This Is Country Music: Bonus Tracks

Videos by American Songwriter

Lisa Marie Presley

Top Country Songs of Beautiful Sadness

The reason I really love country is that it rips your heart out and can capture it really well, whether it’s a really funny story or it’s a really sad story.

“Wildfire” – Michael Murphy

Its an amazing story about a horse called wildfire that breaks away. It’s just a sad and beautiful story.

“I Fall to Pieces” – Patsy Cline

For obvious reasons. It’s just beautiful. Shes certainly one of my own musical influences. I heard it when I was a kid.

“Wichita Lineman” – Glen Campbell

It really creates beautiful sadness in such a way that it really reaches out and grabs you. It was really poignant, seeing him on the Grammys.

“Why Lady Why” – Alabama

Again, it’s sad, beautiful. It’s from when they were really on top. That’s their song that got my attention.

“It Turns Me Inside Out” – Lee Greenwood

“I’ve Got Friends in Low Places” – Garth Brooks

On a lighter note, that’s a good one.


Jason Boland

Billy Joe Shaver Songs

I chose Billy Joe for his perfection of honesty and imagery. This list will be in no order and seriously incomplete.

“Georgia on a Fast Train”

From the first mournful verse to the driving beat and instantly recognizable guitar riff, this is a true classic. Among the songs played by every country band, on every corner stage of every corner bar, it is an undeniable gem that invites the uninitiated Shaver listener down the tracks to a body of work that is part of the American music promised land. Try to find someone not tapping their foot to this one, then administer CPR until the paramedics arrive.

“Old Five and Dimers”

The title track of his 1973 masterpiece makes any floor you may be standing on creak beneath your feet. It waltzes into the heart of the listener with a sympathetic sadness that conjures up a smokey image of the last couple on the dance floor on a weeknight. Recently, while rolling through the wee hours of the morning, the shuffle function on my MP3 player had an intense metal lust. About the time I was feeling the need to start a mosh pit, Old Five and Dimers parted the blast beats and stoned me anew. I sat down, got goose bumps and might of teared up a little bit. . . shut up.

“Hottest Thing in Town”

In many of his renderings, Billy Joe writes about his fondness of the fairer sex, but none more resound and straight forward than his tribute to a real “ball of fire” This male equivalent to a sirens song can coax even the most modest woman to the top of the nearest perch to proclaim, “This one is about me”. A tune that proves great lyrics can be simple and to the point without feeling remedial.

“When Falling Angels Fly”

One of his many works of art that should be seen as well as heard. If you have never bore witness to a live performance to Mr. Shaver, then you don’t know how he can lift you up with his mighty wings and fly you above the rooftops to look down with a kinder perspective on a guiltless world. In short, go see this true living legend no matter what.

“Live Forever”

So many of us are concerned with our legacy and how we will be remembered. Live Forever transcends that fear with a loving confidence and faith that a greater spirit is caring for us. He knows that he will live on in this world and the next. I believe him.

I realize that I have left out numerous monster tunes. It was tough to pick five and I was trying to be both obvious and original… like Billy Joe.

Lukas Nelson

Top 5 Songs of Other Genres

“Unchained Melody” – Alex North and Hy Zaret

Hard to beat as the greatest love song of all time..only other song that comes close is “Something” by George Harrison. The Beatles could have their own category tough...

“Little Wing” – Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix has the credit as the writer of this Song, and his version is incredible, but the version that most inspired me was Stevie Ray Vaughans interpretation of it.

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – The Rolling Stones

Bob Dylan said that they were the best rock and roll philosophers. They remain equal to the Beatles in my list as the best rock and rollers period.

“The Man In Me” – Bob Dylan

This is just my favorite Dylan song right now. It changes every day for me..

“One Of These Days” – Neil Young

Like Dylan and my father, Neil is an artist that I cannot pick a favorite song of. So I wrote down my favorite song of the last couple days that I have heard of his.

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Extended Q&A: Craig Wiseman