Country music has seen its fair share of hit songs, and sometimes, even great songs don’t make it to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Here are five country songs that surprisingly didn’t reach the number one position:
1. “Gunpowder & Lead” by Miranda Lambert
Released in 2008, “Gunpowder & Lead” reached the third position on the Hot Country Songs chart. While maintaining a strong presence in the music scene, it resonated deeply with millions of listeners, marking a pivotal moment for Miranda Lambert as she achieved her first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song eventually garnered over one million digital downloads which led to its well-deserved Platinum certification by the RIAA in 2010.
2. “Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait
“Amorillo by Morning” by George Strait did not reach the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. However, it was a highly successful and iconic song in George Strait’s career, peaking at number four on the chart in 1983. Despite not reaching number one, the song has remained a classic in the world of country music and is one of George Strait’s most beloved hits.
3. “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
Despite its immense popularity and critical acclaim, the heartbreaking ballad “Whiskey Lullaby” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2004. The song received the prestigious 2005 CMA Song of the Year Award and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.
4. “Coat Of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” did not reach the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While it’s one of her most beloved and iconic songs, it had significant success on the country music charts but did not achieve the same level of mainstream pop chart success as some of her other hits. The song was released in 1971 and reached the number 4 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. It remains a classic in the country and folk genres and has had a lasting impact on music and culture.
5. “Fancy” By Reba McEntire
Originally written and recored by Bobbie Gentry, the song surprisingly only reached the 26th position on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Over two decades later, Reba McEntire introduced her rendition of the song, which became a massive hit and outperformed Gentry’s version on the country chart. However, it never quite managed to claim the top spot, reaching its peak at the No. 8 position.
