Country music has long been a genre defined by its deep roots in tradition and storytelling. Yet, over the years, many artists have found success by blending country with other musical styles. These country crossover songs have broadened the genre’s appeal, reaching new audiences and charting on pop, rock, and even R&B charts. Here, we explore 20 of the most significant country crossover songs that have made a lasting impact.
20 Country Crossover Songs to Add to Your Playlist
1. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s 1956 hit “I Walk the Line” is one of the earliest examples of a country crossover success. The song’s minimalist production, combined with Cash’s deep, resonant voice, helped it cross over to the pop charts, where it reached No. 17. The song’s universal theme of love and commitment resonated with a broad audience, making it a timeless classic.
2. “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” is a quintessential country-pop crossover. Released in 1975, the song reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about chasing dreams in the big city made it a massive hit across multiple genres.
3. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a song that transcends genres. Released in 1973, the song tells the story of a woman pleading with another to not take away her man. With its haunting melody and Parton’s powerful vocals, “Jolene” became a crossover hit, charting on both the country and pop charts.
4. “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
A duet that exemplifies the blending of country and pop, “Islands in the Stream” was written by the Bee Gees and performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Released in 1983, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the most beloved country-pop duets of all time.
5. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart” brought country music to a new audience in 1992. The song’s infectious chorus and catchy beat made it a hit on both the country and pop charts. It also sparked a line dancing craze across the country, further solidifying its crossover appeal.
6. “Need You Now” by Lady A
Lady A’s 2009 hit “Need You Now” is a modern example of a successful country crossover. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful harmonies helped it top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and it also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its universal theme of longing and regret resonated with listeners across genres.
7. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” is a perfect example of a country song with pop sensibilities. Released in 2006, the song’s vengeful lyrics and catchy melody helped it cross over to the pop charts, where it reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became one of the best-selling country songs of all time.
8. “Breathe” by Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s “Breathe” is a classic country-pop crossover. Released in 1999, the song’s lush production and Hill’s powerful vocals helped it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also made a significant impact on the pop charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
9. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers’s “The Gambler” is a country song that has become a pop culture staple. Released in 1978, the song tells the story of a man who learns life lessons from a seasoned gambler. Its storytelling and memorable chorus helped it become a crossover hit, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
10. “Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One”
Shania Twain is known for her ability to blend country with pop, and “You’re Still the One” is one of her most successful crossover hits. Released in 1998, the song’s romantic lyrics and Twain’s smooth vocals helped it reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won two Grammy Awards, further cementing Twain’s crossover appeal.
11. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a song that has become synonymous with country music, but it also found success on the pop charts. Released in 1971, the song’s nostalgic lyrics and Denver’s soothing voice helped it reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains a beloved anthem for both country and pop fans.
12. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” is a modern country crossover hit that took the charts by storm in 2012. The song’s blend of country and hip-hop elements helped it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. A remix featuring rapper Nelly further expanded its crossover appeal.
13. “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker’s cover of “Wagon Wheel” is a country song that resonated with a wide audience. Released in 2013, the song’s catchy chorus and Rucker’s rich vocals helped it top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also crossed over to the pop charts, where it became a favorite sing-along anthem.
14. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban
Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” is a country song with a bluesy, soulful vibe. Released in 2016, the song’s smooth melody and Urban’s heartfelt vocals helped it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It also crossed over to the pop charts, where it received significant airplay.
15. “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line
“Meant to Be” is a collaboration between pop singer Bebe Rexha and country duo Florida Georgia Line that became a massive crossover hit. Released in 2017, the song’s catchy melody and positive lyrics helped it top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 50 weeks. It also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the most successful country-pop crossovers of all time.
16. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
“Old Town Road” is a genre-defying hit that blurred the lines between country and hip-hop. Released in 2019, the song’s blend of trap beats and country lyrics made it a viral sensation. A remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus helped it top the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks, making it one of the most successful crossover songs in history.
17. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain
Another hit from Shania Twain, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” is a song that combines country with pop and rock elements. Released in 1999, the song’s empowering lyrics and upbeat tempo helped it become a crossover hit, charting on both the country and pop charts. It remains one of Twain’s signature songs.
18. “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane/Rascal Flatts
Originally released by Tom Cochrane in 1991, “Life Is a Highway” was later covered by Rascal Flatts for the 2006 “Cars” soundtrack. The Rascal Flatts version brought the song to a new audience, blending country with rock and pop. It became a crossover hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
19. “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle
Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” is a smooth country ballad that crossed over to the pop charts. Released in 1977, the song’s jazzy piano accompaniment and Gayle’s sultry vocals helped it reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
20. “Need You Tonight” by Lady A
Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, is known for their country-pop crossover appeal. “Need You Tonight,” released in 2019, is another example of their ability to blend genres. The song’s romantic lyrics and harmonies helped it gain popularity on both country and pop charts.
See Also: Top 20 Greatest Country Songs of All Time
Conclusion
These 20 country crossover songs highlight the genre’s versatility and ability to evolve. By blending elements of pop, rock, hip-hop, and more, these artists have broadened the appeal of country music and created timeless hits that resonate with fans across the musical spectrum.
