Country music has changed radically since true originals like Hank Williams paved the way for today’s country stars. Merle Haggard was inspired by Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks by theatrical rock bands Queen and Kiss, Miranda Lambert by Loretta Lynn and Beyoncé, and the list goes on (and on).
But the essence of what makes a great country song hasn’t changed a bit in the last 70 years: infectious hooks, big emotions, killer song titles, earworm melodies and straight-talking lyrics that cut to the chase, and right to your heart.
And just as country has borrowed from other genres, many pop and rock stars not thought of as “country” have turned to country for inspiration, whether it’s a heavy metal band belting out a heartbreaking ballad or a global pop-icon baring her tortured soul.
Most of the 10 artists below aren’t strictly identified as “country” by aficionados but we think all these songs share country music’s DNA and should have easily made it to the top 10 on the country charts in a parallel universe.
You listen to this playlist here and be sure to let us know if you think we missed an obvious “Should Have Been a Country Song” track.