Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. In honor of this 'Hallmark holiday,' I decided to put together a list of my top 10 favorite Country love songs. Of course, there is no one list that is the perfect example of the best songs. My list comprises my favorite country love songs right now; some classic, some contemporary. This is for pure enjoyment. And if there is a song that you think should be on the list but isn’t, certainly respond. Or even make your own list if you’re up for it. Enjoy.
10.) Don’t take the Girl- Tim Magraw
This tells a beautiful story of two lucky people that get to grow up together. From little kids to adults, they stick by each other's side. It’s a classic country fairytale that tells an exceptional story.
9.) Must be doing something right- Billy Currington
Billy Currinton has got to have one of the most unique voices in country music. And by unique, I mean sexy. This isn’t the only tune by him that I consider to be a great love song. But one thing that any girl will say about this song is the man really understands women, even though the opening line is, “a woman is a mystery/ a man just can’t understand,” Sometimes, the golden key in the relationship is accepting this notion.
8.) Making Memories of Us- Keith Urban
Keith Urban is another country music boy that will leave a girl swooning. In this case, his guitar skills amp up the swooning even more. Urban trades in is electric guitar for an acoustic in this song and documents all of the ways he’s ‘going to love you, like nobody loves you.’ Some reasons include honoring your mother and learning from your ‘pa.’ That’s a true gentlemen. Way to go, Nicole!
7.) That’s the way love goes- Merle Haggard
“Complex Simplicity,” is a term I like to use when describing some of country music’s classic tunes. No, the songs aren’t comprised of countless chord changes, and the singer doesn’t go off on minute long vocal runs. But, the lyrics, tonality and overall message of this song will leave any romantic love-struck.
6.) Come a little closer, baby- Dierks Bentley
There’s nothing like a love song that doesn’t have the words 'love,' or 'song' for that matter, in the lyrics. The words to this song tell the story of love lost and the man trying to find it again with the woman. Beautifully told. Dierks Bentley’s hotness and the underlying sexual metaphors don’t hurt either.
5.) Safe- Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert started out with hits like “Kerosene,” and “Gunpowder and Lead.” It took falling in love with fellow country music star Blake Shelton, and getting hitched to bring this girl to write a true love song. Not only does this song take on a different approach to the love song told from a female perspective, but instead of simply saying, ‘I’ll keep you safe by never letting anyone hurt you, etc.’ she uses similes to relate her protecting her loved one to fragile things in life like diamonds and pearls, and things she loves like her saddle and her boots.
4.) Forever and ever, Amen- Randy Travis
The first time I heard this song, the melody and lyrics stuck with me. You can’t get it out of your head. Country music will always be the genre that tells the best story in the most unique way, and this song is no exception.
3.) I Miss Being Misses Tonight- Loretta Lynn
For this country music queen, it takes Jack White, his guitar, and her voice to make love song magic. The play on ‘miss’ and ‘misses’ is noteworthy as well.
2.) To Make You Feel My Love- Garth Brooks
This song, featured on the movie, “Hope Floats,” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, hands down. The lyrics are painfully beautiful and the imagery is perfectly written. “I’d go hungry. I’d go black and blue. Crawl to the ends of the Earth for you. Make you happy make your dreams come true. To make you feel my love.” Pair that with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. and you’re in the love song history books.
1.) Walking After Midnight- Patsy Cline
If anyone can listen to this song and not put it on their list of favorite country love songs, they are dead inside. One listen to this tune and Cline’s emotion will knock you to the floor.
Of course, there’s plenty more songs out there that could go on the list. I could barely compress the list to ten tunes. Some other songs of mention are, “Love Your Love the Most,” Eric Church, “Speak Now,” Taylor Swift, and “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” Thompson Square. These are just a handful of my favorite Country Love Songs. I hope your Valentine’s Day plays out like one of these lovely tunes.