The 10 Best Hit Country Songs of 2022

[@GradySmith]

If you are one of the like 100 people that saw the original thumbnail, um, well. That was what KZbin auto-generated lmao.

[@zacharyhardin426]

It was gold

[@Sluhg1]

Damn I missed it.

[@briancurtis8418]

@@Sluhg1 11:34 you're welcome

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Hey Grady. To be fair. Zach Bryan is on Warner Records, and they are the parent company for Warner Music Nashville. I just checked Warner Music Nashville, and they now list Zach Bryan which makes him label mates with Zac Brown Band, Ashley McBryde, Blake Shelton, Bailey Zimmerman and others. I said to you before he was signed to Warner Records which is the parent company, and finnaly now on Warner Music Nashville. It is like simialr artists like Shania Twain, Orville Peck and the likes signed to major record labels that are parent companies of the Nashville ones.

[@nickfuller8459]

@@Sluhg1 me too

[@josiahbryan9972]

I personally think “Til You Can’t” should have been in the top 3. That’s one of the best country songs that have come out in a while. It’s got a great message, the production is outstanding, and it’s an amazing vocal performance from CJ.

[@Tia-0009]

yes sir, if I made the list that would be number 1 and yep has a great meaning

[@RaghornSlayer]

The lyrics are beautiful and have an amazing message, but to me it just sounds too much like so many other songs, I hate too say it, but it’s kinda boring, BUT I still love the song

[@derekhayner7984]

This is valid

[@boomer9755]

🤓🤓

[@kzenias]

Disagree. While Cody Johnsons vocals in the song is strong, and the imagery is undeniably country and specific. The song itself is bland

[@CyrusWaugh]

Trying to make more unique thumbnails, respect Grady, respect

[@SavannahSP]

Jackson Dean had a pretty impressive debut this year with "Don't Come Lookin'" peaking at 11 on the Hot Country Billboard and 3 on the Country Radio Billboard charts! It's sitting at 48 on the year-end list. Not sure I've heard him get a mention on this channel yet, but it was an impressive album in general!

[@nicholasi3535]

I’ve been on Grady trying to get him to listen to Jackson Dean but he still hasn’t listened to the album yet. I agree it’s a top 5 album of the year!

[@SavannahSP]

@Nicholas I hahaha me too. He definitely surprised me, and his acoustic sessions are even better!

[@derekhayner7984]

This is valid

[@owfi]

Don't Come Looking is one I like to blast on the radio. Such good vibes.

[@mc39S686]

I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with Parker McCollum, especially after Handle On You. This song is PERFECT. It's not too traditional but not too contemporary. It has some of the smartest lyrics I've ever heard. It sounds great. I love Parker's voice. You just CAN NOT go wrong with this song. It is everything I want from a country song. I really think that Parker is gonna be top 5 of the decade if he keeps it up

[@Imperialwg]

I've been listening to Stoned not stop, Parker is so good

[@markthompson7503]

That song is such a good song lyrically and with a great hook.

[@jetttokiwa]

To be loved by you Why Indiana *Bangers*

[@basedrooster]

Thought You Should Know still gets me whenever I hear it. Everything Miranda touches is great, it's no surprised she co-wrote.

[@briancurtis8418]

It's awesome to see Cody Johnson at #3 overall this year, beaten only by two Morgan Wallen songs. Excited to see what happens for him in 2023.

[@josiahhodges1893]

It always makes me happy seeing a Texas Country artist break into the mainstream

[@vistdalboy]

I love listen to his live album on Spotify! I am from Norway so the chance of me gettin’ to here him live is pretty Low, so it’s great to have that album as a bandaid!

[@TacoBell20]

CoJo has been in the scene for a long time. So glad he's finally getting the recognition he deserves! Got to see him live last year and I highly recommend seeing him live! Puts on an awesome show and never fails to impress

[@TacoBell20]

@@josiahhodges1893 I like to think CoJo is the modern day George Strait. Hope he gets a lot more #1s

[@danieljackett4193]

So you're saying that Til You Can't is the best song of 2022

[@jasonbennett5231]

I remember how in the end of recent years thinking of how shallow and disposable most country music was, but now I don’t think that. This year has really shined in quality in songwriting, the rise of great female country artists, and how instruments are helping tell the story. This has me excited in the years to some for country music!

[@kiwitealc5353]

my list would be: 1. If I Was a Cowboy, Miranda Lambert This song found a little cave in my brain to dwell in the moment I heard it, and I'll never be able to shake it. (Even if it should be "were") 2. Doin' This, Luke Combs 3. Something in the Orange, Zach Bryan 4. If I Didn't Love You, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood Ok, this one definitely won't be a popular pick among the folks who generally watch these videos. BUT it's a banger and I stand by that. If you don't like it, try singing along to it, or think about it as a pop song and not a country song. 5. Wait In the Truck, Hardy and Lainey Wilson 6. Til' You Can't, Cody Johnson. The cheesiness of this song is a little off putting to me sometimes, but other times that's a good thing 7. Cold, Chris Stapleton I couldn't pick which Chris Stapleton song to go with, this or YSPL, but after actually listening to them back to back, I realized that I really really prefer cold, and I just assumed I liked YSPL because it's Chris Stapleton and everyone seems to like it. (It would probably still make the top ten or close if I were doing repeats though.) 8. Thought You Should Know, Morgan Wallen I already liked this song, but the way Grady just described it made me like it even more. 9. Last Night Lonely, John Pardi 10. Everything She Ain't, Hailey Whitters

[@TheTater1092]

“I tell myself I should quit but I don’t listen to drunks” in Handle on You by Parker McCollum might be one of my favorite lyrics ever in country. Just something about it

[@RonJOlsonJr]

Wait in the Truck gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. In fact I got goosebumps again with Grady talking about it. Hardy and Lainey are the country duo we need more of!

[@kadelondon50]

almost 200k congrats Grady

[@LLeesClassicAVP]

That Morgan Wallen song hits me hard. The lines, "I know you've been worrying about me. You've been losing sleep since '93." In 1993, I had a car accident that left me disabled & almost took my life. I let my mother hear it, & she got that part too. I was drinking & driving, so please drink responsibly!!!

[@alixxxia]

I absolutely love “The Kind of Love We Make”. It’s genuinely such a standout, and had a really great beat.

[@cmpicha2934]

I'm so glad "Wait in the Truck" is included on this list! And that was a perfect description of it; thank you so much for that! I loved it from the first time I heard it, but at the same time I always felt weird and conflicted about it because I wasn't sure if I should like it from a moral standpoint. Now it makes sense and I feel better knowing we're kinda supposed to feel that way.

[@justinreeder3514]

Yessss to "Handle on You" being number 1!! Ever since I saw your video initially talking about it I gave it a listen and have been obsessed with it since!! Fantastic choice!!

[@bubbaholmberg7057]

I love these video's and other folks countdown type videos. Ive been doing my own monthly favorites since back in the My Space days. (really should have jumped on the youtube thing years ago) My top 10 for the year, I never check if somethings a hit, I love what catches my ears or soul. So here they are... 10. American Aquarium - All I Needed 09. Arlo Mckinley - Stealing Dark from the Night Sky 08. Bailey Zimmerman - From The Fall 07. Cody Johnson - I Always Wanted To 06. Zach Bryan - Oklahoma Smokeshow 05. Jamestown Revival - Young Man 04. Ernest - Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen) 03. Aaron Watson - Unwanted Man 02. Jelly Roll - Son Of A Sinner 01. Cody Johnson - Human thank you for your efforts all year long, Ive discovered many great songs via your channel

[@thetruthaboutfacts224]

Any day now by Zac Brown and Ingrid Andress was a song I loved this year, listened to it a ton and that buildup to the last chorus never gets old.

[@Miruble82]

Loving these videos man keep it up and I’m so glad Bailey Zimmerman is on here

[@maryvance869]

Love this. I’m 68 years old. Listened to a lot of country music in the late 70s early 80s but mostly a Springsteen fan. Totally quit listening to music on the radio till this year. I just listened to news. Around the end of 2021 started listening to country music a little. This year so sick of world news really got into music. Just happened on this KZbin and sort of excited that i knew 9 out of the 10 songs. But more than that, all of the ones I know are on my play list of favorites!

[@harryhopkins5575]

Jon Pardi - Last Night Lonely Scotty McCreery - Damn Strait Morgan Wade- Wilder Days All should've made the cut

[@sunshine3914]

Nashville is lucky to have you. As someone who stopped listening to music & tv, more than 18 years ago, the only new artist I’m exposed to are the live late night appearances that are uploaded to KZbin & whoever you talk about on your channel. Reviving 90s county sounds mighty good to me!

[@sarahpaepke9860]

I was just so excited to find out that Zach Bryan got to perform on last night’s episode of Yellowstone!! I was so excited I almost cried. He has made it so far since 2019 and I can’t wait to see where he goes from here

[@staciezens4670]

So glad "Never Wanted to be That Girl," made your list. Carlye and Ashley are both so good and so underappreciated!

[@chrisdornerrespecter8884]

THANK YOU for picking Flower Shops. The track and the album is my fav of 2022 and deserves more love

[@kimbasciano_]

“She had me at heads Carolina” was on repeat for me all year

[@RonJOlsonJr]

Love love Parker. We bought some of the wine he was selling love that as well. Your list is solid. Though I would have tried to sneak in Morgan Wade. I really love her music and Wilder Days is a very solid song.

[@sunnylee9834]

Heart On Fire by Eric Church is also a solo written song (by Eric Church).

[@steelfanther328]

Thanks a whole lot for your awesome videos! Keep up the good work! We kind of wish you would upload more interviews with top US country performers. - Russian CM fans

[@mikebennett1461]

This was a good list but I'm definitely looking forward to the indie stuff. You turned me onto so many artists, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Orville Peck and 49 Winchester to name a few. I'm hyped for it man.

[@Ian00003]

I finally listened to the 49 Winchester album the other day, super good

[@kylieschuller5214]

Whole heartedly agree with this list!! So many great song writing jams this year. The “I don’t listen to drunks” line gets me every time as well as “well I took some pills and she took the dogs”. Great list!!

[@TheJpyne518]

My Top 5: 5. You Proof 4. Handle on You 3. Rock and A Hard Place 2. Flower Shops 1. Something in the Orange

[@skyrushyesminderaserno1150]

You Proof? 🤢 I respect your opinion though

[@zacharyeast412]

"Handle On You" is absolutely one of my favorite songs currently. Going over the chart I love "Damn Strait", "No Hard Feelings" also hits personally. "What My World Spins Around" is fun and so is "Like I Love Country Music".

[@countrymonkOSB]

Hey, Grady! Glad to see my girl Ashley on your list. And I think "Wait in the Truck" is one of the best country songs of all time. Great video, as usual. And Merry Christmas! Hope you get home to see your family. Thanks for a great year of country music.

[@alyssagarza1883]

Really late to watching these videos, but I 100000% agree with the #1 for this category! Handle On You is gold! I didn’t like it at first.. it was overplayed on the radio and every time I heard it, I changed the station, but one day, I reeeaaallllllly listened to it. And I was done. The lyrics are so cleverly written and analyzing this song took me back to my college English days 🤣 I made everyone I knew listen to it, and I explained everything to this song so they could appreciate it like I did 😂 thank you Grady, i learn so much from watching your videos that I am applying it myself to music I like - not to mention all the great recs I pick up from your videos 🙌🏼

[@1cdboeckman]

Flower Shops was my personal favorite. Glad it made your list. A little suprised/disappointed Morgan Wade, Wilder Days didn't even get an honorable mention.

[@GradySmith]

Last year

[@annemariemueller6079]

I owe you my life Grady. My friends always compliment my music taste but really it's all you haha

[@RosemaryHannaMusic]

I'm pretty sure I saw you at Whiskey Jam and now I'm smh that I didn't say hi lol love your videos and perspective!

[@lyzdavis2019]

Just really want to say thanks. You played a big role this year in my personal journey back into country music as I've come to the realization that I'm not who I am in spite of the fact that I grew I up country, but because of the fact that I did. Happy holidays to you & yours.

[@BryceEnglin]

Great list overall. Really thought you had some good song choices. Only thing no Jon Parsi for an honorable mention, kinda a bummer, but always next year.

[@80scamouflage]

After seeing the years they had, it makes me so glad I got to see Lainey and Hailey open for Jon Pardi this summer. I get the feeling they’re not going to be opening acts as often anymore.

[@ManicChangeling]

Personally I would go with Doin’ This for Luke Combs. The first time I heard it on the radio it just blew me away and I hope I can really relate to it in my own life and creative endeavors someday.

[@ColieBear17]

Totally agree! IMO Doin’ This is a much more unique and standout song than Kinda Love We Make.

[@annamarieblair1221]

When I first heard “Wait in the truck”, I didn’t agree with you but after seeing them perform it live, I had a new appreciation. Oh and I’m huge Bailey fan, I agree you can’t choose between those two songs! Finally, “Something in the orange” is such a beautiful song, glad it made top 3!

[@kiwitealc5353]

the cma performance of wait in the truck was awesome

[@jseen9568]

Songs that make you realize there's a real shift back to story telling country songs. Wait in the Truck Never wanted to be that girl (and Ashley in general) Flower Shops Thought you should know Doin This And many others. Really liking what's getting played on the radio this year.

[@mattdyer1315]

Some of my favorites this year Last Night Lonely 5 Foot 9 Fall In Love Damn Strait At The End Of A Bar Truth About You Like I Love Country Music Sand In My Boots She Likes It She Had Me At Heads Carolina Wait In The Truck Heart Like A Truck Never Say Never Come Back As A Country Boy Down Home Whiskey On You

[@TaylorMasonMusic336]

These edits keep getting better & better!

[@livinthedream777]

Agree with a lot of your picks. Til' You Can't and The Kind of Love We Make are probably my top 2. Your #1 totally surprised me - was not expecting that at all - it was not as notable for me (maybe a mild Yee-Haw for me). I always dig your content and thoughtful reviews and look forward to the notifications of new posts!

[@Mark-bk2rs]

Honestly Grady that thumbnail has just changed my perspective on the political state of the world. Thank You! Lives will be changed because of you

[@colourblind021]

She by Jelly Roll. Make sure you give it a listen, in case no one else tells you. And yes, it's country, in the same vein as Son of a Sinner. I think you'll like it.

[@jwmson7791]

I 💯% agree with the “I don’t listen to drunks” line in Handle on You!! One of the best lyrics of the year for sure. Loving everything he’s doing! ♥️🎶🎶

[@brandonpoveromo2741]

The fact that he's saying he needs to quit and that he doesn't listen to drunks will always make me laugh

[@avriledwards1233]

​@@brandonpoveromo2741do you know Parker Mccollum

[@powerpink724]

Grady!! Not you digging up What about Georgia 🤯🤯🤯. Such an excellent deep cut track and it brought me so much joy to hear it get some recognition! 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 ❤

[@therogueeducator8452]

My 7 year old daughter LOVES “You had me at Heads Carolina.” I LOVE 90s country and 90s country so this is such a fun way to bond in the car.

[@Steph1_0_1]

Two Reba mentions in one video!❤ Love it

[@Myrtlecrack]

In April of last year(2023) I started listening to country radio again after a 25 year absence. Part of the reason was that I had been a diehard classic rock listener for most of that time, and I needed something new, but most of the reason was because of my GenZ daughter and Yellowstone, who had exposed me to many Indie/Alt country artists. It was almost like I had gotten in a time machine in 1998, but not totally because my wife is a country fan, so I got little snippets of Bro Country and such. When I started listening to the radio again, I was immediately stuck by Hardy/Lainey Wilson's "Stay In The Truck", Megan Moroney's "Tennessee Orange", and Hailey Whitters "Everything She Ain't" as these diamonds in the rough of country music that otherwise mostly sounded like poppy sewage.

[@marineladimitrova4758]

For a party song, I enjoyed Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home), and for a sad/angry song I liked Wasted On You (The Dangerous Sessions), but I don't think this was the version that made it to the playlist. But from the whole list, I see that What He Didn't Do is the song I keep returning to listen to.

[@tylerharaf5901]

I completely agree. I saw Miranda and elle king this summer and it was interesting getting to hear both versions live

[@nickmeekhof]

Watching this video made me realize I must not be listening to the radio as much as I used to. I recognized all of these songs, but for about half of them, I had no idea they’d also cracked the radio code. What a pleasant surprise!

[@sweettguidry2623]

Completely agree, Handle on You was my favorite too!! Still jam it frequently

[@nathanaelweber6734]

Handle on you is indeed #1. Good to hear it getting well deserved praise

[@ryofdoom7416]

Fall in Love is definitely my favorite this year but your list is very respectable. Probably the best I’ve seen so far this year.

[@honson7]

I think “handle on you” is genius as well! I keep trying to get people to love this song as much as I do! I love your channel, man. One of my faves. Watch every one and I think you’re killing it! I hope you read the good comments and don’t dwell on the bad ones. Keep up the good work!

[@knutolavhalseth6761]

Thanks for another interesting video Grady! Looking forward to your next with indie songs!

[@aarons2848]

Love the new font/labels on the last few videos 👍🏻

[@GradySmith]

I still have a soft spot for Futura

[@Dinoblue88]

You introduced me to Tennessee orange and now it’s my favorite song!! Thank you Grady.

[@naomifishpool2680]

Yassss!! She had me at heads Carolina!!! 💯 This song is just addictive! Huge shoutout to the original too!! Never Wanted To Be That Girl!! Was such a big hit for me!! Loved it when it came out!! Flower shops for the win!! Though You Should Know was my favourite song of the year!! 100% Something in the Orange!! 🔥 So beautiful love Zachs voice!! I just really enjoued this list! Thankyou!!

[@Swingthroughhistory]

Proud of your growth and staying to your true opinions and roots. Also, happy to have you nashville much needed. Good videos man.

[@Animegirl4951]

Ugh the barely played flower shops on my country station and its soooo good 😩❤️

[@milwalkietalkie]

"I tell myself that I should quit, but I don't listen to drunks," was definitely my favorite song lyric of this year

[@jennifersather4385]

Everything She Ain't was also my most listened to song of the year and probs my favorite! I didn't realize it cracked the top 40 until you said it and literally started crying! 😭 I think Wilder Days was on a list of yours from last year and was still my 2nd most listened to song this year. I got my whole family to love it!

[@leb0974]

Zach Bryan is so amazing. My personal favorite artist, and one of the best right now. It is so amazing how he writes all of his songs on his own and how there is very little production on his voice. I love the traditional style of his songs, just feels country. He is definitely under appreciated and under played on the radio. I hope that as his popularity increases, more of his songs will be played in stead of just Something in the Orange and the rare From Austin. So many of his other songs are better than something in the orange in my opinion

[@peteemms560]

Good job man. I enjoy your reviews. You’ve introduced me to a lot of songs that are on my regular playlists.

[@peteemms560]

Btw. I’ve told a lot of people about your channel. And nothing but positive feedback.

[@to13726]

One hell of a list Grady. Keep up the great work

[@derekb8925]

Oklahoma Smokeshow would be my pick, the growl on them boys are out and they’re angry and they’re looking for blood might be the best line of the year. This song captures small town perfectly. Wilder Days was a great surprise as well and introduced me to an artist with some killer songs - Mend describes a relationship like I have never heard in a song. Your top 10 is fabulous. I agree with #1, and yes, I don’t listen to drunks.

[@kaylacoburn]

I absolutely loved this list and the comparable songs you talked a out. I agree with so much of your assessments loved this!

[@Island-Girl]

Great list and video, Grady!

[@Bayless18]

Zach Bryan live at Buckeye Country Superfest was even better than his recording tracks. He almost doubled the tempo of a lot of his songs and they absolutely rocked!

[@Bradferd333]

Damn, I usually go to that but had other plans that weekend. I’m sure with Cody Jinks and Luke Combs it was a fantastic show!

[@Nickrocks247]

Dude you don't miss. You are amazing man and I hope you keep making videos. Love all your top lists! Got me some new songs to listen to and some songs I know that I already love. You are great at putting them all together and adding your own commentary on it. Don't stop making videos!!

[@dannystenros6129]

So cool to see your number 1 was also my most favorite song of the year!! Just so good! After all this back and forth, a fifth won’t do👌🏻

[@ShaunaSwicgood92]

Yes! Parker McCollum is amazing. He has one of the best voices and sound and he deserves this number 1.

[@willyski0223]

That's crazy that you put a Parker McCollum song at number 1 he's so underrated I love it!

[@Mattpizza2024]

I’m a new follower. Thank you for helping me add great songs to my country ❤ playlist.

[@Alltbone]

I seriously discovered handle on you 10 min before watching this video. And look at what number on your list it is. How crazy!

[@ZK_Wright]

I agree with every honorable mentions, especially whiskey of you!!

[@Gookin52]

It's funny how much influence you have on my country music taste after watching your stuff for years now, as much of my list would be yours. That Parker McCollum song is great, but I have to disagree about it being his best - I Can't Breathe continues to be my all-time favorite of his.

[@elijahfreeman7406]

I think the Jelly Roll song would be more than an honorable mention for me, especially given that as far as I know, he has never done anything country and then suddenly drops such a thoughtful and raw country song. But handle on you is a great choice, I owe it to you Grady for turning me onto that one and I love it

[@Linzek186]

Zach byran the good I'll do is amazing. So is burn burn, burn, burn. I found him through your channel, so thank you! He is a family favorite now!

[@WhitetailVigilantes]

I really can't fault much of the list, although we've already had the discussion about my dislike of Zach Bryan. But here's my list based on the hot 100 list: 1. Till you can't - Cody Johnson 2. never wanted to be that girl - Ashley McBryde and Carly Pierce 3. With a woman you love - Justin Moore 4. Give heaven some hell - Brantley Gilbert 5. growing old with you - Restless Road 6. Don't wanna fall in love - Bailey Zimmerman 7. Thought you should know - Morgan Wallen 8. No hard feelings - Old Dominion 9. Down Home - Jimmy Allen 10. Truth about you - Mitchell Tenpenny honorable mention: Wilder days - Morgan Wade

[@duncanking8999]

Great video and you are so close to 200k!

[@hankhell5663]

Till you can’t keeps me humble. I’m honestly thankful for it. Anytime my dad asks me to do something with him that song pops up in my head. Take the time while you still can.

[@kevinsills9235]

Larry Fleet - "Where I found God"........ I know it's not on that chart, I know technically it was released a couple years ago but it's finally getting some traction...... but I cant wait to see where this recent momentum takes Larry and his music........ "Workin Man" is amazing too....... The Live version with him and Morgan Wallen definitely exposed him to many who had no clue.

[@andrewesposito50]

Nailed it with Handle on You, his next single Stoned, betcha will be on next years top 10. Morgan better watch this guy's not playin around.

[@jonathan1690]

didnt expect you to put parker at 1 but so glad u did

[@jakebutler291]

Not any real hit songs from him but Corey Kent is a great up and coming artist of the last year. Love 'Wild as Her' and other non-singles.

[@cdtnplyr]

So glad cojo Til you can't was a massive hit for him. He and that great freaking song definitely deserved it.

[@kyliepollert8341]

I hope "She Had Me at Heads Carolina" made this list! I loved the idea of Cole turning a '90s classic into a new and original interpolation, as well as introducing the music of Jo Dee Messina to a whole new generation of fans, and the remix is even better, featuring Jo Dee herself, which they recently performed at the CMA Awards.

[@luke_cohen1]

As a guy who has listened to a far amount of rap, sampling and interpolation only works if it fits into the larger story of the song. That's something Cole nailed on this track with his homage to the theme of the original.

[@dennisquigney3809]

Randall King "Can you feel how that sounds" was a huge standout and I played it until I legit burned myself out on it. Hopefully this is on your next video

[@cassandraspoelhof3752]

Already off to a great start at #10. YES! That song is SO CATCHY!

[@robbinscarberry8085]

Great list. I agree with just about all of them. . I’m a big Parker McCollum fan. Definitely cool to see him at the top.

[@christianbraswell757]

Great video Grady, quality content as usual. Killing it man, keep it up!!

[@baileyvh2814]

Handle on You is top notch. Such a catchy song with great guitar

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Good list. While I disagree with heads Carolina being … well good. I do love seeing Jo Dee have a resurgence because of it.