Top Best Country Songs of 2023 (Underrated Gems, Non-Singles)

[@zacharyhardin426]

Number #1 should’ve been Series of Episodes 😉

[@YourCollegeBigSister]

Ayyyyy, so true!🎉

[@ethanfife6448]

So right!!! Bro!!!!

[@ethanfife6448]

So right!!! Bro!!!!

[@ethanfife6448]

So right!!! Bro!!!!

[@josephtafur]

It's my Country Music #1

[@danielisgro6609]

This is my reason for following the channel…I want to be exposed to new music. The amount of content out there is ferocious and I’d rather hear about songs from a country fan than a marketing team. 😎 Bravo sir!

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

You should read Saving Country Music. Usually several indie album reviews a week.

[@annmarie3573]

Gabe Lee has changed my life and the way I look at music, so thanks for introducing me to his songs years ago!

[@rjsfarm2534]

What do we have to do to get Gabe on some of these festivals and open for some big names? Lainey is bringing out Zach Top, Luke Combs has Wilder Blue and Charles Wesley Godwin. Can someone please get Gabe on a stage??

[@MattL1991]

Brilliant round-up Grady, this year felt again like a big step for quality of Country Music out there. Thank you also for introducing me to so many of these artists in recent years!

[@kadehoffman]

So wild to be on here, means the world Grady!

[@garrettscroggs]

Seeing Gabe Lee get platformed by a former president made me so happy! Also, I'm still waiting for a full length debut album from Mae Estes. Loved her music ever since you talked about "Roses" in one of your videos.

[@rausomeFRG]

Coal by Dylan Gossett has been hands down my favorite song of the year. The lyrics are just so relatable, I've been listening to it non-stop. Thanks for the hard work you've put into this video, I've discovered some gems I hadn't listened to!

[@laramiebrown889]

Dylan is going to be huge

[@Huntersportsedits]

I love dylan! His new song “To be Free” is also great

[@neleighherring324]

Huge fan of the channel Grady 👋🏻 The Steel Woods, I’ve noticed, have three songs over three different albums that tell the same story of a woman scorned who kills her lover. I think it’d make an interesting video and would love to hear your thoughts on it one day!! The songs are: - Della Jane’s Heart - Anna Lee - You’re Cold Love the content!!!

[@cntryniche]

Throwing a few of my faves into the discussion: “Rosemary” S.J. McDonald, “Straight & Narrow” Sam Barber, “Pieces of My Heart” Tenille Townes, “Could’ve Been Her” Ella Langley, “I Want to Go Home” Oliver Anthony, “Gas Station Flowers” Zandi Holup

[@beccagrantham5978]

I Want to go Home is soooo good i swear

[@Checkers_or_Wreckers]

Some of my Favorites that you left out from this year are: Cast Iron Skillet - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Yearbook - Ingrid Andress, Tradesman - Zach Bryan, This Ain't Supposed to Happen in Our Town - Nicholas Jamerson, That's My Job - Brandon Davis, Married - Ashley Ray, Make Me A Mop - Cody Johnson, Coat Of Many Colors - Sierra Ferrell, One Tractor Mind - Ashley Ryan, Getting Stoned - Austin McNeil, I Walk Alone - Chase Rice, Mountain With A View - Kelsea Ballerini, 01' - MaRynn Taylor, Like Whiskey - Dixon Dallas, Speed - Parker McCollum, Cold Black Mile - Ruston Kelly.

[@ToniWolfe-r7g]

This video really highlights to me that I love watching Grady sing fun runs and then listening to how they are actually sung. It's so satisfying to me for some reason

[@millissiatomlinson5832]

I live it too. The first time I heard him do that my head spun around. Like ohhhh dang! he can sing too!

[@travis9930]

Went down to rock the south last summer and this band called “Red Clay Strays” played, and holy crap I can’t believe that they don’t get talked about as much. They’re kinda like a modern, country Elvis. You should give them a listen

[@HuskerNinja]

Some really solid choices here, though I personally would have found a spot for Where the Wild Things Are. It’s very quickly become my favorite Luke Combs song in what is an already-loaded discography.

[@nasanoir310]

I'm just here to acknowledge: That grate is, in fact, clean.

[@aidanw9378]

I heard Till The End Of My Days from you earlier this year, and it immediately became one of my favourite all time songs, and the song that i always come back to playing on guitar. It is absolutely the best song of the year. What a good year for country

[@caleblafon11]

I think Family Ties is my favorite song of 2023. I loved Dylan Gossett’s EP and Lauren Watkins-Fly on the wall. Turnpike is probably my favorite band, and although I wouldn’t say I was disappointed by their comeback (I thought it was a really good album, but that’s just my opinion), I don’t think it’s anywhere near their best.

[@Hrb1010]

I'd say cat in the rain is top 3 or 4 trunpike record behind good bye easy street and diamonds and gasoline and maybe ( but probably not (self titled)

[@Hrb1010]

Like for shure not there best but not their worst

[@masonarinder6491]

I don’t see a lot of people talk about these artist nor do I think a lot of people know about these artist. Kameron Marlowe and Mikele Buck Band My top 3 of these two are KM 1. I can lie (the truth is) 2. Fool me again 3. Ain’t enough whiskey MBB 1. Broken heart 2. Mama didn’t listen 3. In case you didn’t know I absolutely love these artist. I found Mikele Buck when I came across his try out on The Voice covering Brooks and Dunn song. In todays country music my top favorite artists are Randall king Kameron Marlowe Randy Houser His last 3 albums have been phenomenal Mikele Buck Band And Dillon Carmichael Another artist I like that’s new and up and coming and Drake Milligan If you haven’t heard of Kameron Marlowe or Mikele Buck Band I highly recommend looking into them

[@anthonyfurniss40]

Love your lists they give me new things to listen to other than the same 50 songs that are on the radio all of the time.

[@KhumoMarkham]

Ticking was my everything!!! Definitely one of Zach’s best songs

[@calebqueen2090]

It’d definitely be between that one and Deep Satin for me

[@michaelnealis1926]

Mine would be Traitor Joe by Megan Moroney, Wine Into Water by Morgan Wallen, Ain’t Dead Yet by Luke Grimes, Workin’ On Me by Riley Green, Burn The House Down by Kimberly Perry, and The Idea of Me by Aidan Canfield (probably super basic list but I love it)

[@simsimme1799]

omg i’ve been waiting for this video i thought u weren’t gonna make it

[@Jinzle]

It’s like you knew I’ve been itching for a new Grady video this week

[@cboland2000]

Love your take! My number 1 was cojo by far but def got some new songs to listen to

[@erinhanley8157]

Your #1 is right up my folksy, cozy alley. In that same vein give The Arcadian Wild a listen. They’re a 4-piece folk band with strong bluegrass hints and they’re tight harmonies and complex lyrics are just… perfection.

[@Punisher5FDP]

Dirt Cheap has been my favorite song on repeat for the last three weeks.

[@MoreDoor03]

The one that hit me hard this year was Brad Paisley's "The Medicine Will".

[@sharpasapistol]

Grate to see you again Grady

[@bluegrassmaniac3740]

Yo that grate is clean!

[@KateHikes1933]

I love these videos so much. Ive discovered new songs and entire artists that i otherwise wouldnt have ever heard of.

[@MarieT-q9h]

Love that you have Mae Estes on your list. I've loved everything she's released so far and she's a great live performer as well.

[@billwilson6359]

Good video but still shocked by how Grady ignores Jason Isbells stellar album weathervanes.King of Oklahoma not even mentioned.

[@kurts.5140]

Great Round Up! I would love if you made Spotify Playlists for each of these videos. So I can just play the album and listen to each song you referenced! That'd be a great option for us who follow you on Spotify or Instagram.

[@davidhollowaymusic]

I sincerely hope "In your Love" made it somewhere. I'm new to the channel so I hope I didn't miss a video saying you dislike Tyler

[@BoyNamedSue4]

I heard barn burner for the first time when he was an opening for Lainey Wilson. Loved it immediately

[@chadpressley2557]

Well I will say I love a bunch of country music and I always enjoy seeing your list. Just found Ella Langley this past year and I can't wait to see her in Simpsonville in April with Riley. Love her voice. Always enjoy the story telling of Charles Wesley. Thanks for the video.

[@krissie328schwalbach8]

That is great that your grate is clean! Love your breakdowns and your perspectives!

[@ennylekalb]

Excited to check some of these artists out! Had to pause doing my makeup so I could dance to Hailey👑👑

[@Greendawg25]

I think Tim McGraws Hey Whiskey is one of the best of his career Man his voice is so haunting in it

[@Ghisito]

And like every year, I start it with a bunch of a great new songs in my playlist that will follow me all year long. Thanks man! I really appreciate how you curate and select the best for me ;)

[@jerryself7577]

Turnpikes “Mean ole Sun” & “The Rut” were amazing along with “you don’t have to do me like that” from Flatland. 3 of the best country songs I’ve heard in years! Also come Grady! Hahahaha gotta go Deer Hunting lol

[@Meraxeshandler]

The way I didn't expect dirt cheap to bring me to tears at 9 in the morning. Oof

[@nathanmiller9417]

Sad to see no love for your cowritting buddy Ernest. My favorite new song of his this year was Wild Wild West

[@bravo_victor]

Probably more of an Albums of the Year comment-scanning through Muscadine Bloodline’s Teenage Dixie, I don’t know if there’s a standout song that I’d replace one of these with. But, no other album I listened to last year got as many repeats as a whole. I’d maybe make an argument for Azalea Blooms to make a spot on this list. Love that you included Riley though.

[@paulgomez8679]

Dirt Road Anthem by Caleb Lee Hutchinson gotta be here

[@thomasdrakes3875]

I'm glad you noticed Ticking by Zach Bryan. It jus this me in all these different ways like Jake's piano - Long Island

[@jking54544]

Radio song live in concert is absolutely amazing. Between the lyrics and the video that is played behind Hardy on stage, it's just so much better. Love Orange Bottles, but I loved Wildcat even more. Really love and appreciate that you've brought so much new and better music to my life. Great work Grady!

[@vennermusic]

Love the various sounds on here

[@allthescribbles9259]

If I'm being honest, I probably listen to your analysis of country music more than I actually listen to country music. But one of my all time favorite bands is a folk group called the Arcadian Wild. I don't know if they technically count as country, but I'd love to hear your take on them.

[@PipeBockhodt81]

The back half of that Ian Munsick song reminds me of the classic song "Rocky Top"

[@simulatorstreams7576]

Great to see Brennan at the top of the list, fantastic person to know as a local in the area.

[@wardadort]

Carnivore Grady looking good. Great choices, you are the people's champ

[@lanimh406]

"Coal" went so hard this year. I can't wait to see what else he produces. Oh, and "Paul Revere" should be higher......

[@calebc.7818]

I would like to add in Jaime Wyatt's "Moonlighter" as one of the best songs I heard this year. There's something about that groove that plays very well in bars and its midtempo instruments is addicting.

[@Slyfred10]

Stephen Wilson Jr was definitely one of my favorite artists last year!

[@nicholasi3535]

I think my top 10 go something like this: 1. Fast Car/Where the Wild Things Are 2. Mustang or Me 3. Tennessee Numbers/Hope That’s True 4. Bricks 5. Coal 6. White Horse 7. Spotless (Still don’t get what you hear in Ticking but I loved this track the most) 8. Bench Seat 9. You’re Gonna Go Far 10. Indian Paintbrush

[@kolbeconger9001]

Gabe Lee is elite. Drink the river is one of my top songs of the year

[@maconner99]

Royale Lynn, Alli Walker, Mary Heather Hickman! The women are taking over Nashville!

[@shaeellis3633]

Dirt Cheap has had me crying since I heard it. Lol love it

[@dylanlowers5236]

I love Wyatt, but after seeing the one meme I cannot see him without seeing the baby from Ice Age lol

[@thedevin9818]

I didn’t see this memes but now I can’t stop laughing in my car😭😭😭😭

[@jacobh2021]

Grady, you gotta at least take a break from your “Jason Isbell break” and just listen to “Strawberry Woman”. Song of the year easily. “Strawberry Woman” and/or “Cast Iron Skillet” both snubbed.

[@JWhiz]

Have you checked out The Red Clay Strays? They are a local band where I live and their song Wondering Why is getting very big, and I think they bring a fresh and authentic sound into the current country music landscape. Curious as to what your thoughts and them and that song are.

[@rjsfarm2534]

They are the real deal. That song is in the Top 100 all genre. 2024 should be a big year for them.

[@RonJOlsonJr]

Grady your doing great work keep it up. I love these year end wraps of hidden gems. Helps me find stuff I missed. Or better yet you make me go back and listen to an artist I may have listened to once and gave up on. Megan Moroney for one. There is something there other than a radio creation that I discovered. Thanks

[@gargudon8720]

10:57 One thing that makes Radio Song so awesome, is it's a not necessarily Country but just Nashville song that actually DJENTS 😅

[@patriciajohnson6911]

Awesome job as always Grady!! Thank you for including Caleb Lee Hutchinson’s song Used Too from his debut album, Southern Galactic!!

[@MusicOrLoseItTV]

Grady I gave you acknowledgment of being an influence on me getting into music reviews at 04:42 in my all genre Top 20 Songs Of 2023 vid. I hope I can interview you someday.

[@ethanschoof4953]

Great vid as always Grady. I will be releasing my first project/album hopefully within a year or two, and all I can hope for is that one of my songs makes it in one of your videos😂

[@AdamLeeNichols]

Great bunch of country music. I have no artist on the list I don't like. My favorites are: Dylan Gossett - Coal/Beneath Oak Trees Cody Johnson - Dirt Cheap/Long Live Country Music (with Brooks & Dunn) Zach Bryan - Ticking Zach Top - Justa Jonesin' Wyatt Flores - West of Tulsa Sam Barber - Straight and Narrow Lauren Watkins - Anybody But You/Fly on the Wall (featuring Jake Worthington) Owen Riegling - Old Dirt Roads Larry Fleet - Things I Take For Granted Chayce Beckham - This Ol' Rodeo [the newest song on this list] One HM from late 2022, but one of my favorites I found out about this year is "Porch Light" by Josh Meloy.

[@mattperciful8970]

No Isbell is wild tbh

[@kylegodley5194]

So glad Brennen was number one. Once he starts touring to the Midwest I will be there no matter where

[@ep4857]

Have you looked into Stephen Wilson Jr? Couple songs to look into by him if you haven’t would be Cuckoo and Year to Be Young 1994. He’s got an interesting backstory and a great voice in my opinion for the songs he sings

[@michaellanders6897]

@GradySmith I’ve been wondering something for a while and hope you can do a deep dive into this. In “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis, we know that the farmer, the teacher, and the preacher all tragically die in a tragic crash because the driver never saw the stop sign. The hooker survives with her son telling the story as he has become a preacher himself. My question is…what happened to the driver? Why does he have no cross himself or why is there not a verse about what has become of him if he survived? I feel like he is a vital part of the story.

[@georgemorse5512]

Enjoyed the review thought I didn't know any of the songs...but what the heck happened to Triston Marez...I just LOVED his first and only album.

[@thegunknows]

For me it was Another Day At The Factory by Josiah and the Bonnevilles. Incredible story, super catchy and emotional...

[@angelamason9840]

Austin Brown: Hers Ain’t Mine, Do Both, I’ll Go First are 2023 favorites! I appreciate his independent artistry. I like him and his cowriters clever lyrics. I still love Playing with Fire by Home Free!

[@chancebruderer579]

Interesting, I interpreted “ticking” being about loving his girl but yearning for the road and ending up leaving her… “I love you and I’m willing but I really have to go.”

[@nasanoir310]

Do really wish Tiffany Blue was on this list, but overall really great. Love that Brennan was number one. Surprised Jake Kohn didn't make it on here, though.

[@mac7133]

The similarities between your list and mine are crazy. Shout out to Ticking!!!

[@logical_volcel]

Finally a cat in the rain getting the recognition it deserves, it is up there with one of their best songs they've ever made

[@melissawiggles4594]

Can you make a playlist on Spotify please with all these songs? I want check them out fully. I haven’t been listening to country music as much as of lately. Thank you! 😊

[@Twangtown7]

Grady, you're great at what you do. That is all.

[@NorthwoodsWolf]

Never met anyone who heard Hailey Whitters that didn’t love her.

[@PipeBockhodt81]

Parker!!!! She's a great Canadian artist! Nice person as well.

[@trentopinto5]

I think Grady likes the way Zack Bryan says "ticking" because it's reminiscent of "THICKET"

[@kristoferbarber2270]

Adeline by Shane Smith and the Saints. Seriously don't know why they don't get their due on these channels

[@rjsfarm2534]

Great song. Big red rock shows coming up this year. They even have some big slots at some mainstream festivals this year (which isn’t saying much since the fans are usually oblivious)

[@bradenkylegreen]

Cody Johnson’s song leather was my favorite

[@galfor54]

Some great songs. I would add in Still Searching by Emily Ann Roberts.

[@sharpasapistol]

and thanks for introducing me to Mae Estes

[@Miruble82]

I’m so glad Kade Hoffman was in here I love this song great picks man

[@duranarts]

what a great video!

[@CarterMoore1020]

So happy fly on the wall made the list

[@kolbeconger9001]

End of my days could be a wedding song

[@toml5697]

Grady, after having had to look up what “rut” means in the context of deer/elk you might get more out of the song “The Rut” by Turnpike. It’s a double meaning for the time when the hunting season is most optimal and also for the rut that Felker feels he’s experiencing in his own life.

[@marisapeck2549]

Grady, I'd like your input on American Idol's Colin Stough's songs on his album PROMISELAND and all his singles. I love his music and am waiting to hear his stuff on country radio. Thanks.

[@KateHikes1933]

Could you do a video briefly describing things about the industry that most normies like us don't know? What's the process behind a somg being a single? How are sales or listens calculated? How do singers break into the industry?

[@WilliamOfDetroit07]

I wish this video had text showing the artist and song name. I just spent 6 minutes trying to find Drank the River by Dave Lee only to eventually realize it was Drink the River by Gabe Lee when I resorted to looking for the album. Good list none the less

[@eliotrandallw]

Revisit brought me on Cat in the Rain. That’s a goddamn tune

[@eliotrandallw]

That said, I didn’t love the rest of it as much as I wanted to

[@simsimme1799]

2024 gon’ be randall kings year

[@jonasve5368]

If you like Dylan Gossett, check out Beneath Oak Trees. One of, if not my favourite, songs over the year.

[@quddusgordon1545]

i'll admit i laughed at the Radio Song switchup but i don't get why a novelty gag-song that's just 50% generic country and 50% generic metal is brilliant? There's been genre mashups for comedic affect for decades. Anyway love the channel grady

[@BennyBoy2893]

sara berki, A boy thats into trucks, Australian up and coming artist, such an awesome song, definitely worth a listen