Chris Stapleton has solidified his place as a powerhouse in country music, celebrated for his raw vocals and authentic sound. While many recognize him for his chart-topping solo hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Starting Over,” Stapleton’s journey to stardom began and continues to be deeply rooted in his exceptional songwriting abilities. For over fifteen years, even as he garnered acclaim as a solo artist, Stapleton has been crafting hits for some of the biggest names in music, spanning across genres. From country icons to pop sensations, his songwriting prowess has left an indelible mark on the industry. Before the sold-out stadium tours and Grammy wins, Chris Stapleton was Nashville’s secret weapon, penning songs that resonated with both artists and audiences alike. This article dives into some of the most successful Chris Stapleton Songs He Wrote for other artists, showcasing the breadth and depth of his songwriting talent.
Dierks Bentley – “Diamonds Make Babies”
“Diamonds Make Babies,” a track that blends country sensibilities with a touch of playful wit, found its home on Dierks Bentley’s 2012 album, Home. Stapleton co-wrote this song with Jim Beavers and Lee Thomas Miller, creating a tune that explores the themes of love, commitment, and the subtle changes that relationships bring. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics made it a standout on Bentley’s album. Interestingly, “Diamonds Make Babies” resonated beyond Bentley’s rendition; Joe Nichols later recorded his version for his 2017 album Never Gets Old, further testament to the song’s enduring appeal and Stapleton’s songwriting craftsmanship. Dierks Bentley himself highlighted the collaborative spirit of Nashville’s music scene, emphasizing how meaningful it was to include songs written by his songwriter and musician friends on his records, making them an integral part of his storytelling.
Tim McGraw – “Whiskey and You”
“Whiskey and You” is a raw and emotionally charged ballad that delves into the complexities of heartache and longing. Tim McGraw included this powerful song on his 2007 album Let It Go. Co-written by Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller, the song’s strength lies in its vulnerability and stark portrayal of emotional dependence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of solace found only in whiskey and the lingering memory of a lost love. Nearly a decade after McGraw’s version, Chris Stapleton revisited “Whiskey and You,” recording his own rendition for his critically acclaimed 2015 album Traveller. Stapleton’s version brought a different texture to the song, highlighting his signature soulful voice and further cementing “Whiskey and You” as a modern country classic and a testament to Chris Stapleton songs he wrote.
Alan Jackson – “Talk Is Cheap”
To have a song cut by Alan Jackson, a Country Music Hall of Fame member renowned for writing many of his own hits, is a significant achievement for any songwriter. Chris Stapleton achieved this not once, but twice on Jackson’s 2012 album, Thirty Miles West. While Stapleton co-wrote “Come Back as a Country Song” with Terry McBride for the album opener, “Talk Is Cheap” is particularly notable. This song is a collaboration between Stapleton, his wife Morgane Stapleton, and the legendary songwriter Guy Clark. “Talk Is Cheap” embodies a classic country sensibility with its straightforward lyrics and no-nonsense attitude, a perfect fit for Alan Jackson’s traditional style and showcasing the diverse range of Chris Stapleton songs he wrote.
Thomas Rhett – “Crash and Burn”
Venturing into a more contemporary, pop-infused country sound, “Crash and Burn” showcases Stapleton’s versatility as a songwriter. Co-written with Jesse Frasure, this song, recorded by Thomas Rhett for his 2015 album Tangled Up, also cleverly incorporates elements of Sam Cooke’s 1960 hit “Chain Gang.” “Crash and Burn” became a significant hit for Thomas Rhett, reaching No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Its fusion of modern country-pop with a soulful undercurrent highlights Stapleton’s ability to adapt his songwriting to different styles and artists, proving that Chris Stapleton songs he wrote can transcend genre boundaries.
Lee Ann Womack – “There’s More Where That Came From”
“There’s More Where That Came From,” the title track of Lee Ann Womack’s 2005 album, is a classic cheating song that explores the complex emotions of desire and guilt. Stapleton co-wrote this track with Chris DuBois, crafting lyrics that delve into the internal conflict of someone caught in a forbidden affair. The song’s narrative centers on the protagonist’s awareness of their wrongdoing yet acknowledging the undeniable pull of temptation. Lee Ann Womack’s album, which also featured her hit single “I May Hate Myself in the Morning,” went on to win the CMA Award for Album of the Year, underscoring the impact and quality of Chris Stapleton songs he wrote, including this title track.
Kenny Chesney – “Never Wanted Nothing More”
“Never Wanted Nothing More” became a massive hit for Kenny Chesney in 2007, spending an impressive five weeks at No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. This song, co-written by Stapleton and Ronnie Bowman, is an anthemic expression of contentment and appreciation for simple joys in life, particularly love and companionship. Its widespread appeal and chart dominance solidified Stapleton’s reputation as a hit songwriter within the country music industry, demonstrating the commercial success of Chris Stapleton songs he wrote and their ability to connect with a broad audience.
Darius Rucker – “Come Back Song”
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“Come Back Song” marked Darius Rucker’s lead single from his 2010 album Charleston, SC 1966, and it quickly resonated with country fans. Stapleton co-wrote this catchy and upbeat track with Rucker and Casey Beathard. The song’s infectious melody and relatable theme of wanting someone to return to your life helped it climb the charts, ultimately spending two weeks at No. 1 on Country Airplay. “Come Back Song” not only boosted Darius Rucker’s solo career but also further highlighted Stapleton’s knack for crafting commercially successful and radio-friendly Chris Stapleton songs he wrote for other artists.
George Strait – “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright”
Having a song recorded by the “King of Country,” George Strait, is another pinnacle of achievement for a country songwriter. Stapleton co-wrote “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” with Al Anderson, and Strait included it on his 2011 album Here For a Good Time. This song, with its classic country charm and reassuring message, reached No. 3 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The connection between Strait and Stapleton has come full circle, with Stapleton now opening for Strait’s stadium shows. During a recent performance in Nashville, they even shared the stage to perform “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” together, celebrating the song’s journey and the enduring legacy of Chris Stapleton songs he wrote.
Luke Bryan – “Drink a Beer”
“Drink a Beer” is a deeply moving ballad that tackles the sensitive topic of loss and remembrance. Stapleton teamed up again with Jim Beavers to write this poignant song, which Luke Bryan recorded and debuted during a performance at the 2013 CMA Awards. Stapleton himself contributed background vocals to this emotionally charged performance. The song resonated profoundly with Luke Bryan, who dedicated his CMA Awards performance to his late siblings. “Drink a Beer” went on to spend five weeks at the top of the Hot Country chart in 2014, becoming one of the most impactful and emotionally resonant Chris Stapleton songs he wrote, showcasing his ability to write songs that touch on deep human experiences.
Josh Turner – “Your Man”
“Your Man” is a sultry and soulful song that became the title track for Josh Turner’s 2005 album. Stapleton collaborated with Jace Everett and Chris DuBois to pen this track, which exudes a smooth, romantic vibe. “Your Man” reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in March 2006, becoming one of Josh Turner’s signature songs and an early example of the hit-making potential of Chris Stapleton songs he wrote. Its success helped solidify Stapleton’s reputation as a versatile songwriter capable of crafting hits across different styles within the country genre.
Chris Stapleton’s journey from behind-the-scenes songwriter to celebrated solo artist is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. The songs highlighted here are just a glimpse into his extensive catalog of songwriting credits, showcasing his ability to pen hits for a diverse range of artists and styles. As he continues to release his own critically acclaimed music, his legacy as one of Nashville’s most gifted songwriters remains firmly cemented, proving that the Chris Stapleton songs he wrote have enriched the landscape of modern music.
