Top 10 Modern Female Country Songs


Little Big Town’s wonderfully simple, stripped-back love affair is powerful in all the right ways. The single allegedly created controversy on the radio as some listeners complained that it was about a girl in love another girl, while rumours flew that some stations even pulled it from their playlists. Listen carefully to the lyrics though and yes, you’ve got it, the song is actually about a woman obsessing over the girl who has the heart of the man she loves.Karen Fairchild’s haunting vocals are hugely successful in turning convention on its head and making us pay close attention to the mesmerizing tune. You can’t just play it once!

This fun country track was Gretchen Wilson’s debut single, and boy what an impression she made! The catchy chorus and spot-on lyrics were relatable to every country gal and it took her straight to number one on the Billboard country chart. Co-written with John Rich of Big & Rich, the song announced to the world that Wilson was indeed here for the party. The track also proved to be a pop crossover hit and even earned Wilson a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal while the song's star studded cast instantly put Gretchen on the map. We dare you to try not to tap your foot to this tune!

We just couldn’t miss out this beautiful country song, written by Kimberley Perry and performed by The Band Perry – Kimberley and her brothers, Reid and Neil. This single was released from their self-titled debut album, and it swiftly became a multi-platinum success. The haunting lyrics are complemented by soft backing music, including the fiddle, accordion and banjo while the song’s video references the appropriately tragic tale of The Lady of Shalott, about a woman under a curse. It’s definitely a track best enjoyed with a glass of wine, and possibly a box of tissues.

Do you remember when you were little and you buried your pet in the back yard? Or the room you sat in each night to do your homework? Miranda Lambert brought these memories, good and bad, to life in a song, which was an instant classic. Everyone can relate to that feeling of nostalgia for his or her childhood home, and Lambert’s beautiful, down-to-earth vocals hit just the right tone. In contrast, another of Lambert’s biggest hits is “Gunpowder and Lead”, a powerful country-rock tune about domestic violence, backed with electric guitar and hard-hitting vocals. Is there anything this girl can’t do?

Playing with paint has never looked so dramatic! The Dixie Chicks’ most popular track in the US has a surprisingly dark backstory. During their 2003 world tour, just before the US invaded Iraq, vocalist Natalie Maines made a comment on stage which impacted their lives forever. Telling the crowd “we don’t want this war” and that she was ashamed that then President George W. Bush was from her home state of Texas, the Chicks watched as her simple statement of peace spiralled out of control. US fans began boycotting their music before demanding they “shut up and sing” and going as far as to make death threats. “Not Ready to Make Nice” was their gutsy response to the situation, and its success was huge.

Make sure you’ve got some tissues nearby, as Sugarland’s award-winning, signature song is guaranteed to break your heart. In a wonderfully stripped-back performance, Jennifer Nettles really wears her heart on her sleeve. Most people assume she speaks as the wife of a cheating husband, but listen carefully… she’s actually the “other woman”! And if you find yourself thinking what a great job she’s doing of pretending to cry, it’s because there’s no pretending here. After breaking down during filming, Nettles decided to leave her tears in the video. The gamble paid off – it also became one of the most popular country videos of the decade!

It’s not just one of Taylor Swift’s best-selling singles, this multiplatinum masterpiece is also one of the best-selling singles of all time! Swift’s modern take on the classic Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet proves that you can’t beat a good, old-fashioned love story. Her inspiration behind the song was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a previous love interest who wasn’t popular with her family and friends… So she gave her a story happy ending and made it into a classic! Another close contender for our list was Taylor's breakthrough song, “Teardrops On My Guitar”, a simple and sweet acoustic track… Enjoy!

Well fellas, don’t go messing with Carrie! This powerful tune was the best-selling country single of all time for several years after its release. She rose to fame after winning American Idol in 2005 and her first album, Some Hearts, which included this single, was the best-selling female debut in country music history. Who doesn’t love a bit of brutal girl power? Like your country music a little more lighthearted? Carrie’s other smash hit single, “Jesus Take the Wheel” also featured on this album. Underwood’s delicate vocals and country roots really shine in this lovely song of faith and trust. B-e-a-utiful!

We’ve all been there… It’s the middle of the night, you blow your nose, wipe off the tears, grit your teeth and press “Call”. From the melancholy piano intro to the catchy refrain, this award-winning hit is impossible to get tired of. And this was proved by its phenomenal sales. After overtaking Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, “Need You Now” became the best-selling country song of all time. If only the results of our drunken phone calls were as happy as theirs! Better grab a glass of wine, and let Hilary Scott’s voice just wash over you…

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“The Way You Love Me” (2000)
Faith Hill

“The Climb” (2009)
Miley Cyrus

“Concrete Angel” (2002)
Martina McBride

“Born to Fly” (2000)
Sarah Evans

This country ballad is simply beautiful in every way! Lee Ann Womack’s award-winning signature song captured millions of hearts when it was released, and what’s not to love? Her effortless and heartfelt vocals, combined with the country-pop twang of gentle backing music, make a gorgeous listening experience. The lyrics are about hopes for her childrens’ future, and Womack’s children feature in the video with her. It’s hard not to feel warm and fuzzy inside at all of the love in this song. Well, what can we say? We hope you dance too!

Did you agree with our list? Are there any other lovely ladies you’d add? For more country livin' top 10’s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo!