These Are the Best Summer Country Songs of All Time

Natalie Schumann
·4 min read

From Country Living

Summer is finally here, which means day after day filled with sunshine (and if you're lucky, some quality time at the pool, lake, beach, or natural swimming hole near you!). You've got your bathing suit, sunscreen, and cooler packed. What you need now is a soundtrack of country songs to back up all your bucket-list worthy summer activities.

You likely have your favorite country playlists in constant rotation—from a country music beach playlist to best country love songs to set a romantic mood. Well, allow us to introduce you to your new favorite playlist—the best summer country songs dedicated to the laid-back, kick-your-boots-off, pop-a-top, relaxed time of the year.

To create the perfect backdrop for your backyard barbecues and road trip destinations, this list of tried-and-true tunes has you covered. Classic hits by Willie Nelson and Alabama (the ones you know all the words to!) take you back to simpler summer days, while poppy tunes from the best country songs of 2020 will liven up an outdoor party. No matter the occasion, this list of summer country songs will be right along with you as you create the sweetest summertime memories.

ROAD TRIP

Travel—particularly on a dirt or gravel road—has been a common theme in country music for decades, and current stars like Chris Stapleton are continuing the trend with their more recent hits that embrace country music's long tradition of storytelling through song. Here are songs for both open highways and one-lane backroads. (Vintage pickup truck optional, but strongly encouraged!)

ON THE WATER

Whether on a sandy beach or a muddy riverbank, there's just something so sweet about spending the day on the water with friends. Maybe that's why there are so many songs written about it. (Plus, Alan Jackson water skiing in a cowboy hat and blue jeans? Yes!)

  • Brad Paisley, "Water"

  • Willie Nelson, "Whiskey River"

  • Alan Jackson, "Chattahoochee"

  • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, "Fishin' in the Dark"

  • Little Big Town, "Day Drinking"

  • Craig Morgan, "Redneck Yacht Club"

  • Kenny Chesney, "When the Sun Goes Down"

  • Lady A, "Perfect Day"

  • Little Big Town, "Boondocks"

  • Brad Paisley, "I'm Gonna Miss Her"

  • Blake Shelton, "Some Beach"

  • Zac Brown Band, "Toes"

  • Blackjack Billy, "The Booze Cruise"

  • Little Big Town, "Pontoon"

BACKYARD FAVORITES

Some songs are made for hanging out in the yard surrounded by friends, family, and of course, food. Fire up the best grilling recipes while tuning out your worries and tuning in to summer fun.

  • Alan Jackson, "Summertime Blues"

  • Alabama, "Song of the South"

  • Zac Brown Band, "Chicken Fried"

  • David Nail, "Whatever She's Got"

  • Kid Rock, "All Summer Long"

  • Keith Urban, "Long Hot Summer"

  • Jake Owen, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night"

  • Bellamy Brothers, "Redneck Girl"

  • Alan Jackson, "Pop a Top"

  • Garth Brooks, "Friends in Low Places"

  • Kellie Pickler, "Feelin' Tonight"

  • Kenny Chesney, "I Go Back"

  • Jimmy Buffet, "Margaritaville"

  • Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys"

  • Morgan Wallen, "Up Down (feat. Florida Georgia Line)"

  • Barbara Mandrell, "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"

  • Old Crow Medicine Show, "Wagon Wheel"

  • Tim McGraw, "Where the Green Grass Grows"

SUMMER LOVE

Fewer moments are more magical than a spontaneous summer romance. These tunes are sure to inspire summer lovin'—and maybe even all year long.

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