Country singer Lainey Wilson has released hit songs, has had numerous nominations and awards, and has had back-to-back collaborations. But this success was a decade in the making. When Wilson made her move to Nashville, she lived in a camper trailer, doing independent releases and small shows. It wasn’t until 2016 that her name finally made it through the charts with her project Tougher. And it would take two more years before she finally got signed into a major-label contract. But the wait was definitely worth it.
In 2020, she dropped her first official release, an EP titled Redneck Hollywood, which included “Things a Man Oughta Know.” The track would go on to earn her her first number-one hit on the Country Airplay chart. Ever since then, she has been collecting number one and trophies.
Here are 10 of Lainey Wilson’s signature hits that deserve to be in every country playlist – including yours.
1. “Things A Man Oughta Know”
From Redneck Hollywood (2020) / Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ (2021)
There’s no better way to introduce this list with the song that started it all for the Louisiana native: her first number-one hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know,” which she wrote herself along with Jason Nix and Jonathan Singleton.
It’s a checklist song, a how-to guide for all men, from the simple tasks they should know how to do as a man to deeper things like how they should be a man in a relationship and how they should treat a woman. Wilson’s an independent queen, and she won’t settle for less. And for the ladies out there, you oughta follow her.
Oh, and if anybody ever questions the singer’s country roots, this is the track you play for them. She can’t get more country than this.
2. “Heart Like a Truck”
From Bell Bottom Country (2022)
“Things A Man Oughta Know” put her on the map, and “Heart Like a Truck” made her stay on that map.
This song was co-written by Wilson with Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson and talked about heartache. She admitted that her heart had been dragged through the mud, but she was still open to love again, just like a truck that had been through the mud and revved up again. And it wasn’t just this authentic and vulnerable songwriting that roped listeners in. It was also her superb vocal performance.
It was her second solo number one on country radio. It also won her Female Video of the Year Award at the 2023 CMT Music Awards and earned her a nod for Song of the Year at the 58th Annual ACM Awards. She definitely deserved the recognition.
3. “Watermelon Moonshine”
From Bell Bottom Country (2023)
With the help of Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt, Wilson once again notched another number-one – her third – spot on Country Airplay.
Akin to Deana Carter’s 1996 classic “Strawberry Wine,” this track narrates the timeless story of young, sweet, and innocent love as she takes her first sip of “Watermelon Moonshine.” And combined with simple, billowy guitar instrumentation in the background, it’s the perfect song to indulge the nostalgia of summer days.
This was also featured in Paramount’s Yellowstone, where Wilson made her acting debut as Abby.
4. “Dirty Looks”
From Redneck Hollywood (2020) / Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ (2021)
Wilson goes for a steamy tune for this cut, which she penned alongside Smith Ahnquist and Brent Anderson.
In this song, she met up with her man and couldn’t care less that people in the bar were giving them some “Dirty Looks.” They could look all they want. They were lost in their own little world anyway. It was also a play on words, as dirty also meant how dirty looked sexy on her hard-working country boy.
We’d ask Wilson for a recommendation if you’re looking for one for yourself.
5. “Rolling Stone”
From Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ (2021)
Co-penned by Wilson with Tammi Kidd and Brent Anderson, “Rolling Stone” tells the tale of a woman who knew what she wanted. And it certainly wasn’t a rock to tie her down. As her killer hook goes, “You don’t give a rock to a rolling stone.” She was set to live a free-spirited life on the road with a beat-up guitar. The acoustic instrumentation definitely added a layer of wanderlust to the song.
In her interview with the American Songwriter, she shared that it was about her childhood sweetheart of seven years. “I spent so much time being dishonest with myself about ‘this ain’t really goin’ anywhere. Sometimes, it’s hard to be honest with yourself and with the other person. But, at the end of the day, that’s what sets you free.”
For You
Although it did not make it to the radio, this is undoubtedly one of the best songs in her discography.
6. “Workin’ Overtime”
From Lainey Wilson (2018)
This song, which she wrote alone, was one of her very first releases before she signed her record deal, and it’s about guardian angels forced into “Workin’ Overtime” because of one reckless troublemaker who loves to tempt fate. While this troublemaker doesn’t think they’re worth saving, they’re thankful to have someone lookin’ out for her.
This was also featured in Yellowstone way before she debuted on the show!
7. “Live Off”
From Bell Bottom Country (2022)
A personal favorite from her album, Wilson wrote this song with Trannie Anderson, Terri Jo Box, and Adam Doleac. And it’s all about her simple Southern life and the things she’s thankful for, like off dollars from her pickle jar, letters written in crimson red, the hard days work, her Sunday talks with her mama, and seven hours with her dog Hippie Mae on her bed.
Sometimes, it’s hard to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. And if you find yourself in that position, just hit play on “Live Off.”
8. “Smell Like Smoke”
From Bell Bottom Country (2022)
This fan-favorite song, penned by Wilson with Monty Criswell, Derek George, and Lynn Hutton, was crafted specifically for Yellowstone’s soundtrack. A number of her original songs already made it into the series, but she personally submitted this one.
The song is filled with ‘70s vibes, and it’s essentially about that “what you see is what you get” type of woman — someone who is not afraid to say where she came from, where she’s been, and what hellish escapade she’s gone through.
It’s definitely a fun song to sing along to during her live sets.
9. “Atta Girl”
From Bell Bottom Country (2022)
There’s no question about it. Wilson’s a girl’s girl.
In this song, which she wrote with Brett Tyler and Dallas Wilson, she serves as your hype woman as you get over your ex. You may have been on the low after your breakup, thinking of all the love and time you’ve given him, but there’s one thing for sure: he can never take away all your happiness. So, take your big sister’s advice and embrace your brand-new start.
“Atta Girl!”
10. “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
From Bell Bottom Country (2023)
We’re concluding this list with another number one.
Grabbing her seventh number one on country radio is “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” The song written by Wilson, Trannie Anderson, and Paul Sikes delivers the message of perseverance and freedom. And more than that, it digs deep into Wilson’s story and her upbringing in rural Louisiana.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best (and also our favorites) Lainey Wilson songs!
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