My Most-Played Country Songs of 2026 (So Far)

We're nearing the halfway point of 2026, and it's already been a great year for country music. Ella Langley is dominating the charts. Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are selling out stadiums. And the genre as a whole continues to mix traditional country sounds with rock, hip-hop, and yes, even yacht rock! Here are some of the songs that have been on repeat for me so far in 2026.

My most listened to album so far this year is one you might not have heard of. It's from Ernest, and it's called 'Deep Blue'. It's a breezy, light, fun-filled album that is simply made for summer. But the last track, a collaboration with Lukas Nelson, is a stunner. It's called 'Time is a Thief', and if you have aging parents as I do, it certainly hits close to home.

Koe Wetzel has a new album called 'The Night Champion' out this Friday and has been dropping singles for most of the year. My favorite of the bunch so far is 'Hurts Like You'. I can't wait to hear the rest of the project!

Singer Brandon Lake is no stranger to country music. He's partnered up with the likes of Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Lainey Wilson. He and Lainey duet on the song 'The Jesus I Know Now'. I've had a bit of a spiritual rebirth this year, and this song says a lot about how I feel about my relationship with Jesus.

I mentioned that yacht rock has found a spot in country music, courtesy of Keith Urban! His new album 'Flow State' comes out this Friday, and I couldn't be more excited! I've always loved Keith, and this type of music just seems to fit him. He's already released his versions of the songs 'Steal Away', 'Summer Breeze', and 'Magnet and Steel'. But his collab with Michael McDonald on 'We Go Back' is just smooth, yacht rock gold!

And finally, what would a favorite music article be without mentioning my favorite female country artist, Kacey Musgraves. Her new album 'Middle of Nowhere' is a full-on return to her country roots. I have many favorites on here, but for some reason, the song 'Mexico Honey' keeps getting played the most.

Some of my other favorites to check out include;

Drinkin' Dark Whiskey - Midland
Just Believe - Brandon Lake, Bailey Zimmerman
Get to Drinkin' - Zach John King

What's your country song?

1956 to 2026 - All the Acts That Have Played the Great Jones County Fair

The Great Jones County Fair has a long history of bringing big names to Monticello! Here's a look at all of the artists who have graced the grandstand stage since 1956:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin