Top Ten 2010 Country Songs

There were at least thirty or forty country songs in 2010 that could legitimately be numbered in a top ten list. Here are the guidelines for this list. Each song appeared at least once in the weekly Billboard top ten chart (Country Music Song). Only one song per artist was allowed, even though several artists had more than one worthy song. Traditional country songs received bonus points, but were still overwhelmed at times by the sheer artistry and popularity of new country sounds. Both men and women solo artists were included, as well as groups. There is no particular order within the top ten, they are simply (and arguably) the ten best country songs of 2010.

"I Keep on Loving You" - Reba McEntire. What more can possibly be said about Reba, except that her 2010 song "Turn on the Radio" could just as easily be listed as top ten along with (or in place of), "I Keep on Loving You". It depends on whether you're in the mood for slow loving Reba or fast angry Reba. Either one is tops.

"Undo It" - Carrie Underwood. What a long way from AI. Even without a single bonus point for being traditional country (well OK, there is a fiddle in there somewhere), this is a great "angry woman" song. What a great job Carrie is doing!

"Back to December" - Taylor Swift. Taylor had three songs to consider for top ten. "Fairytale" and "Back to December" both seemed better choices than "Mine", even though the lyrics in "Mine" were simply outstanding, including perhaps the best line of the year "you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter".

"If I Die Young" - The Band Perry. Not that this hit needs it, but score mad bonus points for traditional country instrumentation. Are you kidding? It even has an accordian to accompany the banjo, mandolin, fiddle and unobtrusive bass and drum. Nice lyrics, nice harmony. Very complete country song.

"The House That Built Me" - Miranda Lambert. The clever and touching lyrics are only the beginning of the attractiveness of this song. The song writing is reminiscence of Dolly, and that is saying a lot. They say you can't go home again, but we all just keep trying. Beautifully preformed by a real country star.

"Highway 20 Ride" - Zack Brown Band. The music is pretty and the song was popular. Kids grow up fast, whether Dad is there or not. If just one man hears this song and decides to avoid missing his son's childhood, this would be the number one song of all time. A boy needs his Dad.

"Little White Church" - Little Big Town. Now this song gets down. Unmistakable bluegrass harmonies. If you don't clap and sing along when this one plays, maybe country music isn't your thing. Unforgettable hooks.

"Anything Like Me" - Brad Paisley. Traditional country family values. You don't hear these kind of lyrics in any other genre, at least not often. Yeah country folks get in trouble and raise a little hell now and then, but in the end, it's family ties like the ones in this song that keeps them strong.

"The Man I Want To Be" - Chris Young. Is it too late for the gent to make amends and change his ways? I don't know, but he sure sounds convincing. I'd give him another chance, how about you?

"Need you now" - Lady Antebellum. Can you leave off a song that was perhaps the most popular of the year across all genres? Everything about the song is truly great, but is it a truly great country song by a truly country band? Country music fans have spoken and they say yes, it is absolutely the kind of music they want to hear. If country music had room for both Garth Brooks and Dwight Yoakam, it has room for both Lady A and Brad Paisley.