ain't gotta see my ex-future-mother-in-law anymore.'
WATCH: Luke Combs - 'When It Rains, It Pours' (Official Music Video)
6) Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood - 'Somethin’ Bad'
The power of this duet! If there's one thing we love more than Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood's friendship, it's the pair of them robbing banks in this music video. Something good is always about to happen when these two come on the radio.
WATCH: Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood - 'Somethin’ Bad' (Official Music Video)
7) Kid Rock - 'All Summer Long'
This is a song that feels timeless. And what better place than to get nostalgic than on a road trip? Reminisce on old memories as the song takes you back to the summer you'll never forget.
WATCH: Kid Rock - 'All Summer Long' (Official Music Video)
8) The Chicks - 'Goodbye Earl'
Nobody does revenge better than the women of country. The Chicks' hit tells the story of best friends who kill an abusive husband with some black eyed peas. Trust us, you'll be tapping your toes along in no time!
WATCH: The Chicks - 'Goodbye Earl' (Official Music Video)
9) Kenny Chesney - 'Summertime'
You could be blindfolded, point to any Kenny Chesney song, and it would belong on this list. But does it get any better than 'Summertime'? Perfect if you're heading to the beach to shimmy off your old cut offs, this is a must for any driving playlist.
WATCH: Kenny Chesney - 'Summertime' (Official Music Video)
10) Dolly Parton - '9 to 5'
What better way than to enjoy a road trip than to moan about your boss or your dead-end job? Dolly Parton's got no shortage of hits, but we're trying to keep things upbeat, and while the lyrics aren't crazy positive, this song is beloved - and known - by everyone.
WATCH: Dolly Parton - '9 to 5' (Official Music Video)
11) Jake Owen - 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night'
'Barefoot Blue Jean Night' was the most played song of the last decade on country radio, so you just know your fellow passengers are going to love this one. An uplifting tune that'll have you singing the words by the second chorus was a no brainer on this list.
WATCH: Jake Owen - 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night' (Official Music Video)
12) Lady A - 'Need You Now'
Road trips aren't only about party songs - sometimes you need a good ballad to belt out. Lady A have got just the thing. 'Need You Now' was a huge crossover hit that put the trio on the map, and over a decade after its release, it's as addictive as ever.
WATCH: Lady A - 'Need You Now' (Official Music Video)
13) Faith Hill - 'This Kiss'
This song just feels like happiness and freedom. Go back in time to the golden days of 90s country with Faith Hill and sway to the beat of 'This Kiss'.
WATCH: Faith Hill - 'This Kiss' (Official Music Video)
14) George Strait - 'Amarillo By Morning'
No road trip playlist is complete without the King of Country Music. 'Amarillo By Morning' is the ideal accompaniment for a long drive, even if you're not going to Amarillo. Check out this incredible live version below.
WATCH: George Strait - 'Amarillo By Morning'
15) Maren Morris - 'My Church'
Maren Morris got the idea for her breakthrough hit when she was driving around Los Angeles thinking to herself: "This is my idea of church." We couldn't agree more, Maren. There is something undeniably spiritual about driving on an open road with country music as the soundtrack.
WATCH: Maren Morris - 'My Church' (Official Music Video)
16) Keith Urban - 'Somebody Like You'
File this under "songs it's impossible not to sing along to". From the catchy chorus to the twangy banjo, what's not to love? Keith Urban churns out enough smash singles to have his own playlist, but this song is our go-to on any road trip.
WATCH: Keith Urban - 'Somebody Like You' (Official Music Video)
17) Gretchen Wilson - 'Redneck Woman'
It's not often in country music we get to celebrate country women just being country from their own perspective. Whether you're a redneck woman or not, find your inner hillbilly and yell 'hell yeah' with Gretchen Wilson.
WATCH: Gretchen Wilson - 'Redneck Woman' (Official Music Video)
18) Chris Stapleton - 'Broken Halos'
If you're needing a more mellow sound, look to Chris Stapleton. 'Broken Halos' is an infectious tune that hits that sweet spot no matter how many times it's played.
WATCH: Chris Stapleton - 'Broken Halos' (Official Audio)
19) Little Big Town - 'Pontoon'
You might not be floating or barbecuing, but nevertheless, these guys know how to party, and 'Pontoon' is a great addition to any driving playlist. Pile your friends in the backseat and go to town. Little Big Town, that is.
WATCH: Little Big Town - 'Pontoon' (Official Music Video)
20) Sara Evans - 'Suds In The Bucket'
Leave your suds in the bucket and the clothes out on the line, get in a pickup truck and drive. That's what the song says, and it's what it'll make you want to do. Sara Evans has such a distinctive voice and moxie that she'll make any dull road trip a little sweeter.
WATCH: Sara Evans - 'Suds In The Bucket' (Official Music Video)
21) Zac Brown Band - 'Chicken Fried'
It doesn't get more country than singing about fried chicken. But in case you haven't heard this one before (where have you been?!), don't be put off. It's a country classic and a crowd pleaser.
WATCH: Zac Brown Band - 'Chicken Fried' (Official Music Video)
22) Maddie & Tae - 'Girl In A Country Song'
Maddie & Tae were just teenagers when they called out male country artists for painting women as two-dimensional background characters in their music. For that alone, they deserve a spot on every list. But this song is a jam, plain and simple.
WATCH: Maddie & Tae - 'Girl In A Country Song'
23) Rascal Flatts - 'Life Is A Highway'
This one is fairly self-explanatory. Featured in the kids movie Cars, this Rascal Flatts song is so good and shouldn't be overlooked.
WATCH: Rascal Flatts - 'Life Is A Highway' (Official Music Video)
24) Jo Dee Messina - 'Heads Carolina, Tails California'
Want to go on a road trip, but can't decide where? Just flip a coin, grab Google Maps and go. But don't forget to put Jo Dee Messina on. Some fans new to the country genre might not know her, but her songs are incredible and this song belongs on every road trip list.
WATCH: Jo Dee Messina - 'Heads Carolina, Tails California' (Official Music Video)
25) Kenny Rogers - 'The Gambler'
Last but certainly not least, we have Kenny Rogers and 'The Gambler'. Sadly, Rogers is no longer with us, but his musical legacy lives on.
WATCH: Kenny Rogers - 'The Gambler' (Official Music Video)
Now see which country stars are members of the Grand Ole Opry:
Luke Combs
INDUCTED: 16th July 2019
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
Luke Combs is a multi-platinum, ACM, CMA, CMT and Billboard Music Award-winning artist. His deluxe album, 'What You See Ain't Always What You Get', debuted at Number 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. His multi-Platinum-certified single 'Forever After All' is Combs' 11th consecutive Number 1 single. Combs also recently made history as the first artist ever to have their first two studio albums spend 25 weeks or more at Number 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and his 2017 debut 'This One's For You' spent 50 non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 - tying the record for the longest reign atop the chart.
Carrie Underwood
INDUCTED: 10th May 2008
OPRY DEBUT: 10th June 2005
Carrie Underwood has reigned supreme at the top of the country charts, including 'Jesus, Take the Wheel,' 'Before He Cheats,' 'Cowboy Casanova,' 'All-American Girl,' 'Good Girl' and 'See You Again.' She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, received eight Grammys and multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, which she has co-hosted with fellow Opry star Brad Paisley.
Keith Urban
INDUCTED: 21st April 2012
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
New Zealand-born and Australia-raised, Keith Urban moved to Nashville in 1992. With hits including 'Somebody Like You', 'Cop Car' and 'Raise 'Em Up', Urban has sold more than 15 million albums, been named radio's most-played country artist and has won praise the world over with his electrifying sold-out concerts that have taken him from Australia to Germany, Canada and the UK.
Lainey Wilson
INDUCTED: 7th June 2024
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2020
Lainey Wilson has been taking the country music scene by storm, quickly becoming known for her distinctive style which hears her blend modern influences with traditional country. Her breakout hit 'Heart Like Yours' propelled her to fame, with the singer now having five studio albums under her belt - with her latest, 'Whirlwind', bagging the Number 1 spot in the UK Country Albums Chart.
Blake Shelton
INDUCTED: 23rd October 2010
OPRY DEBUT: 5th May 2001
Blake Shelton has won CMA Entertainer of the Year, is a multiple Male Vocalist of the Year, and he and Miranda Lambert garnered Song of the Year honours for co-writing the Platinum-selling chart-topper, 'Over You'. He has earned a host of other awards and nominations, including multiple Grammy nominations, six Gold and Platinum albums, and has hosted the ACM Awards repeatedly.
Ashley McBryde
INDUCTED: 10th December 2022
OPRY DEBUT: 16th June 2017
A powerful voice in the country music scene, the talented Ashley McBryde is a force to be reckoned with. With critically acclaimed albums, such as 'Girl Going Nowhere' and 'Never Will', she has earned numerous awards and solidified her status as a respected and influential artist. Now with four studio albums to her name, it's no surprise her latest offering 'The Devil I Know' bagged the Number 1 spot on the UK Country Albums Chart.
Carly Pearce
INDUCTED: 3rd August 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 30th May 2015
Carly Pearce has done well for a girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood! She's gone on to become one of the most exciting new voices in country music, earning two ACM Awards for her Platinum-certified Number 1 duet with Lee Brice on 'I Hope You're Happy Now'. In the summer of 2021, Carly Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton to join the Grand Ole Opry, after over 80 performances on the show.
Lady A
INDUCTED: 21st January 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 2nd November 2007
Over the course of their career, Lady A have racked up more than 18 million album units - and the trio earned their 11th career Number 1 with the multi-week chart topper 'Champagne Night'. Known for their 9x Platinum hit 'Need You Now' - the highest certified song by a Country group - they have earned CMA 'Vocal Group of the Year' trophies three years in a row and countless other honours including five Grammy Awards.
Darius Rucker
INDUCTED: 16th October 2012
OPRY DEBUT: 15th July 2008
Darius Rucker found success with his band Hootie & The Blowfish, with the Grammy-winning group's 1994 debut 'Cracked Rear View' continuing to be one of the best-selling albums in history, surpassing the 16 million album mark. Rucker made the transition to country music with his first album, 'Learn to Live', releasing the single, 'Don't Think I Don't Think About It', which made him the first black artist to reach Number 1 on the Hot Country Songs charts since Charley Pride in 1983. In 2009, he became the first black American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association, and the second black person to win any award from the association.
Kelsea Ballerini
INDUCTED: 16th April 2019
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2015
Kelsea Ballerini has already got two Grammy Award nominations and won two ACM Awards - and she's just getting started. Her debut is now certified Platinum in the US, with her sophomore albums certified Gold - with total streams exceeding 2 billion to date. At the time of her induction, she became the Grand Ole Opry's youngest active member.
Dolly Parton
INDUCTED: 4th January 1969
OPRY DEBUT: 25th July 1959
Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Parton has garnered 11 Grammy Awards and 50 nominations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award; 10 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and is one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including Entertainer of the Year; four People's Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards.
Reba McEntire
INDUCTED: 17th January 1986
OPRY DEBUT: 17th September 1977
Reba is the only female artist to have scored Number 1 singles in each decade from the 1980s through to the current one. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, has sold more than 55 million albums and earned two Grammy Awards. Reba is the most-nominated female artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards, which named her its Entertainer of the Year in 1986.
Dierks Bentley
INDUCTED: 1st October 2005
OPRY DEBUT: 18th April 2003
Dierks Bentley's studio albums have accounted for 25 singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, of which 17 have reached Number 1. While he's a regular atop the country charts, he makes sure to include a bluegrass tune on every album. He's received three CMA Awards, four ACM Awards and been nominated for fourteen Grammy's.
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