Summer can be the perfect occasion for playingmusic, andthese classic country songs are ideal for the playlist. These tunes are all ones that stood out during their release, even against some classic rock artists who were creating their own signature hits, includingunforgettable cover songs. Additionally, these country artists managed to beat out some legendary tunes thatcould have been number-one hits.
A big reason these gained so much attention is that they were authentic. As seen with artists like thehit-making Jimmy Buffett, what people want most is something that comes from the heart. Through true exploration of what drives them, some incredible stories were told, and now they have become iconic.Whether it’s taking a road trip, sitting by a pool, or needing a spark of motivation, these classic country songs are there for the feel-good summertime.
10Hank Williams Jr. - A Country Boy Can Survive
Album: The Pressure Is On (1981)
Playing country music is something that Hank Williams Jr. was born to do. Over the course of his career,he has released an incredible 54 studio albums. Even with an unfathomable amount of music under his belt, he has proven to be a constant hitmaker. For his 33rd studio album, released in 1981, one of the top songs was “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
To this day, it remains a staple of country radio, just as it did when it first arrived.
This tune was a dive into some of his favorite pastimes, which many can relate to. For example, it touches on hunting and fishing, two very popular activities, especially in the summer. Williams Jr. was able to get to the core of country folk,helping this song resonate for generations. To this day, it remains a staple of country radio, just as it did when it first arrived.
9Dolly Parton - My Tennessee Mountain Home
Album: My Tennessee Mountain Home 1973
One of Tennessee’s most famous residents is Dolly Parton. The country music legend owns everything from a home to an amusement park in “The Volunteer State.” Like many musicians have decided to do,Parton wrote a song dedicated to her home. “My Tennessee Mountain Home” was the title track from her 11th studio album, which arrived in 1973.
Of course, the song explores sweet sentiments about where she lives, as she sings about some of the glorious nature surrounding her. While not everyone lives in Tennessee, this is a very relatable tune, especially in the summer. It serves as a reminder to listeners toappreciate their homeland and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them, just as Parton did.
8Kenny Rogers - The Gambler
Album: The Gambler (1978)
When you talk about a great summer song, “The Gambler” must be on the list. This was written by songwriter Don Schlitz in 1976. Eventually, Kenny Rogers would get hold of the song in 1978, even naming his sixth studio album after it. Rogers made the tune legendary,turning it into a number one hit on theBillboardHot Country Songs chart.
Famously,the tune has a summer setting, which makes it perfect for the playlist. In terms of storytelling, this tune is considered one of the best ever told in music. Therefore, each word is vital, making the summer backdrop even more significant. Additionally, the chorus is one that can be sung all day as it’s hard not to have it stuck in your head.
7Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made For Walkin’
Album: Boots (1966)
As the daughter of Frank Sinatra, Nancy had big shoes to fill when stepping into the music industry. With her boots, she made a name for herself immediately with her 1966 debut album. “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'“became a number-one hit on theBillboardHot 100, quickly helping Nancy create her own legacy.
Along with many uses in pop culture, this song has become one that many artists like to cover. These range from Billy Ray Cyrus to Jessica Simpson to Megadeth. It’s impressive how versatile this tune is and the way it has become a timeless classic. As summertime can call for many adventures,this is a song with fearless energy, encouraging self-belief.
6George Strait - Amarillo By Morning
Album: Strait From The Heart (1982)
Originally, “Amarillo By Morning” was written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser in 1973, with Stafford recording it as a country pop hit. In 1982,George Strait decided to cover the tune and added his own twist to it. Strait made this a more western rendition, infusing a supreme country flair into the song that would be on his second studio album,Strait from the Heart.
While not everything will be perfect, there are positives to enjoy, and this tune promotes that belief.
As the days grow longer in the summer, there is more freedom for activities. Of course, this also means ample time for reflection. This song is perfect for that, asit serves as a reminder to be happy with everything you do have. While not everything will be perfect, there are positives to enjoy, and this tune promotes that belief.
5Charlie Daniels - The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Album: Million Mile Reflection (1979)
Part of the specialty of country music is the emphasis on the journey. Some of these songs tell intriguing stories, with their formats becoming a structure for other musicians to follow. For their milestone 10th studio album,the Charlie Daniels Band wrote what many consider one of the greatest tales ever told, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
Since its release, it has been revered, placing number one onBillboard’sHot Country Songs chart and number three on the Hot 100. As a song for the summer,this tune is versatile. First, because of its storytelling nature, it is the perfect tune for a car ride. Additionally, the instrumental is pure country. Especially with the fiddle, this makes it the kind of track that energizes a room.
4Charley Pride - Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'
Album: Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs (1971)
Sometimes, the best tune for a mood is anold-fashioned country love song. These kinds of tunes are pure and heartfelt, creating a euphoric feeling. While the legendary Charley Pride had many of these tracks, one of the most iconic was “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'.” This arrived in 1971 and quickly became beloved throughout the country genre.
Many legends would later cover this tune, includingGeorge Jones, Conway Twitty, and Percy Sledge. With this kind of exposure helping to propel it forward, these words from the song began to resonate with a global audience. While many artists today continue to produce passionate hits, there is nothing like a classic.
Album: Honeysuckle Rose Soundtrack (1980)
One of the best tunes for summer road trips is “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, which explores the excitement of travel. The song comes from theHoneysuckle Rosesoundtrack, a film that starred Nelson. It became such a massive hit thathe won a Grammy Award for it, further enhancing its iconic legacy.
Throughout the lyrics, Nelson expresses his excitement aboutbeing with friends, doing things he loves, and exploring places he has never seen. These are all activities that many aspire to do during the summer months. You never know where life will take you, but as Nelson writes, it’s about going down the highway and insisting the world turns your way.
2Glen Campbell - Like A Rhinestone Cowboy
Album: Rhinestone Cowboy (1975)
Since the song’s release, “Rhinestone Cowboy” has been a popular tune, not only in country but also among pop audiences. The song skyrocketed up the charts,becoming number one on threeBillboard rankings, including the Hot 100. At the end of the year, it remained the number two song and placed within the Top 160 between 1958 and 2018.
It’s the ideal country track that remains neutral, entertaining all kinds of music fans.
This song has a great message about believing in yourself and never giving up. It serves as the perfect inspirational tuneto rise up until you reach your personal pinnacle. Additionally, since it resonates with many different audiences, it’s the ideal country track that remains neutral, entertaining all kinds of music fans.
1John Denver - Thank God I’m A Country Boy
Album: Back Home Again (1974)
From John Denver’s career, there are many songs that could be perfect for summer, including “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” However, since that song is closely associated with West Virginia football in the fall,the perfect tune sung by him for summer is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.“This one has all the makings of a classic country song, from its upbeat instrumental to its irresistible lyrics.
When Denver released this tune, it became a number one hit on multiple charts, including theBillboardHot 100. Although many have tried, no cover has quite matched what Denver originally did. There was something about the way he performed that tune that truly resonated with listeners;it perfectly promoted the little things that make life mean so much.
