This has been a tough week for me, dear reader. The country songs released since our last ranking have been so hard to sort; they're all so good.
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1. Southern Man
I knew that "Southern Man" by Kashus Culpepper (ft. Marcus King) was the top hit of the week the moment I heard it.
The confident country bop celebrates being a Southern man in style. It's infectious and hard not to sing along to. Nothing more alluring than a man who knows what he's worth, right?
All you southern gentlemen out there, this one's for you.
2. Pipeliner Blues
There's just something so fun about "Pipeliner Blues" from Pug Johnson. Included in the El Cabron album, I have a feeling Pipeliner Blues will be overlooked against its song siblings. And I can't have that.
It gets my toes tapping every time I hear it. It's upbeat, fun, and a jolly good time. It's got such a classic sound that you don't often hear in new releases these days.
Pug Johnson's voice is perfect for this track. I can't get enough.
3. So Far So Good
"So Far So Good" by Dalton Davis has grown on me like welcome vines on an old house. The warm melody and bumpy rhythm are addictive and wonderfully familiar.
It's one of those songs that you can't really put down. Although the lyrics tell a tale that's been spun before, it's told so well.
This is something I've complimented other songs for, so isn't enlightening praise, but it gets the message across. It's a great song.
4. Living Till My Dying Day
"Living Till My Dying Day" by Adam Chaffins is another song that's grown on me. An advance on the Trailer Trash EP releasing on May 16, it may be my favorite of the bunch.
It's got a message that'll be relatable to many as Chaffins croons over the life he's lived and the one he's now living.
A tune that's easy to get along with, it's hard not to like it. It's easygoing, much like the singer.
5. I Hate Whiskey
There were three songs with alcohol in the title that were vying for this place, but only one took it. "I Hate Whiskey" by Dylan Scott just edged out the others.
It's another song that'll be far too relatable to listeners out there. If country music is anything to go by, whiskey is either the cure to a bad relationship or a sobering reminder. For Scott, the latter is true.
More of a rum man myself, I can't relate to the lyrics. But I still think the song is a great one.
Best Album — El Cabron
Instead of throwing out an "Honorable Mention" like in weekly rankings past, I'll now be highlighting my favorite EP or album from past week.
And this one goes to El Cabron, by Pug Johnson. With 11 songs, which are rather varied in scope but inescapably Pug Johnson, the album is a great listen. With fun stories like "Waxahachie," piano-led jigs like "Pipeliner Blues," and heavy hitters like "Believer," it's got it all.
That'll do it for this week, cowgirls and boys. Check back next Thursday for even more great country music.
