You ever have those songs that just feel like they were written in twenty minutes over a couple of beers? That is exactly the energy behind Russell Dickerson She Likes It. It’s catchy, it’s a little bit pop, and it’s undeniably country in that modern "trap-beat-meets-acoustic-guitar" kind of way. But if you think this was just another cookie-cutter radio play, you’re actually missing the coolest part of the story.
Back in late 2021, Russell Dickerson was already riding high on a streak of five consecutive number-one hits. He didn't necessarily need to experiment. But he did. He teamed up with Jake Scott—a pop singer-songwriter who wasn't exactly a household name in Nashville at the time—and Josh Kerr to write something different.
How a John Denver Lyric Became a Real-Life Prophecy
The most "no way that happened" detail about this track is the John Denver line. In the chorus, they sing about playing John Denver through a little Bose speaker. It’s a great image, right? Chill, romantic, very specific.
Well, Russell tells this story where, right after they finished the writing session, he walked back into his house. His wife, Kailey, was there. Now, apparently, Kailey almost never listens to music through speakers in the house. But that day? She was blasting John Denver.
Russell literally looked at Jake Scott and was like, "Okay, this song is going to be a thing." When the universe gives you a sign that specific, you don't ignore it.
The Chart Loophole and Why It Stayed Everywhere
Honestly, the way this song behaved on the charts was kind of weird. It wasn't just a hit; it was a "zombie" hit that refused to die. Russell Dickerson She Likes It spent a massive 30 weeks on the Billboard charts.
Most songs either climb and fall or get knocked off by "recurrent rules" (which is basically Billboard's way of clearing out old songs). But because of some clever maneuvering and steady airplay, it managed to stay relevant long enough to land on the Year-End charts for 2022.
✨ Don't miss: Jamie Lynn Sigler: The Truth About Her Image and Career Evolution
By the time 2024 rolled around, it had officially been certified 2X Platinum by the RIAA. That’s over two million units moved. For a song that some critics initially dismissed as "too pop," those are some pretty undeniable numbers.
Mixing Genres: Is it Country or Pop?
If you listen closely to the production, Josh Kerr did something interesting. He layered a quasi-trap beat under a simple electric guitar riff. It’s sparse. There’s no big, explosive "wall of sound" moment in the final chorus, which is what most country producers would have done.
Instead, they kept it chill.
- The Vibe: Late-night, low-key, romantic.
- The Sound: R&B-influenced percussion with Nashville storytelling.
- The Result: A song that worked just as well on a Spotify pop playlist as it did on a country radio station in the middle of Alabama.
Jake Scott’s presence is a huge part of why it works. His voice has this clean, pop-soul quality that balances out Russell’s traditional country grit. It was the second song they ever wrote together, and it ended up being the fastest-climbing track of Russell’s entire career at that point.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Collaboration
People often assume labels manufacture these "crossover" moments to grab more listeners. But this was actually just three guys hanging out. Russell discovered Jake’s music through their mutual friend Josh Kerr. He liked what he heard, reached out, and they got in a room together.
It wasn't a boardroom decision. It was a "hey, I like your voice, let's write" decision.
The Stats That Matter (As of 2026)
Even as Russell moves into new eras—like his 2025 success with "Happen To Me" and the massive RussellMania 2026 tour—Russell Dickerson She Likes It remains a staple. Here is the reality of its impact:
💡 You might also like: Lyrics Picture Sheryl Crow: Why This Messy Duet Still Hits Home
- Global Streams: It has surpassed well over 300 million streams worldwide.
- Radio Longevity: It paved the way for more "pop-leaning" artists to find a home on country radio.
- Tour Essential: You cannot go to a Russell Dickerson show without hearing this. It’s usually a high-point where the crowd takes over the chorus.
How to Get the Most Out of the Track Today
If you’re a musician or a songwriter, look at the structure of this song. It’s a masterclass in "less is more." It doesn't try to be a poetic masterpiece. It tries to capture a feeling—tequila, a small speaker, and a quiet night.
To really appreciate it, you should track down the live version from The Afterparty Deluxe or the footage of Russell surprising Jake Scott on stage in Nashville. Seeing the two of them perform it live shows that the chemistry wasn't just a studio trick; they actually enjoy the song as much as the fans do.
Actionable Next Steps
To dive deeper into the world of Russell Dickerson She Likes It, start by checking out the acoustic "stripped" versions on YouTube. They reveal how strong the melody is even without the trap beat. Then, look into Jake Scott's solo work—specifically "Favorite T-Shirt"—to see the pop roots that influenced the track's DNA. Finally, if you're hitting up a show on the 2026 tour circuit, pay attention to the lighting during this song; it’s specifically designed to mirror that "dimming those lights" lyric from the chorus.