Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Feel the Country Breeze on Rodney Atkins’ “Take A Back Road”

Rodney Atkins' "Take A Back Road"
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Once in a while in life, taking the back road does the trick. Rodney Atkins’s “Take a Back Road” is a song that remembers the excitement of escaping from the uproar of day-to-day life, really savoring that moment and clearing up with your mind and body. 

It is a song composed by Rhett Akins and Luke Laird. Rhett Akins drafted the single’s title when his friend mentioned that he “wants to ride a dirt road this instant” after listening to a Hank Williams Jr. album. Then, Laird thought of a tune and drum loop. They replaced the line to “take a back road” and produced it in a rhythmic phrasing. 

“Take A Back Road” is about getting away from the city and active life to experience life in rural areas and enjoy things with your loved ones or friends – long car trips and just having fun. The single was bound to be the vacation song of the year with its bright, fun lyrics and matching guitar strum. Something you like to simply play because of its windows-down, carefree summer mood. It’s like traveling to an unfamiliar place because when you do that, you end up witnessing things that none has sighted before. Which implies you can express the view creatively. 

The title track has climbed the charts faster than any single he has recorded. Among Rodney Atkins’ songs, with “Take A Back Road,” he attained the fourth-largest crowds at country radio since 2005. The song got the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in October 2011 and placed 3rd on the 2011 year-end ranking of the said chart. 

Let’s travel together by listening to Rodney Atkins‘ “Take A Back Road” below.

Latest Stories

Top 30 Country Songs This Week

Country Top 30

Country Chart – Week of September 14, 2024 Country music fans, get ready—this week’s chart is packed with songs that hit every corner of the genre. Whether you’re into heart-wrenching ...

What You Never Knew About Annie D'Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

What You Never Knew About Annie D’Angelo and Her Life with Willie Nelson

Every legend has a secret weapon, a steady hand that keeps them grounded in a constantly spinning world. For country music icon Willie Nelson, that guiding force is Annie D’Angelo. ...

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

A Rare Glimpse of Dolly Parton Without Her Wig

Dolly Parton isn’t just a country music icon—she’s a cultural force. Her larger-than-life image, from glittering outfits to sky-high heels, is as legendary as her voice. But if one thing ...

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

How Megan Moroney Pulled Off the Perfect Prank on Kenny Chesney During Their Summer Tour

Megan Moroney, a rising star in country music, showcased her talent and her playful side when she pulled off a memorable prank on Kenny Chesney. During the final leg of ...

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith's World Together While Staying Unseen

Tricia Lucus Kept Toby Keith’s World Together While Staying Unseen

Toby Keith may have been the face of success, but behind every great artist is someone who keeps it all together. For Toby, that someone was Tricia Lucus—his wife, partner, ...

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd's Daughter's Unbelievable Downfall

What Happened to Grace Pauline Kelley? Wynonna Judd’s Daughter’s Unbelievable Downfall

Grace Pauline Kelley, daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd, has lived a life filled with public scrutiny, legal struggles, and attempts at redemption. Born into a family synonymous with ...

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain't No Love in Oklahoma

Luke Combs Delivers a Storm of Emotion in Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma

When Luke Combs delivers a song, you don’t just hear it—you feel it. “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” a standout track from the 2024 Twisters soundtrack, is no exception. This ...

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Chevrolet by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll Will Make You Long for Simpler Times

Dustin Lynch’s “Chevrolet,” featuring Jelly Roll, is more than just another song about country life—it’s a tribute to the freedom found in the open road, love, and the small, meaningful ...

Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” Is a Song That Knows What Really Matters

Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap” Is a Song That Knows What Really Matters

When Cody Johnson sings “Dirt Cheap,” you feel like you’ve been handed a piece of truth we sometimes forget: not everything valuable comes with a price tag. This 2023 release ...

Beyoncé Snubbed by the CMA as Country Music Defends Its Roots

Beyoncé Snubbed by the CMA as Country Music Defends Its Roots

When the 2024 CMA Awards nominations were announced, fans of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter were shocked by its absence. But it felt like the right call for many in the country ...