You could certainly argue that Luke Combs is the face of modern country music. Sure, Morgan Wallen might have the slightest edge in numbers. However, the former definitely doesn't have any of the wild controversies to his name like Wallen does. In fact, it's quite the opposite; Luke's name has only ever been associated with positivity. For instance, you could look at his partnership with Eric Church to support those affected by the devastating Hurricane Helene. Their huge Concert For Carolina event raised $24 million when the smoke cleared.
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The best part is that Combs isn't just a nice guy with a lot of success. His music is actually good too. Consequently, I felt obligated to try and tackle four of his best songs so far in his career. Apparently, his best album is still around the corner so maybe I'm writing this a little prematurely. But an artist of this magnitude deserves his flowers sooner than later.
One disclaimer I'll make early: the Combs rendition of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" won't be here. I think it might be a little unfair to include arguably the greatest song ever written here. Moreover, half the time I might end up praising what the original does even better. Besides, there's plenty of alternatives here anyways.
The Four Best Luke Combs Songs of His Career So Far
"Where The Wild Things Are"
Perhaps Luke Combs' biggest strength as an artist is his ability to make stories his own. "Where The Wild Things Are" is a collaborative songwriting effort from Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull. However, Luke makes the song his own with his warm, husky voice. Every song plays intimately, as if the big brother he sings about could be his own or yours. Consequently, when the peak burns out and the song comes to a close, the tragic arc really strikes hearts. They bury the big brother where he always wanted to be, underneath "the West Coast stars, out where the wild things are."
"Beautiful Crazy"
Something that I dislike in a lot of pop and country songwriting is this vague, idealized person. It's as if they describe the people in these songs as bland NPCs walking around the world, tailor made for the artist. Very rarely do they feel like real, tangible people with their own set of distinct quirks. You don't really fall in love with these spotless men or women. Honestly, perfect can seem a bit boring. Rather, it's all the oddities that make someone lovable.
Combs really shines with that note on "Beautiful Crazy," where his ol' lady's wild antics are something he can't help but find irresistible. All the things that drive him up the wall end up feeling endearing because they're all unique to her. Even the intimidating looks in her eyes that terrify him sometimes, "she can't help but amaze me." It might drive someone else absolutely mad, to the point where they aren't a perfect match. However, it's Combs and his ability to take on those challenges that make their love tick. In a world of imaginary love songs, "Beautiful Crazy" feels real and refreshing.
"Without You"
Singers have spent a lifetime crooning variations of "Without You." Oftentimes, it's just another romantic ballad where an artist can coo to the love of their lives and how it all wouldn't be possible without them. Combs roughly follows that outline but he takes a slight alteration in its approach. Rather than take the opportunity to sing another love song, he retreats inward to look at his origins. Luke reminisces on the music that informs his upbringing, how dad sold his classic rock records like Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. Meanwhile, his mom steady picks up extra shifts to try and put dinner on the table.
It's those foundational moments that paints Combs' memories. Without their lead, he wouldn't have the ambition to make it in Nashville. Any time he's on stage, he remembers that his parents were grinding everyday for these kinds of moments. The same goes for the woman in his life, who sacrifices a lot in her own life so that he can achieve his dreams. None of it goes overlooked. It's one of Combs' sweetest songs and it's Amanda Shires on fiddle that really makes the record shine. The way it howls, you can hear that southern humidity, the woodsy surroundings, that distinct sense of home and familial love.
"Whoever You Turn Out to Be"
What really makes this song shine is how warm and lovingly Combs sings to his son. Oftentimes, you'll expect a country boy to grow up just like his daddy, married to the backwoods and the rural culture. All the country stereotypes are something to embrace. There's a thinly veiled conservatism to it all, to reject this curiosity of the world and to assimilate accordingly. Due to that lack of intrigue and desire to experience other cultures, it makes people increasingly insular and mistrusting. It's a fundamental flaw with so many people in the world, as if we aren't meant to interact and love every walk of life.
Combs doesn't take this route with his son. He stresses to his little one that even though the old man may love his camouflage attire and dusty boots doesn't mean he has to do the same. Rather, he encourages his son to figure out the kind of person he wants to be out in the world. It doesn't matter if he isn't a spitting image of his dad. Combs readily embraces for "whoever you turn out to be." It's such a beautiful display of unconditional love. In a world where so many families break up due to fundamental differences, Luke remains proud of his kids regardless.
