Here are the country songs that took over the radio, got stuck in your heard, and generally defined country music in 2011.
For more info on the end-of-the-year rankings, go to Billboard.com.
20. Jerrod Niemann - "What Do You Want"
Image courtesy of Arista Nashville
Jerrod Niemann found success with this breakup song from his first studio album, Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury -- rising ahead of the record's companion singles "One More Drinkin' Song" and "Lover, Lover."
Single Release Date: October 4, 2010
Peak Country Chart Position: #4
RIAA Certification: Gold
19. Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson - "Don't You Wanna Stay"
Album of the Year-winner Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson struck platinum with this soft-rock construction that remained a mainstay on the radio for lovelorn listeners.
Single Release Date: November 2, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Platinum
18. Blake Shelton - "God Gave Me You"
Images courtesy of Warner Bros.
Power ballads were clearly a goldmine for Blake Shelton too. This was one of the big songs from 2011's Red River Blue. However it was first recorded and written by Christian singer Dave Barnes.
Single Release Date: July, 25 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: n/a
17. Miranda Lambert - "Heart Like Mine"
Image courtesy of Columbia Nashville Records
This single about a lovable misfit from Miranda Lambert's 2010 album Revolution wasn't rejected by the public, who helped make it a strong performer into the next year.
Single Release Date: September 29, 2009
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Gold
16. Luke Bryan - "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)"
Image courtesy of MCA Nashville Records
Luke Bryan was the pied piper to every dance-happy country listener this year. Even I couldn't resists: "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" was one of was my picks for the best songs of the year.
Single Release Date: April 19, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #4
RIAA Certification: Platinum
15. Toby Keith - "Made in America"
Image courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music
As he did with "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," Toby Keith found success once more with a patriotic anthem -- this one off his 2011 album Clancy's Tavern.
Single Release Date: June 13, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: n/a
14. Justin Moore - "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away"
Image courtesy of the Valory Music Company
This emotional number from Outlaws Like Me may have made listeners cry, but Justin Moore obviously didn't drive listeners away at number 14.
Single Release Date: February 22, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Gold
13. Lady Antebellum - "Just a Kiss"
Image courtesy of Capitol Nashville Records
You must remember this: a kiss is just a kiss. Unless it's Lady Antebellum's chart-topping single from 2011's Own the Night.
Single Release Date: May 3, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: Platinum
12. Zac Brown Band with Jimmie Buffett - "Knee Deep"
Image courtesy of Atlantic Records
Supreme slackers Zac Brown and Jimmie Buffett got together in this song from You Get What You Give, with suitably laid-back results.
Single Release Date: May 9, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #1
RIAA Certification: n/a
11. George Strait - "Here for a Good Time"
"Here for a Good Time" was the most upbeat track from George Strait's album of the same name. This neo-traditional honky-tonker helped bring the singer in a hair's breadth of the year's top ten songs.
Single Release Date: June 13, 2011
Peak Country Chart Position: #2
RIAA Certification: n/a
