The Country Songs That Meant the Most to Me In 2023 [VIDEO]

Here we are at the end of another year. And you've no doubt been bombarded with year-end lists. The top TV shows...the best movies...the most listened-to albums. We all have our own criteria for consuming music. So instead of just listing songs that I listened to the most this past year, I thought I'd choose them differently. Some of the songs you probably have heard before. Others perhaps not. But they meant something special to me this year.

Shine a Light - Koe Wetzel

This song is part of the country tribute album to the Rolling Stones called Stoned Cold Country. It was originally released on the Stone's 1972 album Exile on Main, and was written by Mick Jagger about the death of founding band member Brian Jones. I'll admit that I wasn't entirely familiar with the song, but hearing Koe Wetzel and the soaring band it became an immediate favorite song of mine in 2023.

Man Made a Bar - Morgan Wallen with Eric Church

I was immediately drawn to this song when Morgan released his hugely successful album One Thing at a Time this year. How could you not? It features two of my favorite country artists and the lyrics are great. I loved this one even before it hit country radio.

I Remember Everything - Zach Bryan with Kacey Musgraves

2023 is the year that I finally got Zach Bryan. The singer/songwriter known for hits like Something in the Orange had always been a bit too outside the lines for me. But his 2023 self-titled album finally won me over. It didn't hurt that he got my favorite female artist to duet with him either. The melancholy mood makes me want to go out and buy an 88 Ford.

Weight of Your World - Chris Stapleton

The country album that I listened to most towards the end of 2023 was Higher by Chris Stapleton. It is full of fantastic songs including the radio hit White Horse. But the album can better be summed up as a love letter to his wife, Morgane. Weight of the World talks about taking care of the one you love more than anyone else.

Next Thing You Know - Jordan Davis

2023 was the year that our first child graduated from high school. I simply couldn't fathom that Chase was 18 years old and was taking his first step into adulthood. Around the same time as graduation, Next Thing You Know was becoming Jordan Davis' biggest hit song to date. When he sang the lyrics about heading off to college and how did 17 years go by so fast, I would tear up every time. That is what a great song is supposed to do. Make you feel something.