17 Underrated Country Songs: Uncharted Country Hits

Hey there, fellow music lovers! TBone here from Level Tunes. 🎶 As a DJ, I’ve been blessed to spin countless tracks and delve deep into various genres, but country music always holds a special place in my heart.

While there are many country hits that get the limelight and airplay they deserve, there’s a goldmine of underrated gems that go unnoticed.

So, I decided to take you on a ride off the beaten path and share 17 country songs that deserve a moment (or many) in the spotlight. These tracks have touched my soul, and I believe they deserve to be on every DJ’s playlist.

Here are the best underrated country songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Country Songs

Underrated country songs in a list format:

1. “Boulder to Birmingham” by Emmylou Harris

Album: Pieces of the Sky (1975) Record Label: Reprise Records

This touching tribute was Emmylou’s way of grieving over the death of her musical partner, Gram Parsons. The raw emotion in her voice, combined with the poignant lyrics, creates a hauntingly beautiful track. What sets this song apart is the raw vulnerability. When you throw in James Burton on the electric guitar and Glen D. Hardin on piano, you’ve got an understated classic.

2. “I Can’t Change the World” by Brad Paisley

Album: Wheelhouse (2013) Record Label: Arista Nashville

Brad delivers a soft and heartfelt promise of love in a world filled with chaos. While he’s known for his quirky hits, this ballad showcases his talent as a songwriter and a guitarist. The understated arrangements, highlighted with Paisley’s signature guitar licks, make it a standout track on the album.

3. “Caroline” by Colter Wall

Album: Songs of the Plains (2018) Record Label: Young Mary’s Record Co.

Colter’s deep baritone gives a timeless feel to this modern song. It’s a tale of love and yearning, grounded in its folk roots. The simplicity of the acoustic arrangements combined with Wall’s captivating storytelling makes “Caroline” a treat for purists.

4. “The Hard Way” by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Album: Come On, Come On (1992) Record Label: Columbia

Mary Chapin Carpenter has a knack for introspective lyrics. This song speaks of life’s lessons learned “the hard way.” The narrative is accompanied by a melody that’s both contemplative and uplifting, enhanced by the blend of acoustic instruments.

5. “Hungover in the City of Dust” by Autre Ne Veut

Album: Anxiety (2013) Record Label: Software

Though not strictly country, this track infuses country vibes with its storytelling and ambiance. It’s a journey through a city’s landscapes, painted vividly through lyrics and the occasional twang of the guitar.

6. “Ride” by Martina McBride

Album: Shine (2009) Record Label: RCA Nashville

This energetic track is about enjoying life’s journey. Martina’s powerful vocals, combined with a pulsating rhythm, make it a hidden gem that motivates and inspires.

7. “Neon Blues” by Randy Rogers Band

Album: Nothing Shines Like Neon (2016) Record Label: Tommy Jackson Records

With a classic honky-tonk feel, this track dives into the world of neon lights and late-night bar scenes. The traditional country instrumentation makes it feel like a timeless piece.

8. “Bible and a .44” by Ashley Monroe

Album: The Blade (2015) Record Label: Warner Bros.

This track is a touching tribute to Ashley’s father. Her soulful voice, combined with poignant lyrics, creates an intimate atmosphere. The delicate guitar work by Vince Gill is the cherry on top.

9. “She Don’t Love You” by Eric Paslay

Album: Eric Paslay (2014) Record Label: EMI Nashville

A heartbreaking ballad that’s both elegant and simple. Eric’s emotive voice combined with the story of a woman’s pain creates a track that lingers long after it’s finished.

10. “Second One to Know” by Chris Stapleton

Album: From A Room: Volume 1 (2017) Record Label: Mercury Nashville

Chris Stapleton’s raspy vocals give life to this upbeat track. It’s a love song with a twist, with powerful guitar riffs complementing his soulful delivery.

11. “Biscuits” by Kacey Musgraves

Album: Pageant Material (2015) Record Label: Mercury Nashville

A playful song that encourages listeners to “mind their own biscuits.” Kacey’s unique voice combined with witty lyrics makes it an underrated classic.

12. “The Love That We Need” by Hayes Carll

Album: Lovers and Leavers (2016) Record Label: Hwy 87

Hayes delivers a raw, honest look at love and relationships. The song’s simplicity amplifies its impact, making it a standout in modern country music.

13. “Drinking Alone” by Carrie Underwood

Album: Cry Pretty (2018) Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Carrie’s sultry voice combined with a bluesy arrangement results in a track that’s both moody and magnetic. It’s a departure from her usual style, and that’s what makes it special.

14. “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” by Chris Stapleton

Album: Traveller (2015) Record Label: Mercury Nashville

A touching tale about a father and faith. Chris’s raw vocals, combined with a minimalist arrangement, create an atmosphere of reflection and melancholy.

15. “Desperate Man” by Eric Church

Album: Desperate Man (2018) Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Eric Church brings a rock-infused energy to this track. It’s a song about persistence and resilience, delivered with Church’s signature swagger.

16. “Nothin’ New Under the Neon” by Midland

Album: On the Rocks (2017) Record Label: Big Machine

Midland captures the classic country vibe with this track. The harmonies, the lyrics, and the instrumentation are reminiscent of the golden age of country music.

17. “Starfire” by Caitlyn Smith

Album: Starfire (2018) Record Label: Monument Records

Caitlyn’s powerful voice is at the forefront of this track. It’s about chasing dreams against all odds, and the passion in her delivery is palpable.

Fun Facts: Underrated Country Songs

1. “Boulder to Birmingham” by Emmylou Harris

• Inspiration: Emmylou wrote this song as a tribute to Gram Parsons, her dear friend and mentor. It’s said that the song metaphorically travels from Boulder, Colorado to Birmingham, Alabama, mapping out her grief.

2. “I Can’t Change the World” by Brad Paisley

• Music Video: The video for this song takes a unique spin, focusing on the global impact of social media, emphasizing how love stories can start even in this digital age.

3. “Caroline” by Colter Wall

• Authenticity: Colter Wall is often praised for sounding vintage and authentic. Some listeners, upon hearing him for the first time, believe they’re listening to a much older recording rather than a contemporary artist.

6. “Ride” by Martina McBride

• Live Performances: Martina has often remarked that “Ride” is one of her favorite songs to perform live because of the energy and positivity it brings to the audience.

7. “Neon Blues” by Randy Rogers Band

• Texan Roots: The Randy Rogers Band is a staple in the Texas country music scene. Their music, including “Neon Blues,” often reflects the life and vibes of this southern state.

9. “She Don’t Love You” by Eric Paslay

• Chart Performance: Despite its beauty, “She Don’t Love You” is Eric’s only single to date that has reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, peaking at number 9.

11. “Biscuits” by Kacey Musgraves

• Controversial Lyrics: The song had its share of controversy due to its playful and cheeky lyrics. Kacey has been known to push boundaries in country music, and “Biscuits” is no exception.

12. “The Love That We Need” by Hayes Carll

• Co-writing: This track was co-written with singer-songwriter Allison Moorer and Grammy Award-winning producer Jack Ingram. It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit in the country music community.

13. “Drinking Alone” by Carrie Underwood

• A New Side of Carrie: “Drinking Alone” showcased a more sultry side of Carrie than fans were used to. This blues-infused track made a splash for its departure from her typical ballads and anthems.

15. “Desperate Man” by Eric Church

• Inspiration Behind the Album: Eric’s album “Desperate Man” was influenced by a life-threatening experience he had in 2017. The title track reflects his personal feelings and experiences during that time.

17. “Starfire” by Caitlyn Smith

• Minnesota Roots: Caitlyn often credits her upbringing in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, for her strong connection to songwriting. “Starfire” is a reflection of her journey from a small town to the grand stages of Nashville.

So there you have it, folks! An array of country gems that deserve a second listen. Let these tunes whisk you away to dusty roads and heartfelt moments. Happy listening!

Thanks for reading.

TBone