Dec 29, 2021

10 Songs You May Have Missed in 2021

2021 was an incredible year for country music. Major artists released new singles and albums, live music returned, and new artists started their careers. With all of that going on, it can be hard to keep up with all of the new music coming out of Nashville. In no particular order, here are ten songs you may have missed in 2021.

1. Stop Draggin’ Your Boots by Danielle Bradbery

“Stop Draggin’ Your Boots” was the third track released from Bradbery’s next project and her first new release of 2021. This song brings out the sassy and fiery side of Bradbery, which is a side that fans may not have seen before. Bradbery tells her man to “stop draggin’ his boots” in their relationship. She has had it with his lack of commitment to their relationship. She continues to shine vocally and show off a new confidence level in this song. This song may be hard to miss coming into the new year. It was recently added to Spotify’s Hot Country playlist. Here’s to a hopeful radio release and a new album in 2022.

2. “All American” by Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton has had a whirlwind year in 2021. She released her long-awaited debut album Remember Her Name in September, featuring songs such as “All American,” “Black Like Me,” and “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”. “All American” has been featured in Guyton’s multiple high-profile TV performances including her performance at the 2021 American Music Awards. This song reminds Guyton’s listeners and her critics that we are more alike than we think we are. “Ain’t we all / ain’t we all American?” Hopefully, fans will be seeing and hearing more of Guyton in 2022.

3. “Miles” by Tiera ft. BRELAND

“Miles” by Tiera and Breland is one of the best collaborations of 2021. Tiera and Breland team up to give fans their take on the country genre. Tiera’s vocal delivery is pop R&B inspired topped off with a southern twang as Breland raps and harmonizes with Tiera on the last chorus. The instrumental of the track is a very polished pop-country production that could easily compete with anything released to country radio. Fans will surely be hearing more from both artists next year as Tiera signed with The Valory Music Co. over the summer, and Breland has been teasing new music on his social media profiles.

4. “Small Town Hypocrite” by Caylee Hammack and Chris Stapleton

Caylee Hammack is one of the best new artists in the country genre right now, and this collaboration with Chris Stapleton is just the latest great release of hers. “Small Town Hypocrite” was previously released as the follow-up single to Hammack’s single “Family Tree” and was included on her 2020 debut album If It Wasn’t For You. Hammack and Stapleton both command your attention with powerful vocal moments, smooth vocal blends, and emotional delivery. Listeners will quickly tell that this track is a personal and emotional song for Hammack. Hammack appears to have a busy 2022 lined up; she will be supporting Darius Rucker on his Darius Rucker Live theater tour and supporting Reba on select dates of her 2022 tour.

5. “Younger Me” by Brothers Osborne

“Younger Me” is an incredibly personal song released by duo Brothers Osborne this year. The emotional song written by TJ Osborne, John Osborne, and Kendell Marvel was released shortly after TJ’s major interview with TIME Magazine. The song is a letter to his younger self to let him know that everything will be ok and that everything he went through was for a reason. Many listeners, especially LGBTQ+ country fans, have a song they can relate to and see themselves in. The next step for the Brothers Osborne is the release of a deluxe version of their 2020 album Skeletons.

6. “music city.” by Sammy Arriaga

Latino country singer Sammy Arriaga has been on the Nashville scene for a bit, but 2021 appeared to be a breakout year for him. Arriaga found major success on TikTok in 2020 and became part of The 615 House collective. Since then, Arriaga has had multiple viral releases and released his debut album Boots x Beats in 2021. “Music City” is one of the standout tracks on that project and perfectly captures Arriaga’s essence as an artist. Arriaga’s music at its core is a unique melting pot of genres. Everything is represented from country music to hip-hop beats and his Latin roots. Arriaga is definitely an artist to watch in 2022.

7. “My Masterpiece” by Darius Rucker

“My Masterpiece” was the follow-up single to Rucker’s smash hit “Beers and Sunshine.” The endearing track was co-written by Rucker, Ross Copperman, JT Harding, and Josh Osborne. Despite being a bit overlooked this year, this song is a very personal and sweet song where Rucker proclaims that he hopes he’s remembered for the way he loves. Rucker has a busy schedule in the new year. He will be heading out on a theater tour with Caylee Hammack starting in February and if fans need to see Rucker before then, they can catch him on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on CBS this New Year’s Eve.

8. “Zero Trucks” by Alana Springsteen

2021 has been a monumental year for Alana Springsteen! She released part one of her album and opened for multiple dates on LANY’s ‘gg bb xx tour’ in the fall. Another one of her big moments this year was the release of her single, “Zero Trucks.” The fun and unapologetic song was written by Springsteen, Joe Clemmons, and Walker Hayes. Despite Springsteen seeing her ex with a new woman, she delivers this song with a different perspective than most people would have in that situation. She is confident and has moved on. We’re looking forward to what Springsteen has to offer in 2022.

9. “Paying For It” by Levi Hummon and Walker Hayes

“Paying For It” follows the release of Levi Hummon’s EP and features 2021’s breakout country star, Walker Hayes. Hummon and Hayes detail the aftermath of a breakup in detail. They lament being broke and single, but in a fun, tongue-in-cheek way. “I’m still paying for it out the damn wazoo/ Like you still on my tab girl cause I’m drinking for two.” Just like Hayes’ smash hit “Fancy Like,” “Paying For It” also had a TikTok dance that went with it. Fans are excited to hear what comes next from Levi Hummon in 2022, while fans of Walker Hayes are excited to hear his new album in January and see him on tour in early 2022.

10. “Made by the Water” by Brian Kelley

Florida Georgia Line may have been fairly quiet after the release of their album Life Rolls On in February, but Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard were both busy this year in their solo endeavors. Kelley stepped into his unique sound on his debut album Sunshine State of Mind, which was released in June on Warner Music Nashville. Kelley blended country music with a beach sound that represented his Florida roots. “Made By The Water” was a standout track that perfectly combined southern twang and island vibes. It’s a perfect song for a day on the beach, on a boat, or to be part of summer vacation. 2022 looks to be another busy year for Florida Georgia Line with multiple festival dates announced thus far.

To hear more of country music’s best new releases, head to our Playlists Page and follow The Nash New Releases playlist on Spotify. For the latest in country music news follow The Nash News on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, and don’t miss our brand new newsletter!