The country music vocal group from Alabama called Little Big Town has been making amazing songs in the industry since 1998. Their songs, delivered by the four-part harmonies and intertwined lead vocals of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook, have repeatedly made waves and achieved success.
With that said, here are our ten picks from the dynamic quartet’s decades-long career run.
1. “Girl Crush”
From: Pain Killer (2014)
This track, written by Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey, and Liz Rose, was one of 2015’s most talked-about country moments, dominating the country songs chart for thirteen weeks and, unsurprisingly, so.
If you’ve ever listened to “Girl Crush” even just once, Karen Fairchild’s chilling lead vocal performance was something you won’t forget. It resonated with a level of agony that was understood only by a heart that had been broken.
Billboard even went as far as to say that her performance in this song was on par with the greats like Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, and Patsy Cline.
2. “Boondocks”
From: The Road to Here (2005)
Little Big Town co-wrote this song with Wayne Kirkpatrick, and it was a testament to their vocal prowess. In the song, all four members took turns in the lead spotlight, singing how proud they were growing up in the country – something rare for groups at the time and even in modern times.
Of course, they also showcased their glorious harmony along with the sounds of dobro, guitar, and fiddle that made the vision of small-town pride complete. The song peaked at number nine on the charts.
3. “Little White Church”
From: The Reason Why (2010)
Another Kirkpatrick collaboration, another hit. This time around, Fairchild took the lead with her charismatic performance of a woman who’s had enough of the promises that never come through.
So, she laid down an ultimatum to her non-committal man: “Take me down to the little white church or else.” They also added hand-clapping and electric guitar effects to make it even sassier.
Ladies, this is THE song if you still don’t have a ring on your finger.
4. “Pontoon”
From: Tornado (2012)
This track, written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, and Barry Dean, is made for a lazy day without a care in the world, sipping a nice, ice-cold margarita by the river.
Fairchild once again proved her charm, and the whole group wowed with their harmonies – as per usual. “Pontoon” was such a hit both on the US and the Canadian charts, earning them a 2x Platinum Status, a CMA, and a Grammy.
5. “Sober”
From: Tornado (2012)
Before “Girl Crush,” McKenna, Lindsey, and Rose first wrote this crusher of a song.
This ballad had a beautifully crafted textbook melody that would pierce through hearts, but what really made it into one of the group’s best songs was Schlapman’s rare solo spotlight vocal performance.
For You
That is because she delivered the lyrics with such poise and subtlety that it was hard to forget. The song didn’t get the best charting positions on the country charts, but it did peak at number two on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.
6. “Better Man”
From: The Breaker (2017)
This bittersweet song was definitely a heartbreaker, which was no surprise considering Taylor Swift penned it. It was supposedly meant for her Red album, but unfortunately, it didn’t make the cut.
So, she sent it to Little Big Town, who she thought could do so much with the song, and she was right. Their timeless harmonies made the song – which was about a woman who looked back on a relationship, wondering if things would’ve been different if her partner made an effort to be a better man – even more painful. They ended up making it a chart-topping, Grammy-winning hit.
7. “Day Drinking”
From: Pain Killer (2014)
Written by Little Big Town members Fairchild, Sweet, and Westbrook, along with Barry Dean and Troy Verges, this song was the sibling of “Pontoon.”
It was all about having fun, letting loose for the sake of letting loose. Add the lively acoustic instrumentation, and the whole mood is set. That was why it was an easy sell, from a good-time tune to a day-drinking anthem. The song peaked at number two on the charts and earned the group a Gold status.
8. “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
From: Nightfall (2020)
After “Day Drinking,” we move on to the evening with Jack, Jose, and Captain. The band also wrote this one, and they had help from Tofer Brown and Sean McConnell.
This high-energy tune with trumpets and horns as accompaniment is for all those who enjoy adult beverages and those who know the minutes before the last call hit is when the night truly begins. “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy.
9. “Hell Yeah”
From: Mr. Sun (2022)
One of their more recent releases, “Hell Yeah,” was co-written by members Westbrook and Sweet with Corey Crowder and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard.
Decades of music in, and they have never missed making a memorable entrance. They hit it with a simple whistle for the opening and then went all out for pure feel-good vibes as they sang about a breakup.
10. “Tornado”
From: Tornado (2012)
Fairchild went fiery as she played the role of a scorned woman who was out to destroy everything that was on her way because of her unfaithful lover. She has always been the group’s go-to girl for this kind of energy and attitude because she always delivers.
This lyrical gem, written by Natalie Hemby and Delta Maid, featured acoustic country instrumentation elevated by the group’s inimitable harmonies. The song reached number two on the Country Airplay chart and landed 6th on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Those are our top 10 Little Big Town songs that you should definitely listen to. Enjoy!
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