Sam Hunt burst onto the country music scene after his debut album, Montevallo, dropped in 2014, and he quickly cemented himself as a leading voice in modern country. With his innovative lyrics, smooth vocals, and a distinctive sound that blends country with hip-hop influences from his Georgia upbringing, Sam Hunt has captivated audiences for nearly a decade. Hits like “Take Your Time” and “Body Like a Back Road” are hallmarks of his style, and he’s also proven his songwriting prowess by penning tracks for country giants like Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 Sam Hunt Songs that showcase his talent.
1. “2016”
“2016” dives deep into the rawness of regret and heartache. This Sam Hunt song feels like a confession from someone wrestling with the consequences of their actions. The minimalist arrangement, featuring just an acoustic guitar and Hunt’s emotionally charged voice, creates an intimate atmosphere. It’s like reading a personal apology letter, filled with “shoulda, woulda, coulda’s,” as he admits to mistaking freedom for something it wasn’t when it arrived in the form of “dreams and lonely women.” “2016” stands out in Sam Hunt’s discography as perhaps his most vulnerable song, making it profoundly relatable.
And I’d drive a thousand miles to your house
Walk in like I walked out
Put the tears back in your eyes
‘Cause all my lies could still come true
I’d tell you everything was alright
And hold you, baby, all night
When your heart was all patched up
And our love was good as new
I’d take 2016
And give it back to you
2. “23”
With “23,” Sam Hunt revisits his signature blend of pop-country sensibilities, delivering a track that’s pure nostalgic bliss. This song is a heartfelt look back at a relationship that shaped him, filled with nothing but warmth as he sings, I hope you’re happy now/I’m really glad I knew you then. Even the single’s artwork, featuring a vintage photo of his wife Hannah Lee Fowler’s aunt and uncle in their youth, enhances the nostalgic feel. Hunt’s clear vocals and the tender lyrics paint a beautiful picture of past love, making “23” a standout among Sam Hunt’s best songs and a fan favorite.
No matter where I go, no matter what I do
I’ll never be 23, with anyone but you
You can marry who you want
Go back to Tennessee
But you’ll never be 23 with anyone but me
3. “Cop Car”
While Keith Urban’s rendition of “Cop Car” propelled it to mainstream success in 2014, Sam Hunt’s original version carries a unique authenticity as he co-wrote the track based on a personal experience. The song recounts a story of young rebellion and budding romance, inspired by Hunt and a girlfriend trespassing near an airport to watch planes. Their adventure takes an unexpected turn when a police officer arrives, leading to a ride in the back of a cop car. Hunt’s vivid storytelling puts you right there with him, captivated by the “wild child” beside him. The lyrics beautifully capture how her spirit overshadows any fear, replaced by the thrill of new love. Even though Urban’s version was a double-platinum Top 5 hit, Sam Hunt’s storytelling and vocal delivery truly make this song his own, highlighting his strength as a songwriter.
You were thinking that
Running for it
Would make a good story
I was thinking you were crazy as hell
You were so innocent
But you were stealing my heart
I fell in love in the back of a cop car
4. “Drinkin’ Too Much”
Similar to “2016,” “Drinkin’ Too Much” offers an intimate glimpse into Sam Hunt’s personal life, functioning as a public apology to his wife. In this raw and honest track, he addresses the unintended consequences of using her as inspiration for his music, acknowledging the loss of privacy when her name became widely known. The song, almost spoken word in its delivery, chronicles the pain of their relationship’s struggles, including a period of long distance and his admission of being intoxicated during a major television performance. “Drinkin’ Too Much” is a testament to Sam Hunt’s vulnerability and willingness to share his personal struggles through his music, making it a compelling and deeply personal song.
Drinkin’ too much, drinkin’ too much
Since you been gone, I can’t get gone enough
I’m on top of the world, I’m going down
I’m gonna drink it all ’till you’re not around
Drinkin’ too much, drinkin’ too much
Since you been gone, I can’t get gone enough
I’m on top of the world, going down
I’m gonna drink it all ’till you’re not around
5. “Start Nowhere”
“Start Nowhere,” like “23,” is a nostalgic nod to Sam Hunt’s roots and simpler times. This song is a heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Cedartown, Georgia, painted with vivid imagery that transports you to his world. You can almost feel the “heavenly pines” and stand on the “holier ground” he describes. In “Start Nowhere,” Hunt reflects on feeling lost and disconnected in an unstable world and seeks solace in returning home. It’s an anthem about finding stability and grounding by reconnecting with your origins and nature. The song’s message of escaping the chaos and rediscovering oneself resonates deeply, emphasizing that “sometimes you gotta start nowhere” to find your way. This track is a refreshing escape into the heart of Sam Hunt’s personal geography.
Well, I don’t know, but I’ve been told
Moss don’t grow on a rolling stone
Me, I wanna go where the river rolls
And breathe in that old down home
Feelin’ again, ’cause lately I’ve been
Spinnin’ my wheels out, gone with the wind
When I need to get back to who I am
There ain’t but just one road there
Sometimes you gotta start nowhere
6. “Young Once”
“Young Once” perfectly encapsulates the carefree spirit of youth and young love, a universal theme that resonates widely. This Sam Hunt song celebrates the feeling of being wild and uninhibited, depicting a couple immersed in the joy of the moment – singing in the sunshine, driving down backroads, and embracing spontaneity. While the tone is light and casual, the lyrics offer moments of deeper reflection, like someday we’re gonna know too much to know it all, hinting at the bittersweet nature of fleeting youth. Often underrated compared to his bigger hits, “Young Once” is a gem in Sam Hunt’s catalog that’s definitely worth revisiting for its uplifting vibe and thoughtful lyrics about cherishing youth.
We were young once
We were gung-ho, singing in the sun once
Backroads in the wild, on the run once
Cheap thrills, doing things in the wheat fields
We were young, we were young, we were young once
7. “Make You Miss Me”
“Make You Miss Me,” a standout breakup anthem from Sam Hunt’s debut album Montevallo, showcases his ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly. The song opens with an unexpected piano and violin intro, immediately drawing listeners in before transitioning into a hip-hop-infused beat, overlaid with Hunt’s signature crooning vocals. This track captures the confident side of heartbreak, portraying the perspective of someone certain that their ex will regret the breakup. Lyrics about leaving a lingering presence, like Make you wish that you were sleeping in my shirt and anticipating late-night calls, perfectly encapsulate the sentiment of wanting to be missed. “Make You Miss Me” is a prime example of Sam Hunt’s skill in crafting compelling and relatable breakup songs that resonate with a wide audience.
Whoa, whoa
I ain’t gonna be that easy to leave
Whoa, whoa
Girl, I’m gonna make you miss me
Make you wish that you were sleeping in my shirt
Lie about my jacket and tell everyone it’s yours
When your phone rings after midnight, and you’re thinking maybe it’s me
I’m gonna make you miss me
8. “Speakers”
“Speakers” turns up the heat with its sensual and intimate narrative. This Sam Hunt song transforms a truck bed into a romantic haven for love, leaving little to the imagination with its opening lines: I softly kiss your neck, and slowly whisper/you breathe in ’cause it feels cold where my lips were. From there, the song only intensifies, with Hunt’s alluring voice and suggestive lyrics painting a vivid picture of passion under the stars. “Speakers” exemplifies Sam Hunt’s ability to weave captivating stories, even in his more overtly romantic songs, making it a standout for its steamy and evocative atmosphere.
And I’m on fire, girl you’re on fire
Out in the dark, wrapped up in the stars (stars)
So right, girl I’m so high
You and me, wild and free
Way out in the woods no body for miles
Love in the back of the truck with the tailgate down
Just us and the speakers on
9. “Body Like a Back Road”
No list of Sam Hunt’s best songs would be complete without “Body Like a Back Road,” arguably his biggest hit to date. This record-breaking track catapulted Sam Hunt into even broader recognition, crossing genre boundaries with its catchy and smooth sound. The song is a masterclass in clever songwriting, filled with driving metaphors for romance. Lines like body like a back road/Driving with my eyes closed/I know every curve like the back of my hand and ain’t no curves like hers on them downtown streets are both playful and suggestive, contributing to the song’s immense appeal. “Body Like a Back Road” is undeniably an earworm, with its catchy melody and double-entendre lyrics making it one of Sam Hunt’s most recognizable and successful songs.
Body like a back road
Drivin’ with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin’ 15 in a 30
I ain’t in no hurry
I’ma take it slow just as fast as I can
10. “House Party”
Rounding out the top 10 Sam Hunt songs is “House Party,” one of his most energetic and fun-loving tracks. In contrast to his more introspective breakup songs, “House Party” is pure, unadulterated good times. The lyrics celebrate the joy of simple pleasures and intimate company, suggesting that the best parties don’t require crowded venues but just good company at home. The idea of turning a living room into a dance floor in sweatpants is universally appealing and filled with positive energy. “House Party” is an infectious celebration of laid-back fun and connection, making it a perfect feel-good anthem among Sam Hunt’s popular songs.
We’ll have a house party, we don’t need nobody
Turn your TV off, break that boombox out
We’ll wake up all the neighbors ’til the whole block hates us
And the cops show up and try to shut us down
If you’re gonna be a homebody
We’re gonna have a house party
If you wanna be a homebody
We’re gonna have a house party
Photo Credit: The Dwyers / UMG
