Here are the year's top country songs, as calculated by radio airplay and audience response.
For more info on the end-of-the-year rankings, go to
Billboard.com.
20. Hunter Hayes - 'Wanted'
Image courtesy of Atlantic Records"Wanted" was
Hunter Hayes's first #1 country song, but it was the second single to be released from his self-titled debut album. "Storm Warning," which was released in 2011, was his first. It topped out at #14. "Wanted" also performed well on the general Top 100 charts, peaking at #16.
Single Release Date: March 5, 2012
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Platinum
19. Lady Antebellum - 'Dancin' Away With My Heart'
Image courtesy of Capitol Nashville RecordsLady Antebellum danced away with the charts in 2012 with this soft-toed ballad from their third studio album,
Own the Night. Still, the song was prevented from reaching the top spot -- stalling at #2 -- because of competition from fellow superstars Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton.
Single Release Date: December 12, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #2
RIAA Certification: Gold
18. Lee Brice - 'Hard to Love'
Image courtesy of Curb RecordsLee Brice's "Hard to Love" wasn't hard to like. The self-deprecating title track from the country singer's debut album sailed to #1 in November 2012.
Single Release Date: May 14, 2012
Peak Country Chart Position: #4
RIAA Certification:
17. Luke Bryan - 'I Don't Want This Night to End'
Image courtesy of MCA Nashville RecordsLuke Bryan set the charts aflame in 2011 with his first single from
Tailgates & Tanlines, "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)." The singer continued to strike platinum with this second single from the album.
Single Release Date: September 5, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Double Platinum
16. Dierks Bentley - 'Home'
Image courtesy of Capitol RecordsThe title song from Dierks Bentley's
2012 album was inspired by a 2011 Shooting in Tucson, and its melancholic resilience clearly spoke to listeners.
Single Release Date:
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: n/a
15. Miranda Lambert - 'Over You'
Miranda Lambert co-wrote "Over You" with her husband, Blake Shelton. The introspective track became the highest charting single from her album
Four the Record.
Single Release Date: January 9, 2012
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: n/a
14. Jake Owen - 'Alone With You'
Image courtesy of MCA Nashville RecordsThis second single from Jake Owen's
Barefoot Blue Jean Night matched the performance of his top-charting title track, providing the singer with his second #1 hit.
Single Release Date: October 17, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Gold
13. Kenny Chesney - 'Reality'
Image courtesy of BNA RecordsReleased in 2010,
Hemingway's Whiskey kept delivering hits for Kenny Chesney in 2012.
Single Release Date: October 3, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification:
12. Kip Moore - 'Somethin' Bout a Truck'
Image courtesy of MCA Nashville RecordsSomething about a truck sure strikes a chord with country fans. The automotive tune took newcomer Kip Moore right to #1.
Single Release Date: September 26, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Platinum
11. Chris Young - 'You'
Image Courtesy of Sony Music NashvilleGood things come in fives. This single from
Chris Young was the singer's
fifth song to secure #1 on the country music charts. That's something.
Single Release Date: September 12, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Gold
