21 Country Songs You Need To Hear

Country's biggest hit-makers and brightest new stars all come together for the limited edition, two-disc 2014 ACM Awards ZinePak!

21. Thomas Rhett, "It Goes Like This"

This Georgia boy was born with music in his blood. Son of singer-songwriter Rhett Atkins, Thomas was raised on country, rock, and hip-hop, giving him an undeniably unique style that we love.

20. Parmalee, "Back In The Day"

From small town jam sessions to Nashville stardom, the guys of Parmalee overcame plenty of obstacles to get to where they are now. "Back In The Day" off their debut album, Feels Like Carolina pays tribute to their country-loving roots.

19. Tyler Farr, "Whiskey In My Water"

For months, Tyler Farr worked as the bouncer at a legendary Nashville lounge before he convinced management to give him a shot singing. His passion and talent are what makes this guy the moon in our shine.

18. Kip Moore, "Hey Pretty Girl"

Before topping the country charts with his debut album, Up All Night, Kip Moore did everything from backpacking in Hawaii to managing an Abercrombie & Fitch store in Nashville. His gravely voice, fiery stage presence, and poetic lyrics make him one of our favorite new country stars.

17. Justin Moore, "Point At You"

With three successful albums under his belt and a whole lot of southern charm under his cowboy hat, Justin Moore never fails to deliver solid country hits that can be both rowdy and sentimental.

16. Brett Eldredge, "Don't Ya"

This hit from his debut album, Bring You Back, reached No. 1 on US Country Airplay and we can't seem to get it out of our heads (not that we want to). Eldredge's big voice landed him an opening set on Taylor Swift's Red Tour and a spot in our ZinePak.

15. Chris Young, "Who I Am With You"

Since winning Nashville Star in 2006, this talented performer hasn't stopped coming out with hits. His fourth album, A.M., proves that his career is still on the rise.

14. Rascal Flatts, "Changed"

It's no surprise these ZinePak alums continue to move fans with poignant and melodious hits, including this one from their latest album, Changed. Nine albums into their career and it doesn't look like Rascal Flatts will be descending from the top of the charts anytime soon.

13. Jerrod Niemann, "Drink To That All Night"

Jerrod Niemann grew up in Kansas studying artists like ZinePak alum, George Strait, writing his own songs, and developing a unique country style. Six studio albums later, Niemann has toured extensively, topped numerous charts, and even written songs for fellow country stars, including Garth Brooks.

12. Hunter Hayes, "I Want Crazy"

This singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and heartthrob may only be 22 years young, but he's topped the charts over and over again like a seasoned veteran. At age two, Hayes received a toy accordion from his grandmother (thanks, Grandma Hayes!) and since then has spent his life making country music with a style all his own.

11. Dan + Shay, "19 You + Me"

This dreamy duo met in Nashville in 2012 and began making music together the very next day. Their debut album, Where It All Began, is a fresh combination of country and pop with powerful ballads and youthful emotions.

10. Sheryl Crow, "Easy"

This ZinePak alum has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, received 9 Grammy awards, worked with countless legends, and still likes to crack open a beer on the beach like the rest of us. This track from her latest album, Feels Like Home, became her first Top 20 country hit and proves that this beauty's still got it.

9. Carrie Underwood, "Two Black Cadillacs"

As the most successful American Idol singer of all time, Carrie has since become a multi-platinum selling recording artist. But you probably didn't know that this sweet country girl also loves horror films! She asked author Stephen King for permission to use his creepy novel, "Christine," as the inspiration for her spooky "Two Black Cadillacs" video.

8. Florida Georgia Line, "Round Here"

Florida Georgia Line knows exactly how to make a catchy, summer hit and "Round Here," the third single off their debut album, Here's To The Good Times, is no exception. The song's music video was shot in the dynamic duo's respective hometowns (and reason behind the band name) of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Monroe, Georgia.

7. Kacey Musgraves, "Merry Go 'Round"

While Kacey used to be considered an up-and-coming country artist, we think it's safe to say that she has officially arrived. Besides writing songs for Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, and the TV show, Nashville, Kacey recently won two Grammy Awards: Best Country Album and Best Country Song for "Merry Go 'Round."

6. Lee Brice, "I Drive Your Truck"

Via leebrice.com

This singer and songwriter knows how to pull at our heartstrings. In addition to writing songs for Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw, Lee performs his emotional ballad, "I Drive Your Truck," which was inspired by a real life situation. It's hard to believe that he almost chose football over playing music!

5. Taylor Swift, "Red"

It's no secret that country's reigning princess and ZinePak alum loves to pour her heart out through her multi-platinum albums. Appropriately, Taylor chose to name her latest album, Red, after the color she feels best describes her emotions of intense frustration, jealousy, confusion, but most importantly, love.

4. George Strait, "Give It All We Got Tonight"

Via en.wikipedia.org

George Strait, a living legend better known as the "King of Country," is one of the most influential and popular recording artists of all time. Winner of 2011's ACM Award for Artist of the Decade, George returns to his youthful country roots with "Give It All We Got Tonight" and earned an Entertainer of the Year nomination to boot!

3. Blake Shelton, "Mine Would Be You"

This Oklahoma native began crooning and playing the guitar at age 12. Prior to becoming one of country music's "power couples" with fellow superstar and wife, Miranda Lambert, Blake also rocked a pretty awesome mullet. Shh, don't tell him we told you.

2. Miranda Lambert, "Mama's Broken Heart"

Via en.wikipedia.org

Since gaining fame as a finalist on Nashville Star in 2003, Miranda has made waves with her sassy songs and candid attitude, becoming one of country music's leading ladies. Interestingly enough, "Mama's Broken Heart" was written by fellow ACM nominee on this list, Kacey Musgraves.

1. Luke Bryan, "Crash My Party"

From bass-thumping party anthems to heartfelt ballads, this Nashville native can make any song a hit with his charming smile and country twang. His fourth studio album, Crash My Party (and it's titular track), debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Album charts, proving Luke's undeniable cross-genre appeal.

Love these country music superstars?

Get exclusive interviews, photos, and videos with all of them and 10 more up-and-coming artists in the limited edition, 2-disc Official 2014 ACM Awards ZinePak!