Country music is flourishing this year (2026 country music takeover – what does this mean for songwriters?), and it is the perfect summery genre for your playlist! Here are five tracks that you need to add right now:

Taylor Swift

I Knew It, I Knew You – From “Toy Story 5”

Tapping into her country roots, Taylor Swift wrote this for the new Toy Story movie. With its playful combination of the inherently country instruments, harmonica and banjo, it is a cheerful little love song.

Ella Langley 

Be Her

You’ve probably heard of Ella Langley, particularly her track ‘Choosin’ Texas,’ which sat at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 13 weeks! ‘Be Her’ is another popular track from her album Dandelion, and with its snappy, addictive chorus, she sings about who she wants to become: someone who leads a life of simplicity, fulfilment and authenticity.

Sam Barber

The More I Hope

A 23-year-old from Missouri, Sam Barber’s ‘The More I Hope’ is a more melancholy country track. With gentle fiddle and both acoustic and electric guitar, it is heartfelt and reflective, with the raw emotion audible in his voice.

Luke Combs

Sleepless in a Hotel Room

Luke Combs is a Grammy-nominated country singer, and his gravely vocals are on full display in this track. Topping the Billboard Country Airplay chart and marking his 20th number one single, ‘Sleepless in a Hotel Room’ expresses the loneliness of missing his wife on tour. With a cool electric guitar riff and drums, it combines country with rock.

Avery Anna

Blood Runs Thicker

Another track which merges country with rock is ‘Blood Runs Thicker’ by Avery Anna. This is a loud, powerful headbanger which explores the tensions between familial bonds. 

COMMENT below what you think of these tracks and share your own recommendations!