11 Worst Country Songs: Hits or Misses

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts and DJs! It’s TBone here, your go-to guy at Level Tunes. Today, I’m taking a bit of a detour from my usual groove to talk about something a bit different – the 11 worst country songs ever made.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love country music. But let’s be honest, not every tune is a hit, and some are downright hard to listen to. I decided to compile this list to have a little fun and maybe stir up some good-natured debate among us.

So, grab your headphones, and let’s take a lighthearted journey through some country tracks that missed the mark. Remember, it’s all in good fun and a testament to our shared love for all things music!

Here are the worst country songs that you can check out:

List Of Worst Country Songs

Worst country songs in a list format:

1. “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith

Album: Clancy’s Tavern (2011) Label: Show Dog-Universal Music

Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” became an anthem for partygoers, but for many country purists, it was a bit too cheeky. Released in 2011 under Show Dog-Universal Music, this song from “Clancy’s Tavern” took a humorous look at party culture. The light-hearted lyrics and catchy tune were a hit, but it lacked the depth or storytelling prowess that country music is revered for. It’s a fun song, sure, but it might not resonate with those who prefer their country music steeped in tradition and storytelling.

2. “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” by Trace Adkins

Album: Songs About Me (2005) Label: Capitol Nashville

Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” from his 2005 album “Songs About Me” stirred quite the conversation. Released under Capitol Nashville, it was a crossover hit but raised eyebrows in the country music community. The song’s catchy, but the blend of honky-tonk and pop elements along with its somewhat cheeky lyrics didn’t sit well with country music traditionalists. It’s a song that makes you tap your feet but might leave country storytelling aficionados wanting more.

3. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Album: Some Gave All (1992) Label: Mercury Nashville

Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart” from the album “Some Gave All” in 1992 became a cultural phenomenon, but it also divided listeners. Released under Mercury Nashville, this catchy tune with its infectious chorus was everywhere. While it brought country music to a broader audience, many felt it lacked the depth and authenticity of traditional country. It’s a fun listen, but perhaps not the song you’d turn to for a deep, emotional country experience.

4. “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney

Album: Everywhere We Go (1999) Label: BNA Records

Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” featured on his 1999 album “Everywhere We Go” under BNA Records, is a lighthearted take on rural life. While it’s catchy and has a feel-good vibe, some country music fans feel it’s a bit too on the nose and lacks the storytelling depth traditionally found in country music. It’s a fun song for a light mood, but it doesn’t quite capture the essence of country life’s trials and tribulations.

5. “Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw

Album: Two Lanes of Freedom (2013) Label: Big Machine Records

“Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw, from his 2013 album “Two Lanes of Freedom” under Big Machine Records, is a high-energy track that blends country with rock elements. While it’s a crowd-pleaser at concerts, some argue that it strays too far from the roots of country music with its heavy emphasis on truck culture. The song is undoubtedly fun and lively, but it might not hit the mark for those who prefer their country music with a side of soulful storytelling.

6. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line

Album: Here’s to the Good Times (2012) Label: Republic Nashville

Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” from the 2012 album “Here’s to the Good Times,” released under Republic Nashville, was a massive hit but also a polarizing one in the country music world. Its blend of country, pop, and hip-hop elements created a new sound, but some felt it strayed too far from traditional country roots. It’s a catchy, feel-good track, but it’s a departure from the classic country sound, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

7. “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band

Album: The Foundation (2008) Label: Atlantic Records

“Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band, from their 2008 album “The Foundation” released under Atlantic Records, is a beloved song by many but has its critics. Its upbeat melody and lyrics celebrating simple pleasures resonate with many, but some feel it’s a bit too cliché and lacks the depth and complexity of traditional country music. It’s a feel-good song that’s great for a summer barbecue, but it might not satisfy those looking for a more profound lyrical journey.

8. “Boys ‘Round Here” by Blake Shelton

Album: Based on a True Story… (2013) Label: Warner Bros. Nashville

Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” from his 2013 album “Based on a True Story…” under Warner Bros. Nashville, is a catchy and fun track. However, its portrayal of rural stereotypes and lack of lyrical depth have been points of contention among country music fans. While it’s great for a fun sing-along, it might not resonate with those who appreciate the storytelling and emotional depth traditionally found in country music.

9. “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” by Big & Rich

Album: Horse of a Different Color (2004) Label: Warner Bros. Records

Big & Rich’s “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” from their 2004 album “Horse of a Different Color” released under Warner Bros. Records, is known for its humorous and edgy take on country music. While it was a commercial success, some traditionalists find it too gimmicky and lacking the emotional depth of classic country songs. It’s an entertaining song, no doubt, but it might not sit well with those who prefer their country music a bit more heartfelt and less on the nose.

10. “My Kinda Party” by Jason Aldean

Album: My Kinda Party (2010) Label: Broken Bow Records

Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” from the album of the same name in 2010, under Broken Bow Records, is a high-energy party anthem. However, its heavy rock influences and party-centric lyrics have made it a subject of debate among country music fans. It’s great for a night out, but for those who love country music for its storytelling and emotional depth, this song might miss the mark.

11. “Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt

Album: Southside (2020) Label: MCA Nashville

Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” from his 2020 album “Southside” under MCA Nashville, brought a new flavor to country music with its mix of pop and R&B elements. While it’s undeniably catchy and popular, some country music enthusiasts argue that it strays too far from the genre’s roots. The song is great for a light-hearted listen, but it might not satisfy those looking for the rich storytelling and traditional country sound.

Fun Facts: Worst Country Songs

Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith

• The Unexpected Hit: Despite its novelty nature, “Red Solo Cup” became one of Toby Keith’s most successful songs, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
• The Music Video: The music video for “Red Solo Cup” is a star-studded affair, featuring cameos from fellow country stars and even a random appearance by comedian Carrot Top.
• Cultural Impact: The song popularized the red Solo cup as a symbol of American party culture, leading to an increase in sales for the Solo Cup Company.

“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

• Line Dance Craze: This song is credited with spurring a line dancing craze across the United States and beyond in the early 90s.
• International Success: “Achy Breaky Heart” was not only a hit in the US but also achieved considerable success overseas, particularly in Australia and the UK.
• Record-Breaking: It was the first single ever to achieve triple Platinum status in Australia and was the best-selling single in 1992 in the country.

“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney

• Fan Favorite: Despite mixed critical reception, “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” remains a fan favorite and a staple in Kenny Chesney’s live performances.
• Chart Performance: The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Country charts and helped solidify Chesney’s status as a country music star.
• Cultural References: The song has been referenced and parodied in various TV shows and media, highlighting its impact on popular culture.

“Truck Yeah” by Tim McGraw

• Genre Fusion: “Truck Yeah” is noted for blending country music with rock and even a bit of rap, showcasing Tim McGraw’s versatility as an artist.
• Chart Success: The song debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of the highest debuts of McGraw’s career.
• Live Performances: McGraw often opens his concerts with “Truck Yeah,” using it as a high-energy start to his shows.

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line

• Record-Breaker: “Cruise” holds the record for the longest number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, staying at the top for 24 weeks.
• Remix Success: The remix version featuring Nelly helped the song reach a broader audience, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Digital Sales: “Cruise” was also a digital sales phenomenon, becoming one of the best-selling country songs of all time.

And there you have it, folks! A playful stroll through the world of country music’s most talked-about songs. Whether you love them, hate them, or just can’t stop singing them, each track has made its unique mark in the music world. Keep jamming and exploring the vast landscape of tunes out there!

Thanks for reading.

TBone