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Brad Paisley was born to entertain. From his stage presence and exemplary guitar work to his songwriting, Paisley delivers the full artist package.
Over the last 24 years, the West Virginia native has released some of the most heartbreaking, powerful songs in country music history, punctuated with a distinctive humour that truly showcase not just his musical flexibility but also his big personality. Holler takes a look at some of the best songs that he’s released over the years.
Check out the playlist above to listen 25 of the Best Brad Paisley Songs in full and dive into the top 10 below.
Then
Paisley wrote this no.1 hit with Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois.
Country music is known for its clever lyrics and it doesn’t really get more so than this, as the protagonist goes through the different stages of life, with a hook line tying it all together; “I thought I loved you then”.
Nothing compares to how strong his love has grown now and 'Then' is one of the most beautiful country love songs ever recorded.
I'm Gonna Miss Her
One of country music's greatest songs about fishing!
This song begins as a ballad, all before the punchline at the beginning of its honky-tonk chorus. Paisley and Frank Rogers penned the tune whilst still at Belmont University in the early 90s.
Garth Brooks, George Strait and Alan Jackson all supposedly showed interest in recording the song, but Paisley kept it to himself and took it to no.1 in 2002.
Mud On The Tires
This is a typical country song, all about chevy trucks and falling in love. It’s got a toe-tappingly good chorus, the fiddle adding that extra country flare before Paisley enters with a guitar solo towards the end - a skill he’s famed for.
We Danced
Taken off his debut album, this was the first glimpse we got of Paisley's romantic side. Lyrically, it's a classic storytelling country song about a barman who falls in love with a girl who's left her purse behind. The pair strike up a whirlwind romance after sharing a dance when she goes to collect it.
Paisley's vocals are soft and laid-back as he sets the scene, accompanied by a gorgeous high-pitched piano.
I'm Still A Guy
Another playful one from Paisley’s prime, on which he explains to his partner that "he’s still a guy" when she tries to curb his stereotypical masculine behaviour.
This no.1 is a fan-favourite at his concerts, the majority of the guys in the audience belting it out, beer raised in the air as if it was their national anthem! It also features some more fantastic guitar playing from Paisley.
This Is Country Music
This track is a nod to the great genre we all know and love, with Paisley once saying in an interview; “This is my love song to my fans, who live all our songs every day, and to this industry, which produces this music that does become the soundtrack to people's lives”.
Towards the end of the song, Paisley makes reference to several classic country hits, such as Tammy Wynette’s ‘Stand By Your Man’ and John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.
Online
This upbeat comedy song was Paisley’s ninth No.1 on the country charts. The production matches the lyrical content as the mellophone starts the song, before Paisley addresses the contradictions of how people appear online and in reality. It’s certainly a relatable notion.
When I Get Where I'm Going
In the early-to-mid-noughties, Paisley was in his prime. For this no.1, Paisley gets in touch with his sensitive and spiritual side as he speaks positively about life after death.
The lyrical imagery is vivid, as he sings, “I’ll land beside a lion / and run my fingers through his mane”.
Dolly Parton’s vocals further enhance the song, which won Vocal Event of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2005.
Whiskey Lullaby
This double-platinum duet with Alison Krauss was penned by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, and is up there with the saddest songs in country music. The lyrics bring to light the devastation that alcoholism can bring about, all set to a lovely acoustic arrangement featuring the dobro.
The song was named CMA Song of the Year in 2005.
He Didn't Have To Be
Country songwriters have often turned their attention to fathers, but it's rare that they've sung the praises of step dads.
He took the inspiration for his first country number from his co-writer's relationship with his stepson McCain Merren. Written from the perspective of a son looking on as his single mother begins dating a new man. Unlike all her previous boyfriends, the new boyfriend makes an effort to form a relationship with the child as well and the song thanks him for putting in all the effort with him that didn't come unconditionally.
Brad Paisley said that when the two of them came to write the song, he suggested writing a song about Lovelace's step dad and son dynamic, and said to him, "Let's make a song about you two that will make your wife cry."
They had country music fans everywhere blubbering along too.
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