Few singer-songwriters have achieved the cross-genre dominance that Morgan Wallen has enjoyed in the past half-decade. Across three studio albums, Wallen has solidified his position as one of the most impactful artists of his generation. His 2021 record, Dangerous: The Double Album, made history by being the first album to spend a staggering 100 weeks in the Top Ten of the Billboard 200 chart. Morgan Wallen’s 2023 follow-up, One Thing At A Time, further cemented his status as a modern-day music titan, highlighted by the 16-week reign of ‘Last Night’ at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
2024 has already been another record-breaking year for Wallen, with two more Hot 100 No. 1 hits, ‘I Had Some Help’ with Post Malone and the catchy summer anthem ‘Love Somebody’. This year also saw Wallen set a new milestone as the first artist to achieve five Country Radio chart-toppers within a single year.
As anticipation builds for Morgan Wallen’s next project, the follow-up to One Thing At A Time, early releases like ‘Good to See You Smile’ and ‘I Guess’ suggest his trajectory is only heading upwards. Attempting to distill the country music innovator’s extensive discography into just 30 essential songs is a challenging task, especially considering his latest album alone boasts 36 tracks. Nevertheless, we’ve taken on the challenge.
Here are what we consider to be the best Morgan Wallen songs:
30. The Way I Talk
‘The Way I Talk’ is the track that ignited Morgan Wallen’s career. This debut single captured the bold, rebellious spirit that defined his initial If I Know Me era. It’s unashamedly country, energetic, and features the kind of memorable hook that permeated If I Know Me, before Wallen began to explore a more nuanced and subtle vocal delivery in his later work.
Even with the multitude of chart-topping hits Morgan Wallen has achieved since, ‘The Way I Talk’ remains a cornerstone of his live performances. Beyond its commercial success, the song also provided Wallen with a significant personal honor: it was selected as the new fourth-quarter anthem for his beloved Tennessee Volunteers, further cementing its place in his legacy and resonating deeply with his fanbase.
29. Broadway Girls (with Lil Durk)
‘Broadway Girls’ was a surprising cross-genre collaboration that no one anticipated. Lil Durk, a prominent figure in rap music, enlisted Morgan Wallen for a raw, emotionally charged hook and verse on this unexpected duet. The track became Lil Durk’s first-ever No. 1 as a lead artist, showcasing the power of this unlikely pairing.
Wallen’s distinctive, gravelly vocals cut through the track with an edgy intensity as he expresses frustration with a ‘Broadway Girl’ who’s playing games. Despite its success, the song does contain a somewhat awkward lyric in the chorus: “There’s two things that you’re gonna find out / They don’t love you, and they only love you right now”. Grammatical quirks aside, the song’s energy and unique collaboration made it a standout moment.
28. Wasted On You
‘Wasted On You’ might not initially strike listeners as the most immediately captivating song in Morgan Wallen’s impressive catalog. However, this sharp, burning anthem has become one of his most-streamed tracks of all time, demonstrating its lasting appeal and resonance with fans.
Built upon a prominent hip-hop-inspired beat, ‘Wasted On You’ once again highlights the productive songwriting partnership between Morgan Wallen and Ernest. Josh Thompson and Charlie Handsome also contributed to crafting this explosive track, which blends country storytelling with contemporary sonic elements, further expanding Wallen’s genre-bending appeal.
27. Neon Star (Country Boy Lullaby)
In the early 2010s, rappers like Future began incorporating old nursery rhymes to create uniquely catchy hooks. It appears Morgan Wallen and his songwriting team adopted a similar approach for ‘Neon Star (Country Boy Lullaby)’, resulting in a track that is both familiar and fresh.
Driven by a simple yet highly infectious drum sample, this upbeat song injects a much-needed sense of lightness into the often heartbroken themes that dominate much of One Thing At A Time. ‘Neon Star (Country Boy Lullaby)’ offers a refreshing change of pace, showcasing Wallen’s ability to move between emotional depth and playful energy within the same album.
26. ‘98 Braves
Sports metaphors are a recurring theme in Morgan Wallen’s songwriting, but none are as compelling as his poignant narrative of the Atlanta Braves’ near-triumph season in 1998 in ‘98 Braves’. The song uses baseball as a framework to explore themes of love and loss.
It is cleverly woven with subtle yet effective baseball analogies, as Wallen draws parallels between the team’s near miss and a failed romantic relationship. Lyrics like, “But just like that season / Girl, you and me didn’t end with a ring on a hand / We got close but close doesn’t cut it / Had a good run to end up with nothin’,” effectively capture the bittersweet feeling of coming close but ultimately falling short, both in sports and in love.
25. Silverado For Sale
Everyone has that one car that has been a constant companion through life’s journeys, carrying countless memories along the way. ‘Silverado For Sale’ taps into this universal experience, imagining the moment of letting go of that beloved vehicle.
While country music is rich with songs about trucks, ‘Silverado For Sale’ manages to stand out with a sense of nostalgic polish, as if it were a gleaming, freshly detailed ride. Wallen’s understated, intimate vocal delivery highlights his range and ability to convey emotion through subtlety, transforming a familiar trope into a deeply personal reflection.
24. Had Me by Halftime
One of Morgan Wallen’s earliest sports-inspired tracks, ‘Had Me by Halftime’ is a charming and romantic story about two Tennessee Volunteers fans connecting at a game. It captures the spark of an unexpected connection amidst the excitement of game day.
‘Had Me by Halftime’ is often considered an underrated gem in Wallen’s discography. It vividly evokes the atmosphere of autumn, with falling leaves, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the collective anticipation of a game about to begin. For a thematic sequel, One Thing At A Time features ‘Tennessee Fan’, further exploring Wallen’s connection to his home state and its sports culture.
23. Dying Man
‘Dying Man’ serves a similar function on One Thing At A Time as ‘Livin’ The Dream’ did on Dangerous, offering a moment of introspection amidst more outwardly focused tracks. Given Morgan Wallen’s confident persona in many of his songs, these moments of vulnerability become particularly impactful and engaging for listeners.
Although seemingly addressed to a romantic partner, Wallen revealed at his album release concert that ‘Dying Man’ was actually written with his son, Indigo, in mind. The lyrics, “I never believed in angels / ‘Til one believed in me that night / Turned my off track into a straight line / Before I turned into a headline,” express a profound sense of gratitude and personal transformation, adding a layer of depth to the song’s emotional core.
22. Last Night
Another example of Wallen’s beat-driven, genre-blending style, ‘Last Night’ has become one of the most commercially successful songs from One Thing At A Time. Upon its release, it quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, holding off competition from major pop and rap artists like Drake and Miley Cyrus for weeks.
While the lyrical themes of heartbreak and coping with alcohol remain familiar territory for Wallen, the expansive sonic landscape of ‘Last Night’ underscores why his fusion of country and hip hop resonates where similar attempts by artists like Zac Brown, Brad Paisley, and Jason Aldean have sometimes missed the mark. Wallen’s approach feels authentic and contemporary, connecting with a broad audience.
21. Keith Whitley
‘Keith Whitley’ is a touching tribute to one of Morgan Wallen’s musical heroes. The song is rich with subtle nods to the classic country legend’s hit songs, from ‘I’m No Stranger to the Rain’ to ‘I Never Go Around Mirrors’. The lyrics, “There ain’t a mirror in this house anymore / ‘Cause it kills me to see the guy that let you leave / And walk right out the door,” directly reference Whitley’s iconic songs while expressing personal heartbreak.
Beyond the failed relationship narrative, this deep cut from One Thing At A Time concludes with a heartfelt homage to Whitley, who tragically passed away at the young age of 33 due to alcohol poisoning. The lines, “The things I love got a way of gettin’ gone too soon / Kinda like good whiskey, Keith Whitley and you,” create a poignant connection between personal loss and musical inspiration.
20. Lies, Lies, Lies
Although overshadowed by the Hot 100-topping success of ‘Love Somebody’, ‘Lies, Lies, Lies’ offered a more revealing glimpse into what fans could anticipate from Morgan Wallen’s post-One Thing At A Time music. The song’s brooding instrumentation, introspective lyrics, and winding vocal melody hinted at a more stripped-down, ballad-driven direction.
‘Lies, Lies, Lies’ foreshadowed the feel of unreleased fan-favorites like ‘Good to See You Smile’, ‘Come Back as a Redneck’, and ‘I Guess’. This track is a luxurious, slowly unfolding gem that puts Morgan Wallen’s most powerful asset—his vocal ability—front and center, demonstrating his capacity for nuanced and emotionally resonant performances.
19. Devil Don’t Know
While drinking is often cited as a central theme in One Thing At A Time, religious imagery is equally prominent throughout the album. ‘Devil Don’t Know’ perfectly illustrates this, as Morgan Wallen—with a touch of melodrama—compares the pain of lost love to the fiery depths of Hell.
While the listener might not fully believe that “Fire and brimstone ain’t got nothin’ on / Seein’ you with someone else,” the exaggerated lyrics are structured around an undeniable, knockout hook that grabs attention. ‘Devil Don’t Know’ showcases Wallen’s ability to blend intense emotion with catchy melodies, even when exploring dramatic lyrical territory.
18. Whiskey Glasses
‘Whiskey Glasses’ highlights a key element of Morgan Wallen’s appeal: vulnerability. The persona he often embodies in his songs is that of a sad, regretful character, consistently losing the girl and grappling with heartbreak. This raw, deeply felt emotion is what makes his moments of triumph, when they arrive, feel truly earned and impactful.
The undeniably catchy ‘Whiskey Glasses’ has become a staple in country-themed nightlife across both the US and the UK. Walking down Nashville’s iconic Broadway, it’s almost impossible not to hear this song blasting from one of the many honky-tonks, solidifying its status as a modern country anthem and a crowd-pleaser.
17. Love Somebody
While ‘Love Somebody’ lyrically explores familiar themes of heartbreak, sonically it feels like the opposite of its predecessor, ‘Lies, Lies, Lies’. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Love Somebody’ reaffirmed that the crossover success of ‘Last Night’ in 2023 was not a one-off event, but a sign of Wallen’s sustained broad appeal.
This track marks Morgan Wallen’s first foray into a breezy, Latin-infused soundscape, suggesting a continued openness to experimenting with genres beyond traditional country. ‘Love Somebody’ is a relaxed, summery hit that, in Wallen’s own words, is designed to “sound good on the boat,” perfectly capturing its laid-back, feel-good vibe.
16. You Proof
‘You Proof’ may not be among Morgan Wallen’s most lyrically intricate or sonically complex songs, yet it has grown into one of his biggest hits in recent years. In mid-2023, it achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the longest-running Billboard Country Airplay Chart No. 1 in history.
Wallen’s energetic vocals glide over a smooth, driving beat as he laments the ineffectiveness of his usual coping mechanisms. He sings of his ‘Whiskey Glasses’ losing their potency, with lyrics like, “Someone said it drowns a memory / Ah, but it ain’t doing jack,” capturing the frustration of heartbreak that alcohol can no longer numb.
15. Thought You Should Know
‘Thought You Should Know’, one of Morgan Wallen’s 2022 singles, co-written with Miranda Lambert, is an emotionally charged phone call to his mother. The lyrics read with the raw authenticity of a direct transcription of a personal conversation, adding to the song’s intimate feel.
Capturing this level of genuine emotion in song form is a much more difficult feat than it might seem. ‘Thought You Should Know’ stands out for its sincerity and vulnerability, offering a personal glimpse into Wallen’s life and relationships, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt honesty.
14. Cover Me Up
‘Cover Me Up’ is another iconic track from Dangerous, originally written and recorded by Jason Isbell for his 2013 album, Southeastern. Morgan Wallen’s rendition brings a fresh perspective and broader audience to this already acclaimed song.
Morgan Wallen’s understated yet deeply expressive delivery infuses the track with a renewed sense of gravity and emotional weight. His cover version introduced the song to an entirely new fanbase and highlighted what has become one of Wallen’s defining strengths: his charismatic, drawling vocal style, capable of conveying profound emotion with seemingly effortless ease.
13. Livin’ The Dream
The controversial context surrounding the release of Dangerous heightened the poignancy of ‘Livin’ The Dream’. In this track, Morgan Wallen openly addresses his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, offering a candid look at the pressures and pitfalls of fame.
For the first time, Wallen uses his music to confront his personal challenges, seeking to clarify the public perception of him. Lyrics like, “Oh, there’s a stranger in the mirror / Oh, but according to the pictures / I’m a rockstar, in and out of cop cars / Livin’ out a suitcase, trashing hotel bars,” reveal a stark self-awareness. ‘Livin’ The Dream’ serves as a personal precursor to One Thing At A Time’s emotional closer, ‘Dying Man’, which offers a more hopeful resolution to the issues raised in this earlier track.
12. Somebody’s Problem
‘Somebody’s Problem’ is instantly catchy, almost like a ringtone in its infectiousness. It captures the giddy, anxious feeling of attraction when “that person” walks into a room. The song’s simple concept is elevated by Wallen’s genuine delivery and charisma, turning a solid track into a world-class earworm.
The song’s effectiveness lies in its relatability and Wallen’s ability to convey a sense of authentic excitement and nervousness associated with new attraction. ‘Somebody’s Problem’ is a testament to his knack for crafting songs that are both catchy and emotionally resonant.
11. Chasin’ You
‘Chasin’ You’, Morgan Wallen’s third consecutive No. 1 hit, is an early ballad from If I Know Me that showcased a softer, more nuanced aspect of his songwriting. It demonstrated his versatility beyond the more rowdy, upbeat tracks that initially defined his sound.
‘Chasin’ You’ further solidified Wallen’s talent for creating chart-topping hooks, proving his ability to succeed in different styles within the country genre. For many, this song marked the moment when the young Tennessean established himself as a serious contender for country music stardom, hinting at the sustained success that would follow.
10. Man Made A Bar (with Eric Church)
Given that Eric Church co-wrote ‘Quittin’ Time’ for Wallen’s Dangerous album, a collaboration between the two artists seemed inevitable. ‘Man Made A Bar’, co-written with Larry Fleet, cleverly reimagines the biblical creation story as the origin of neon lights, presenting them as a modern remedy for heartbreak.
For many artists, ‘Man Made A Bar’ would undoubtedly be released as a single. However, with One Thing At A Time featuring a staggering 36 tracks vying for attention, it’s uncertain whether this song will have the chance to become more than a beloved album cut. Despite this, it stands out as a testament to the creative synergy between Wallen and Church, and a fan favorite.
9. 865
Incorporating an entire phone number into a song and still making it sound appealing is no small feat. Morgan Wallen succeeds with ‘865’, a whiskey-soaked, emotionally raw track. He returns to a familiar setting – the lonely end of a bar – contemplating lost love while staring into his drink.
As a word of caution, unlike Big Sean, who famously (and bafflingly) included his actual phone number in a song, dialing Morgan’s ‘865’ digits won’t lead to any exciting revelations. However, the song’s title and theme are memorable and engaging, and chances are fans will still be tempted to try dialing the number out of curiosity.
8. I Had Some Help (with Post Malone)
In many respects, ‘I Had Some Help’ is the song of 2024. This massive, genre-bending collaboration served as the official introduction to Post Malone’s F-1Trillion era. Given Post Malone’s established popularity and his unique status as the only artist with a Double-Diamond certified single, what was particularly remarkable about ‘I Had Some Help’ was Morgan Wallen’s pivotal role in propelling it to a six-week reign at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Data from Spotify indicated that Morgan Wallen’s involvement led to a 260% increase in first-time listeners for Post Malone. This sleek, pop-infused hit has rapidly become one of the most recognizable and successful songs in both artists’ respective catalogs, highlighting the powerful synergy of their collaboration and its broad appeal.
7. More Than My Hometown
‘More Than My Hometown’ could be considered the quintessential Morgan Wallen song. It’s rich in subtly drawn yet emotionally resonant details and centers on a genuinely relatable dilemma: a conflict between staying rooted and pursuing personal growth beyond familiar surroundings.
She wants to leave for new opportunities, while he is deeply connected to home. Who ‘wins’ in this scenario? Alongside ‘7 Summers’, ‘More Than My Hometown’ signaled to fans that Morgan Wallen was poised for even greater success with his upcoming sophomore album, Dangerous. This track is a cornerstone of the creative partnership between Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and ERNEST, solidifying their influence as Nashville’s new tastemakers and defining a contemporary sound within country music.
6. 7 Summers
‘7 Summers’ might just edge out ‘More Than My Hometown’ as the definitive Morgan Wallen track. Here, he slows down the tempo, pairing regretful lyrics with one of the most beautiful melodies in his entire discography. Emerging during a period when Wallen was highly active on TikTok, alongside artists like Bailey Zimmerman and Tucker Wetmore, ‘7 Summers’ became one of the first truly viral hits that reshaped how Nashville approached music releases and digital marketing strategies.
The song’s success on TikTok demonstrated the platform’s power to propel country music to new audiences and influence the industry’s promotional tactics. ‘7 Summers’ is not just a hit song, but also a landmark moment in the evolution of country music marketing in the digital age.
5. Don’t Think Jesus
‘Don’t Think Jesus’ was penned for Morgan Wallen by frequent collaborators Jessi Alexander, Mark Holman, and Chase McGill. Wallen’s emotional response to the song was profound; he reportedly burst into tears upon first hearing it, highlighting its deep personal resonance.
He delivers what is arguably the most powerful vocal performance of his career on this track, which tells the story of a wayward individual seeking redemption. Alongside ballads like ‘Dying Man’ and ‘Livin’ The Dream’, ‘Don’t Think Jesus’ showcases Wallen’s ability to transform his often straightforward, candid style into genuine and endearing sincerity, deepening his connection with listeners through vulnerability.
4. Up Down (Feat. Florida Georgia Line)
‘Up Down’ remains a highlight of Morgan Wallen’s captivating live shows, and for good reason. It’s a celebratory, high-energy anthem, blending bro-country bravado with irresistible Southern charm. The collaboration with Florida Georgia Line amplified its party-ready vibe and chart success.
For many artists, this blockbuster, Florida Georgia Line-assisted chart-topper would be the defining hit of their career. For Morgan Wallen, however, ‘Up Down’ is just one of many standout tracks, struggling to even break into his top five best songs, a testament to the depth and breadth of his hit-filled discography.
3. One Thing At A Time
‘One Thing At A Time’ is an infectious, upbeat track that serves as both a musical and thematic successor to his 2021 hit, ‘Dangerous’. The song captures a sense of nonchalant resignation as Morgan Wallen presents his options to an ex-lover with a shrug.
He lays out his priorities with lines like, “You say I gotta get over you and get sober too / I got a lot of habits I gotta kick / Weigh out all your options and take your pick,” culminating in the catchy and defining lyric, “I hate to tell you, girl / But I’m only quittin’ one thing at a time.” Despite being somewhat overshadowed by other hits from the album, ‘One Thing At A Time’ is the namesake of both the album and tour for a reason. It highlights a new facet of Wallen’s sound and laid the groundwork for the genre-bending electricity of later hits like ‘I Had Some Help’ and ‘Love Somebody’.
2. Sand In My Boots
Dangerous features a series of hits that are as strong and impactful as any in modern country music. These songs are characterized by strong melodies, direct yet nuanced lyrics, and a palpable emotional weight. ‘Sand In My Boots’ exemplifies these qualities perfectly.
Have you ever experienced a vacation romance that felt like it could last forever, only to fade away with the tan lines? ‘Sand In My Boots’ is for you. It captures the bittersweet feeling of a fleeting summer love and the lingering memories that remain long after the season ends, resonating with anyone who has experienced a similar romantic wistfulness.
1. Everything I Love
‘Everything I Love’ is decidedly a song for the traditionalists. It skillfully incorporates a sample from The Allman Brothers Band’s classic ‘Midnight Rider’, blending classic rock influences with contemporary country sounds.
‘Everything I Love’ features Morgan Wallen singing with a playful swagger against an irresistibly upbeat ‘90s country backdrop. It’s a wonderfully twangy heartbreak anthem that serves as a playful nod to those who might question whether Morgan’s sound is ‘country enough’. By embracing and reinventing classic country elements, ‘Everything I Love’ asserts Wallen’s place within the genre while pushing its boundaries.
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