Did you ever hear a song that you loved so much that no matter how many times you heard it, you still wanted to hear it again? And again? That is how I feel about these four songs. Each one is extraordinary in one or more ways. "Sangria" by Blake Shelton is among the most sensuous, romantic country songs I have ever experienced. (Yes, I wrote "experienced," not just "heard"!) Ella Langley's "You Look Like You Love Me" has spoken sections for her and Riley Green that are enormously potent, unusual, and effective. The cover of "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Kenny Chesney puts Foreigner's original in the shade. "I'm the Problem" by Morgan Wallen features emotionally piercing lyrics that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
Videos by Wide Open Country
So without further ado, here are my four great country music songs I can't live without....
'Sangria' by Blake Shelton
There is something so wonderfully languorous, romantic, mellow, and just plain sexy about this song. The steamy video only adds luster to the magic. It was written by Josh Osborne, Trevor Rosen, and J.T. Harding. Per The Tennessean, Osborne said, "I always loved that title, I thought would be great to have a song called 'Sangria.' But I couldn't quite figure out how to write it with three guys writing it, and I thought 'we're not going to write a great girl song,' so we need to probably have a guy sing this, and I just sort of try to think backwards. If the guy was saying it, it would be like 'Your lips taste like Sangria.'"
Kenny Chesney recorded the song but felt that it didn't quite fit in on the album he was doing at the time. So it went to Blake Shelton instead. He sure did make the most of it! One of the best country music songs ever.
'You Look Like You Love Me' by Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)
I love the whole vibe of this catchy song from Langley's 2024 album, Hungover. Especially because the gal takes the initiative and makes an unabashed play for the guy she likes. She snatches a beer out of somebody's grip and hands it to Green as an introduction - nice move, sister! Ella Langley and Riley Green are the ideal team to sing this. Their chemistry jumps out at you, so much so that they have had to debunk dating rumors. The spoken sections are what sets the song apart. They add a dash of drama to what might have been an ordinary tune. The video is like a movie. Set in a saloon from the 1800s, it has loads of cinema-style atmosphere. When Green and Langley dance together, it's adorable. Watch for Jamey Johnson as the ornery sheriff out to nab Green, who's on the run from the law.
'I Want to Know What Love Is' by Kenny Chesney
This was deservedly a number one hit for Foreigner in 1984. Per Songfacts, "Country star Kenny Chesney covered this song for his 2016 album Cosmic Hallelujah. It wasn't the first time a Nashville singer has recorded the tune - back in 2004 Wynonna Judd laid down a version for her album What the World Needs Now Is Love." Chesney puts a country spin on this enduring song with his sublime vocals that really works. It's haunting and poignant. You can feel the intense longing in every line. He is a master showman, and he wields that talent to perfection here.
'I'm the Problem' by Morgan Wallen
This song reminds me of an age-old lovers' quarrel. The man says he is the problem in their relationship, but the woman is actually the reason. The lyrics are so pointed, resonant, and authentic. Many couples will uneasily recognize themselves in them. There is one line in particular that sticks in my mind. "You hate that when you look at me, You halfway see yourself." It's very disconcerting to interact with the person you love and notice your own failings staring you in the face, like gazing into a mirror. It can drive the two of you apart, and that is what happens in this song. Co-writer Wallen powerfully throws himself into the performance. As usual, he does it with commendable effect. He will be at the forefront of country music for a long, long time.
