2004 produced some of the best country singles in years; many of them were actually hits.
Topping the list is the stunning preview to Lee Ann Womack’s upcoming masterpiece There’s More Where That Came From.
This is the album where Womack elevates her artistry to a higher level, and defines her sound in a way that’s both modern and timeless. The lead single only hints at the treasures on the album, but it’s still the best thing sent to radio in 2004.
The Best Country Singles of 2004
1. “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” – Lee Ann Womack
2. “Monday Morning Church” – Alan Jackson
3. “The Ballad of the Kingsmen” – Todd Snider
4. “Welcome Home” – Dolly Parton
5. “Suds In The Bucket” – Sara Evans
6. “September When It Comes” – Rosanne Cash with Johnny Cash
7. “Flies On The Butter” – Wynonna with Naomi Judd
8. “I Can Count On You” – Lorrie Morgan
9. “Me and Emily” – Rachel Proctor
10. “Girls Lie Too” – Terri Clark
11. “Perfect” – Sara Evans
12. “Back When” – Tim McGraw
13. “Earthbound” – Rodney Crowell
14. “It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing” – Shania Twain
15. “You’ll Think Of Me” – Keith Urban
16. “Live Like You Were Dying” – Tim McGraw
17. “Where I Belong” – Rachel Proctor
18. “Holy Water” – Big & Rich
19. “Back Of The Bottom Drawer” – Chely Wright
20. “The Grass Is Blue” – Norah Jones
21. “Redneck Woman” – Gretchen Wilson
22. “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” – Montgomery Gentry
23. “Portland, Oregon” – Loretta Lynn with Jack White
24. “Restless” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
25. “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” – Big & Rich
26. “Men Don’t Change” – Amy Dalley
27. “Whiskey Lullaby” – Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
28. “Passenger Seat” – SHeDaisy
29. “It’s Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long” – The Notorious Cherry Bombs
30. “Miss Being Mrs.” – Loretta Lynn
31. “Love Throw A Line” – Patty Griffin
32. “Break Down Here” – Julie Roberts
33. “9 To 5” – Alison Krauss
34. “Party For Two” – Shania Twain with Billy Currington
35. “He Gets That From Me” – Reba McEntire
36. “What Would You Say To Me” – Mary Chapin Carpenter
37. “When I Think About Cheatin’” – Gretchen Wilson
38. “Baby Girl” – Sugarland
39. “My World Is Over” – Kenny Rogers with Whitney Duncan
40. “Why Can’t We All Just Get A Long Neck?” – Hank Williams Jr.
I’m glad to see that “Suds In the Bucket” was so high on the list. It’s my favorite song ever.