Old Dominion has solidified its place in country music with a string of hits that resonate with fans for their relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. Before achieving fame as Old Dominion in 2014 with their self-titled EP, the five members were individually carving paths in the music industry. Lead vocalist Matthew Ramsey, guitarists Brad Tursi and Trevor Rosen, all contributed significantly to the songwriting scene in Nashville, penning hits for country music giants such as Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry, and Josh Turner. Bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers were also established musicians in Nashville. It was when they combined their talents as Old Dominion that a unique musical chemistry emerged.
Under the production expertise of Shane McAnally, Old Dominion’s debut EP and early singles “Shut Me Up” and “Break Up with Him” garnered industry attention, leading to a major label contract in 2015. Since then, the band has released four studio albums, accumulated numerous No. 1 hits, and been recognized with awards from the ACM, CMA, and CMT.
Their journey to stardom has been marked by consistent hard work and a commitment to creating music that connects with listeners. Old Dominion released their fourth album, Time, Tequila & Therapy, in 2021 and continued their active touring schedule, including supporting Kenny Chesney’s 2022 stadium tour.
While fans eagerly anticipate new music from Old Dominion, let’s revisit 10 of their best songs released so far, showcasing their evolution and impact on contemporary country music.
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- “I Was on a Boat That Day”
From their 2021 album, Time, Tequila & Therapy, “I Was on a Boat That Day” captures the sentiment of escaping troubles, reminiscent of Brad Paisley’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” This upbeat track is an anthem for anyone seeking to unwind and leave their worries behind by embracing a carefree day on the water.
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- “Make It Sweet”
“Make It Sweet,” the lead single from their 2018 self-titled album, was a collaborative effort with renowned songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. Its positive and breezy vibe propelled it to the top of the country radio charts in both the U.S. and Canada, becoming a No. 1 hit celebrated for its feel-good energy.
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- “Song for Another Time”
“Song for Another Time” originated from a phrase that resonated with Matt Ramsey. This song cleverly explores a relationship designed to be brief and memorable. Produced by Shane McAnally, it became another chart-topping success for Old Dominion in 2016, highlighting their knack for crafting songs that are both insightful and catchy.
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- “One Man Band”
A genuinely romantic offering, “One Man Band” stands out as one of Old Dominion’s most direct love songs. Co-written with Josh Osborne, this track became a significant hit in 2019, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying their appeal with heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies.
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- “Written in the Sand”
“Written in the Sand” delves into the uncertainty of a relationship’s longevity. Released in 2017 as the second single from their Happy Endings album, this song topped country charts in both the U.S. and Canada, demonstrating their ability to capture complex emotions within an engaging musical framework.
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- “Snapback”
Despite being one of their earlier releases, “Snapback” remains one of Old Dominion’s most commercially successful songs. As the second single from their 2015 album Meat and Candy, it achieved platinum certification and crossed genre boundaries, entering the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing their broad appeal.
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- “Hotel Key”
“Hotel Key” offers a playful and slightly risqué perspective on a fleeting romantic encounter, a theme less commonly explored in country music. Written by Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen with Josh Osborne, this song fondly recalls a brief but impactful moment, celebrating the joy of ephemeral connections.
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- “Shut Me Up”
As the first single from their 2014 self-titled EP, “Shut Me Up” marked a crucial point in Old Dominion’s career, even if it didn’t reach the same chart heights as later hits. Co-written by Ramsey and Tursi with Andrew Dorff, this energetic track established the band’s signature confident sound and played a key role in securing their major label deal with RCA.
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- “Break Up with Him”
“Break Up with Him,” a 2015 hit, captures the bold desire to pursue someone already in a relationship. Ramsey’s direct appeal for his love interest to leave their current partner resonated strongly with listeners. This song, certified double-platinum in 2020 and a No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, exemplifies Old Dominion’s assertive and polished sound that quickly captivated country audiences.
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- “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”
Navigating the fine line between inspiration and cliché, Old Dominion’s 2017 single “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart” succeeds in delivering an uplifting message for those facing adversity. It became another No. 1 hit for the band and remains a crowd-pleaser at live performances, known for its universally relatable theme of resilience and hope.
