If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or turned on a radio lately, you know the Nashville sound is basically unrecognizable from ten years ago. It’s better. Or weirder. Maybe both? We’re seeing a massive shift where the "Old Guard" is fighting to keep up with streaming giants who didn't even have a record deal two years ago.
Honestly, trying to pin down the top 10 country songs right now is like trying to catch a greased pig at a county fair. The charts move fast. One minute a song is a viral snippet, and the next, it’s dominating the Billboard Country Airplay.
The Heavy Hitters Moving the Needle
Right now, the industry is reeling from some massive milestones. Blake Shelton just notched his 31st career number one with "Stay Country or Die Tryin’". It’s a huge deal. He’s now officially second on the all-time list for country radio leaders, trailing only Kenny Chesney. But while the radio loves Blake, the streaming world belongs to the newer faces.
1. "Stay Country or Die Tryin’" – Blake Shelton
This track is exactly what you'd expect from modern-day Blake. It’s got that gritty, "don't change for anyone" sentiment that resonates with folks who feel like the world is moving too fast. It’s currently sitting at the top of the Country Airplay charts as of mid-January 2026. If you’re heading to his Vegas residency at Caesars Palace this month, expect this to be the encore.
2. "Choosin’ Texas" – Ella Langley
Ella Langley is having a moment. She’s been camping out at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart for about twelve weeks now. This isn't just a "girl loves her state" song; it’s become a bit of an anthem for roots and belonging. It’s got that raw, authentic edge that makes you feel like you're sitting in a dusty bar in Laredo.
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3. "20 Cigarettes" – Morgan Wallen
Look, you can’t talk about country music in 2026 without mentioning Morgan Wallen. The guy is a machine. This track from his I’m the Problem era is dark, moody, and deeply relatable to anyone who’s ever made a bad decision at 2:00 AM. It’s currently a staple in the top 10, showing that Wallen’s grip on the genre isn't loosening anytime soon.
4. "Somewhere Over Laredo" – Lainey Wilson
Lainey just threw a massive party in Nashville to celebrate this reaching number one. It’s her ninth chart-topper. What’s cool about this one is the inspiration—it’s actually a nod to Judy Garland’s "Over the Rainbow." It’s earned her a couple of Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. Honestly, her "Bell Bottom Country" style is basically the blueprint for every new female artist in town right now.
5. "Favorite Country Song" – HARDY
HARDY continues to bridge the gap between rock and country. This song is punchy. It’s currently climbing the top 5 and is a massive favorite for live shows. If you like your country with a side of heavy distorted guitar, this is your jam.
The Rising Stars and Viral Hits
It’s not all just the big names. We’re seeing some really interesting shifts in what people are actually listening to on Spotify and Apple Music.
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6. "6 Months Later" – Megan Moroney
Megan is the queen of the "sad girl country" vibe, and "6 Months Later" hits hard. It’s about that weird period after a breakup when you realize you’re actually doing okay. It’s been a consistent top 5 performer on the Bobby Bones Country Top 30 lately.
7. "Amen" – Shaboozey (feat. Jelly Roll)
Shaboozey is a pioneer. He was the first Black male artist to top both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs simultaneously back in '24, and he hasn't slowed down. "Amen" is a soulful, heavy-hitting collaboration with Jelly Roll. It feels less like a radio hit and more like a spiritual experience.
8. "Giving Her Away" – Luke Combs
Luke is prepping for his new album The Way I Am, which drops in March. This particular track is a tear-jerker. It’s written from the perspective of a father at a wedding, and yeah, it’s already becoming a wedding staple. Luke has this way of writing songs that feel like they’ve existed for thirty years the first time you hear them.
9. "Don’t Mind If I Do" – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
This is a powerhouse duet. Riley and Ella have great chemistry on this track, and it’s been a massive radio success. It’s one of those songs that feels classic but has that modern production polish that makes it pop on a car stereo.
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10. "Cowgirl" – Parmalee
Parmalee just won’t quit. They’ve had a massive run with this song, which spent weeks at number one on the airplay charts. It’s catchy, upbeat, and basically engineered for summer festivals, even if we’re currently in the dead of winter.
Why the Charts Look Different Now
There is a real tension in Nashville. You've got the radio-driven hits like Blake Shelton's latest, and then you have the streaming monsters like Morgan Wallen and Shaboozey. Radio still matters for longevity—Blake’s 31st number one is proof of that—but the "Top 10" is increasingly dictated by what people are looping on their phones.
Also, keep an eye on unreleased snippets. Luke Combs has been teasing a song called "Be By You" on social media that’s already trending before it’s even officially out. That’s the new reality of the top 10 country songs right now—the next big hit is usually sitting in an artist's "drafts" folder on TikTok.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, don't just look at the Billboard Hot 100. Check out the "Country Heat" playlists on streaming platforms. That's where you'll find the artists like Ty Myers or Max McNown who are currently sitting at the #25-30 spot but are about to explode into the top 10 by springtime.
Go ahead and update your "Driving Home" playlist with these tracks. If you’re a fan of the more traditional stuff, grab tickets for Blake Shelton’s residency or keep an ear out for Luke Combs' full album release in March 2026. The genre is changing, but the storytelling is as solid as it's ever been.