Little Big Town has captivated country music lovers for over two decades, since their formation in 1998. While initial record deals didn’t immediately launch them into stardom, their persistence and unique sound eventually found an audience. Their move to Equity Music Group in 2005, and later acquisition by Capitol, paved the way for their breakthrough. It was in 2012 that they truly hit the mainstream with “Pontoon,” a song that propelled them to multi-platinum status and earned them accolades across the music industry.
This article delves into ten of Little Big Town’s best song performances, highlighting nine of their biggest hits and one exceptional album track that deserves recognition. Whether you appreciate emotionally resonant performances or lighthearted, fun tunes, this list offers a diverse range of Little Big Town’s musical talent that is sure to resonate.
Discovering Little Big Town’s Musical Depth
10. “Night Owl”
From their extensive discography since 2002, Little Big Town has consistently delivered album cuts that rival the quality of their singles. Tornado, released in 2012 and arguably their best album, concludes with “Night Owl,” a compelling track co-written with Natalie Hemby. This song perfectly showcases their signature tight harmonies. Experiencing Little Big Town perform “Night Owl” live, often gathered around a microphone without instrumental accompaniment, is a truly special highlight of their concerts.
9. “Day Drinking”
The lead single from their Pain Killer album, “Day Drinking,” is an upbeat and carefree anthem about embracing spontaneity and letting loose. This Little Big Town track generated significant buzz after its debut performance at the 2014 CMT Music Awards, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
8. “I’m With The Band”
Released as the first single from their sophomore album A Place To Land, “I’m With The Band” navigated a more challenging path at Country Radio. Peaking at No. 32, its chart performance didn’t fully reflect the song’s quality. However, this poignant portrayal of life on the road as a touring band member stands out as one of their most lyrically rich and vocally impressive performances.
7. “Better Man”
Little Big Town’s impeccable harmonies have garnered them admiration from both industry insiders and fans alike. “Better Man” was gifted to them by Taylor Swift, who recognized their ability to perfectly capture the song’s emotional depth. Swift penned this song about heartbreak and knew Little Big Town would do it justice. “Better Man” topped the Country Songs chart for two weeks and earned award nominations, further cementing its impact.
6. “Sober”
“Sober” is a masterclass in songwriting, crafted by Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna. Its poignant melody and evocative lyrics are undeniably captivating. Kimberly Schlapman’s rare lead vocal performance elevates this track to another level, showcasing her vocal prowess and adding a unique dimension to Little Big Town’s sound.
5. “Your Side Of The Bed”
The ballad “Your Side Of The Bed,” released in spring 2013, features the husband-and-wife duo Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, creating a truly memorable performance. The song’s emotionally charged lyrics depict a couple grappling with growing distance in their relationship, resonating deeply with listeners and drawing comparisons to classic country duets from legends like Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, and George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
4. “Pontoon”
After fifteen years of performing together, Little Big Town achieved mainstream success with the energetic and infectious “Pontoon.” This song about summertime fun on the water resonated with audiences and showcased their signature harmonies. Karen Fairchild’s charismatic lead vocals contributed to its widespread appeal, leading to numerous awards, including a CMA Award in 2012 and a Grammy Award the following year. “Pontoon” remains one of Little Big Town’s most recognizable and celebrated songs.
3. “Little White Church”
Collaborating with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Little Big Town created the spirited single “Little White Church” in 2010. This song became a powerhouse showcase for Karen Fairchild’s dynamic vocals, as she portrays a woman assertively taking charge in her relationship. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful handclaps preceding the chorus create an infectious and joyful listening experience.
2. “Boondocks”
Following initial setbacks with previous record labels, Little Big Town connected with country radio in 2005 with “Boondocks,” an anthem of Southern pride. This song established them as a group unafraid to break conventions, with all four members taking turns on lead vocals – a unique approach for groups at the time and even today. “Boondocks” remains a high-energy highlight of their live shows, evoking a sense of small-town pride that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds.
1. “Girl Crush”
Once again partnering with the songwriting team of Rose, Lindsey, and McKenna, Little Big Town delivered “Girl Crush,” one of the most talked-about country songs of 2015. It dominated the Country Songs chart for an impressive thirteen weeks. Karen Fairchild’s captivating lead vocal performance on this track, exploring themes of longing and desire, is undeniably powerful and emotionally charged. “Girl Crush” is a landmark song in country music, with Fairchild’s performance often compared to iconic female vocalists like Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, and Patsy Cline.
In conclusion, Little Big Town’s enduring success is built on their exceptional vocal harmonies, compelling songwriting, and ability to connect with audiences through both heartfelt ballads and energetic anthems. This selection of their top 10 songs provides a glimpse into their remarkable musical journey and lasting impact on country music.
