This past week has been filled with some pretty emotional new country hits, dear reader.
Videos by Wide Open Country
If you're not ready to confront this week's list, then you can revisit last week's. "Left My Heart In Texas" may be my current favorite country song.
If you want to dive straight into the music, then check out our Spotify playlist.
1. Melt In The Sun
"Melt In The Sun" by Mason Via has been a staple to my daily listening for the past week. Every day, I feel like I've grown to appreciate it more, and the killer mandolin solo hits harder every time I listen to it.
The incredible stop-motion video made by Chloe Tyler perfectly encapsulates the almost bizarre feeling the song initially gave me.
It's weirdly beautiful, hauntingly poetic, and puts me in a vaguely familiar limbo. It's also just a plain good song.
2. Elegy
"Elegy" by Leslie Jordan is a staggeringly beautiful song that drags me deeper and deeper into my feels every time I listen to it. Although it may not sound like other country songs, it's simply too good to keep to myself.
*Deep breath.* Inspired by her estranged grandfather's poetry received after his death about his brother who he resented all his life who later died in a car crash, the song hits just as hard as reading his profound writings.
The story behind the concept album she'll release this year is a doozy, and it's incredibly hard not to get emotional when listening to her music inspired by it. I love this song, it's beautifully sung and needs to be shared to the ends of the world.
3. You Should Be Worried About Me
"You Should Be Worried About Be" by Ried Haughton presents a nice twist on what songs about another relationship usually provide.
A chill and groovy tune, the song is about waiting for a girl's boyfriend to mess up just one more time. The song offers a unique perspective, and I really appreciate it for that.
It's also an easy tune to enjoy.
4. Outrun
"Outrun" by The Steeldrivers was whipped up in an hour and a half. The lead single on the album that'll be released in May, Outrun offers a fun getaway thriller that really takes you on a journey.
It's so hard not to sing along to the chorus and not feel like you're being chased by the divine for your sins. The narrative also brings you along step-by-step, but leaves the ending somewhat open.
I love a good murder ballad, and "Outrun" is a little more racey than others.
5. I'm A Little Crazy
What's this? A mainstream artist striking the WOC weekly ranking? Could it be?
That's right, "I'm A Little Crazy" by Morgan Wallen is an enjoyable, slow-paced song about how crazy the world is. It's disturbingly relatable to many, and provides a unique side to the artist that will be appreciated by his fans considering his recent controversies.
Just because he's big and famous, doesn't mean his music can't be good.
Honorable Mention - Almost Home Album
Just gonna throw a quick shout-out to the Almost Home album by the Ghost Hounds. Their latest album is full of killers, especially the 2024 single "You'll Never Find Me."
The album released last week, but my favorite songs on it weren't.
That's a wrap for this week! I hope you enjoy the country music - I know I did. Come and join me next Thursday when we have a look at the best songs from the coming week.
