21 Country Songs Fueled by the Love of Beer | Playlist

Playlist “21 Country Songs Fueled by the Love of Beer” includes music courtesy of Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, and Thomas Rhett.

“Why don’t we do a little Day Drinking?” “Red Solo Cup / I fill you up / Let’s have a party.” “You’re as smooth as Tennessee Whiskey.” Three lyrical quotes, all about drinking, and all from country songs (Little Big Town, Toby Keith, and Chris Stapleton).  The point of sharing those lyrics? Well, country artists rarely shy away from singing or partaking of their share of alcoholic beverages.  Because of this, compiling a playlist of country songs fueled by the love of beer seems like a great way to highlight country music, which isn’t always front and center on The Musical Hype.  Artists whose songs appear on 21 Country Songs Fueled by the Love of Beer include Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, and Thomas Rhett.

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1. Cody Jinks, “Must Be the Whiskey”

Lifers • Rounder • 2018

“Too much is not enough; it’s not the love, it’s not the lust that grips me / It must be the whiskey.”  As aforementioned, Country artists rarely shy away from singing or partaking of their share of alcoholic beverages.  Add Cody Jinks to the list, as he blames the whiskey for his “head and heart” being “at least a million miles apart” on “Must Be the Whiskey”, the promo single from his eighth album, Lifers.  The chorus of “Must Be the Whiskey” is ‘tried and true,’ yet highly effective.  “I’ve been drinkin’ to remember and drinkin’ to forget,” he sings, continuing, “I got ‘I love you’ on my mind, I got Jim Beam on my breath.”  As the whiskey continues to be the culprit, Jinks reflects on his mistakes and regrets, specifically regarding love.

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2. Cole Swindell, “Somebody’s Been Drinkin’”

Somebody’s Been Drinkin’ – Single • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“Somebody’s been drinkin’ and got to thinkin’ ‘bout us / It’s just the cherry bombs talkin’ when you’re hittin’ me up.” “Somebody’s Been Drinkin’” begins relatively mysteriously, with little rhythmic or melodic motion.  Initially, it’s very spare, quiet, and simplistic. Following the mysterious intro, Georgia country singer Cole Swindell enters, setting things in motion.  Gradually, there is more motion and more instrumentation. Ultimately, Swindell sings about romance, even if it’s fueled by a couple of drinks. By the chorus, Swindell lets loose, showcasing the full range of his beautiful, distinct pipes.  The centerpiece is undoubtedly the catchy, memorable chorus, excerpted above.

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3. Cole Swindell, “Reason to Drink”

Reason to Drink – Single • Warner Music Nashville • 2018 

“Oh yeah / This sounds like a Friday night / Yeah.” A reprising appearance by Georgia country singer Cole Swindell definitely showcases his love for beer.  From the start, “Reason to Drink” is chocked-full of energy, with its heavy guitars and exuberant major key. He definitely lives up to the expectations, even if the topic of drinking is cliché.  On the chorus, he enthusiastically justifies various reasons for drinking.

“‘Cause somebody somewhere’s getting’ married today / And somebody’s home team, they just won state / And some old boy’s girl just left him / If that’s you, raise your hand, I got your next one.”

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4. Michael Ray, “Drink One for Me”

Amos • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“Somewhere in a small town there’s a bag gettin’ packed / In a bedroom at the far end of a gravel cul de sac / Someone ridin’ shotgun there’s some Army green fatigues.” Hmm, this is getting heavy. Indeed, snapshots highlight the reminiscent, sentimental closer, “Drink One for Me.” Unsurprisingly, beyond the tales that Michael Ray imparts, beer is involved as well.  Exhibit A: the chorus.

“‘Drink one for me, on Friday night / Throw ‘em back and laugh and tip the band I like / Drink one for me and remember why / I’m doin’ what I’m doin’ when you raise ‘em high / While I’m where I need to be, drink one for me.’”

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5. Florida Georgia Line, “Colorado”

Florida Georgia Line – Single • Big Machine • 2018

On “Colorado” country duo Florida Georgia Line gives us a mini-geography lesson.  On the chorus, the bros have friends in Colorado (hence the title) and Tennessee. “Colorado” has little nothing to do with Colorado or Tennessee other than stereotyping both states for weed and whiskey respectively.  Whatever.

“Well I got friends from Colorado / I got friends from Tennessee / So, I got something in a bottle / And I got something from a seed / Since you said you didn’t love me / Since hung me out to dry / I’ve been drunk up in the Smokies /On a Rocky Mountain high.”

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6. Walker Hayes, “Beer in the Fridge”

Boom. • Monument • 2017

Walker Hayes adds some seriousness to this playlist, as well as contextually within his 2017 album, Boom., on the brief, standout ballad “Beer in the Fridge”. There’s more substance than the title might suggests. His lyrical honesty is a big selling point.  On the first verse, he makes reference to his ex’s mom, which leads to the central theme of the song: Loss due to consequences.  Ex, drinking problem, still wants to get drunk because of losing her… Naturally, the second verse continues to build the narrative, referencing the police, drunken driving, and “playing Russian Roulette.”

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7. Sam Hunt, “Drinkin’ Too Much”

Drinkin’ Too Much – Single • MCA Nashville • 2017

“Oh, I drink and take a sip of it / Feelin’ like a hypocrite / Go for more and I don’t give a shit / I never used to talk, I never used to talk like this.” Before informing the world about his sex life on “Body Like a Backroad,” Sam Hunt had been sipping just a few too many. “Drinkin’ Too Much” is moody from the start, establishing a vibe essential to the sound contemporary music pop/urban music of the late 2010s.  He incorporates an introspective, spoken-word approach, clearly influenced by Drake. Lyrically, he’s honest to his once ex-, now wife Hannah Fowler, with his dedication showcased on the catchy, sung chorus.

“Drinkin’ too much, drinkin’ too much / Since you been gone, I can’t get gone enough / I’m on top of the world, I’m going down / I’m gonna drink it all ‘til you’re not around.”

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8. Luke Bryan, “Drinking Again”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“It’s five o’clock, so we’re drinking again / Wearing flip flops, so we’re drinking again.” Yep, that’s depth for you right there! The mid-tempo “Drinking Again” gives Luke Bryan his first song dedicated to beer on his 2017 LP, What Makes You Country.  It’s simple, southern, and that’s about it.  There’s little substance, save for the “ice cold ones” ole boy sings about so endearingly.

“We’ll be laughing and lovin’, high fivin’ and huggin’ / Pop top and long neck and honky tonk friends / We’re all drinking again.”

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9. Luke Bryan, “Hungover in a Hotel Room”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“Drinking Again” isn’t the only song that tackles drinking on Luke Bryan’s 2017 album,What Makes You Country.  “Hungover in a Hotel Room” returns the 41-year old to his drinking ways, or rather, the aftermath.  Furthermore, “Hungover in a Hotel Room” embraces more pop cues without abandoning country.  On the chorus, he recounts the experience.

“Then it was room 704, hang a sign on the door / Gucci falling on the floor with the lights down low / Dancing in the dark, body killing me /… Spent the whole night last night all messed up, making love / Girl, I swear I’ve never felt this good / Waking up hungover in a hotel room.”

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10. Blake Shelton, “Hangover Due”

Texoma Shore • Warner Bros. • 2017 

“Bartender shaking up a having us a good time groove / Then we’ll keep the party going when they close it down at two.” Blake Shelton enjoys his fair share of beer and fun. Alcohol comes into play on the silly, but undeniably fun “Hangover Due.” On the chorus, Shelton paints a picture of him and his girl not knowing what the hell happened:

“Trying to piece together just what the hell happened / Looking over the crime scene / Only seeing my jeans / And a pair of your high-heeled shoes / Me and you / are hangover due.”

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11. Blake Shelton, “When the Wine Wears Off”

Texoma Shore • Warner Bros. • 2017 

Okay, so the title of this playlist is a bit deceptive because “When the Wine Wears Off” isn’t fueled by beer.  Whatever, still alcohol!  Interestingly, “When the Wine Wears Off” follows “Hangover Due” on the track list of Texoma Shore.  While the record is focused on alcoholic consumption, “When the Wine Wears Off” ultimately has a bigger message, best conveyed by the chorus.  Essentially, he wonders if the love is legitimate and not just fueled by being drunk.

“When the wine wears off / And the buzz is gone / When the room starts spinning around and ‘round / Will you still be holding on / Have we lost our minds / Or is your kiss that strong / Tell me will you still be mine / Baby when the wine wears off?”

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12. Chris Young, “Where I Go When I Drink”

Losing Sleep • RCA • 2017

“There’s a barstool downtown with my name on it… / But I ain’t goin’ / …Now one leads to two, and two leads to four / And before I know it, I’m thinking about…” Chris Young shines on ballad “Where I Go When I Drink”, among the best songs on his 2017 album,  Losing Sleep. Young showcases the sheer radiance of his baritone. Impressively, he never pushes his voice, singing easily, yet effectively.  Exploring the premise of the record, why doesn’t Chris Young go to the bar and drink anymore? Drinking leads him to remember a past relationship.  Ultimately, on the chorus he sings, “All the whiskey I had, I poured out / My heart needs time to get over you and me / And that’s where I go when I drink.”

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13. Brantley Gilbert, “The Weekend”

The Devil Don’t Sleep • Valory • 2017

“Got a Yeti full of good ideas / Like I ain’t worried ‘bout driving, I’mma stay right here.” “The Weekend” features familiar themes in country music: (1) drinking, (2) girls, and (3) partying. Even being cliché, Brantley Gilbert does an exceptional job, ultimately selling the record.  Considered to be a bit of a badass with a rugged persona, he superbly delivers a record chocked-full of machismo and wait for it…swag.

“Live it up for the weekend / Pour it up, have the time of your life / Take a shot for the regrets / Double up and it’s bound to get buck wild / Hey ladies, let your hair down / We know ain’t nobody scared now, hell nah / Just do your think like it’s spring break / Wake and bake and we at it again / We live it up for the weekend.”

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14. Dustin Lynch, “I Wish You Were Beer”

Current Mood • Broken Bow • 2017

Just to reiterate, it’s rare when beer doesn’t come into the mix in country music. That’s why the appearance of “I Wish You Were Beer” is no surprise on Current Mood, the third studio album by Dustin Lynch.  While Lynch references beer, he’s ultimately talking about a girl.  “I Wish You Were Beer” is corny – tongue-n-cheek – but definitely fun and catchy.

“I wish you were beer, I wish I was drinking / I wish you were here, but since you ain’t, I’ve been thinking / I wish I could let go, and you just disappear / If you gotta be that cold, if you gotta be that cold / I wish you were beer, I wish you were beer.”

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15. Thomas Rhett, “Drink A Little Beer”

Life Changes • Big Machine • 2017

“Got a Tennessee girl, a Rocky Top breeze / And a big ol’ yellow moon / A new set of strings on my ’69 / And a Yeti full of iced-down booze.” On Thomas Rhett’s Grammy-nominated LP Life Changes, the obligatory beer anthem “Drink a Little Beer” arrives right on cue.  Notably, Rhett’s daddy, Rhett Akins joins his son for the alcoholic experience.  Despite the criticism that Thomas gets for bending country, “Drink A Little Beer” is definitely firmly planted in the country idiom.  Ultimately, it’s a fun record, with great guitar soloing, solid vocals, and a dash of that corny, tongue-n-cheek southern charm.

“Yeah, we’re gonna drink a little beer, play a little music / And have a big time tonight / A bunch of down home boys and some blue jean girls / Kicking up the dirt and shooing out the lights.”

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16. Chris Janson, “Fix A Drink”

Everybody • Warner Music Nashville • 2017

Chris Janson delivers one of the corniest songs on this playlist, “Fix a Drink.” Janson is talented if underrated, and “Fix A Drink” elevated his low profile.  BUT, as aforementioned, this alcoholic joint is CORNY as albeit. Janson pseudo–raps about things he can’t control or fix – the heat, the crazy world, but asserts that he can “Fix a drink.” Ugh.

“But I can fix a drink, pour it on ice / Mix it up and get’cha feeling right / I can get’cha buzzed, I can get’cha smiling / I can make you feel like you’re sitting on an island…”

Adding to the drunkenness is the music video with a who’s who of country artists drinking. Chris Janson definitely keeps things utterly simple…

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17. Chris Stapleton, “Drunkard’s Prayer”

From a Room: Volume 2 • Mercury • 2017

“I get drunk and talk to God / I say I’m sorry for all the things I’m not / And I mean every world I say / And I promise I can change / When I get drunk and talk to God.” “Drunkard’s Prayer,” the penultimate record on From a Room: Volume 2, feels like a slower companion song to “Them Stems” from From a Room: Volume 1. Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton slows the pace in the context of the album, following the turned-up “Midnight Train to Memphis.” Even though “Drunkard’s Prayer” is slower paced, Stapleton still exhibits plenty of oomph and ample authenticity.

“I wish that I could go to church but I’m too ashamed of me / I hate the fact it takes a bottle to get me on my knees / And I hope he’ll forgive the things you ain’t forgot / When I get drunk and talk to God.”

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18. Dierks Bentley, “Somewhere on a Beach”

Black • Capitol Nashville • 2016

Without actually listening to “Somewhere on a Beach,” the subject matter of the Dierks Bentley hit isn’t surprising.  Clearly, the country singer is chilling like a boss, with a hot girl, drinking.  The chorus tells you exactly what you need to know:

“I’m somewhere on a beach / Sipping something strong / Got a new girl, she got it going on / We drink all day, and party all night / I’m way too gone to have you on my mind / She got a body, and she’s naughty / And she got me like you ain’t never got me / I’m getting sun, getting some, and I ain’t slept in a week / Yeah, I’m somewhere on a beach.”

Obviously, “Somewhere on a Beach” isn’t the first time Bentley has been ‘turned-up’ by alcohol consumption and a good time.  On his 2014 album Riser, he was “Drunk on a Plane”.

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19. Justin Moore, “You Look Like I Need a Drink”

Kinda Don’t Care • Valory • 2016

On Kinda Don’t Care, “You Look Like I Need a Drink” locks down the superlative for most fun song. Rocking hard for a country cut, Arkansas-bred country singer Justin Moore showcases incredible attitude. The problem is, nothing about the record should be fun as Moore’s girl is about to break it off with him! This is exactly why he needs a drink.

“You look like I need a drink right now / You look like you’re gonna try to let me down nice and easy / Think I know why you won’t sit down / You’re just dancin’ around what you came here to do but you’re scared to / And all I can think, the way you’re lookin’ at me / You look like I need a drink.”

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20. Chase Rice, “Beers with the Boys”

Ignite the Night • Dack Janiels • 2014

If one were to prejudge Chase Rice’s “Beers with The Boys,” the prejudgment would suggest that this song is the ultimate frat-bro country jam.  While there are references to a boy’s night out, the song is actually flipping the old motto “bros before hoes.”  “We’re on fire, damn girl,” Rice sings on the chorus. “You ‘bout to blow my mind / Tangling in these sheets, you lock them eyes on me / Beats a beer with the boys any night of the week.” Many guys would agree, given this scenario. Sex before booze?

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21. Luke Bryan, “Take My Drunk Ass Home”

Spring Break…Here to Party • Capitol Nashville • 2013 

Spring Break…Here to Party references alcohol on each and every song (“Just a Sip”, “Cold Beer Drinker”), capped off by the unapologetic 14th track, “Take My Drunk Ass Home.”  On that charming, immature number, Luke Bryan portrays youthful drunkenness perfectly on the addictive chorus: “It’s time to take my drunk ass home / I drank all the whiskey and my money’s all gone / Hit on all the girls, sang every song / It’s time to take my drunk ass home.”

If that weren’t enough, he adds even more reasons why he needs to take his “drunk ass home” on the bridge.

“I sucker punched my best friend / and the bouncer head locked me on stage with the band /I look like hell, I feel like shit / I think it’s time to call it quits.”

Totally time Luke, totally. The only real substance on this record is the alcohol and plenty of it. It’s certainly not the lyrical content.

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Photo Credits: Big Machine, Broken Bow, Capitol Nashville, Dack Janiels, MCA Nashville, Mercury, Monument, RCA, Rounder, Valory, Warner Bros., Warner Music Nashville

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