A Traditional Country Song is Now The #1 Song in All of Music
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard ad nauseum about how country music just isn’t popular enough to compete with other genres, and to be featured in America’s most high profile musical moments.
This was the case at the 2026 Grammy Awards where not a single country album, song, or artist competed in the Grammy’s big all-genre categories. There was also no country performer featured during the 3 1/2-hour televised presentation, aside from Reba McEntire who sang background during an In Memoriam segment.
Then the Super Bowl came along the next week, stimulating discussions about how there hasn’t been a primary country performer in 32 years. “Country music just isn’t popular enough” was the regular refrain, even from a lot of country fans, strangely.
Well everyone might be surprised to hear that the #1 song in all of music at the moment is from a country artist. Even more remarkably, it’s from a woman in country. It’s also a solo cut, meaning it’s not receiving some boost from a featured artist or collaboration from outside of the genre. Even more inexplicable, it’s fair to characterize the song as traditional country as opposed to contemporary pop country.
We’re talking of course about Ella Langley’s landmark, and now historic song, “Choosin’ Texas,” that was named Saving Country Music’s Single of the Year for 2025.
Already a #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for 11 straight weeks, “Choosin’ Texas” rose to #1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 this week. It also rose to #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart this week as well. This is a massive, massive achievement for a country song featuring steel guitar, talk of Texas two-steppin’, and a story of sincere heartbreak.
Some expected Bad Bunny to dominate the index after his massive win that the Grammy Awards on February 1st. His Super Bowl appearance on Feb. 8th wouldn’t really register until next week. But even with the Grammy boost, all Bad Bunny could achieve is a rise in his song “DtMF” to #10 on the Hot 100 chart.
According to Billboard, “Choosin’ Texas” racked up 22.1 million official streams (up 22% week over week), 34.4 million radio airplay audience impressions, and sold 12,000 downloads in the United States from 1/30 to 2/5. The song also tops Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart for the second week, and is also #12 on the Radio Songs chart, meaning it’s a massive radio track across platforms.
Ella Langley topping the Billboard Hot 100, the Hot Country Songs chart, and the Billboard Country Airplay chart makes her the first woman to ever simultaneously top all three charts since Billboard updated its chart structure in 2012. “I can’t thank y’all enough for what you’ve done with this song, it blows my mind every single day. Here’s to women & country music,” Ella Langley said.
Along with being the first all-genre #1 for Ella Langley, the song’s success is shared in by another woman of country: Miranda Lambert. Miranda co-wrote and co-produced the song, and also sings background vocals on it. This is the first time Lambert has also gone to #1. Other writers on the track include Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor. Players on the track include Charlie Worsham and steel player Spencer Cullum.
What does all this mean for country music, and traditional country specifically? It means the mainstream momentum neotraditionalist Zach Top has stimulated has spread to other artists, and to country women. This can only bode well for the entire trajectory of traditional country, which continues to see an adoption with younger performers and listeners. Country music is very much a copycat business. Rest assured folks in the industry are paying attention to Langley’s music topping success.
Traditional country will not always be in a resurgence, and country in general will not always top the charts. Country music has never wanted to dominate culture. It just wants a seat at the table. “Choosin’ Texas” has earned that seat, and proven traditional country can still be transcendent.
– – – – – – – – – – –
If you found this article valuable, consider leaving Saving Country Music A TIP.
February 9, 2026 @ 7:29 pm
I love this song, but it very much feels to me like a female version of a Midland song. The whole sound/vibe is so similar to me.
February 9, 2026 @ 7:43 pm
You’re right, and that’s a good thing. I love Midland’s sound, capturing the best of the Urban Cowboy era.
February 9, 2026 @ 8:00 pm
Yeah, I love that sound also.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:32 am
Hopefully she can follow it up with more hits that are actually Country although I don’t expect the industry to keep her in the traditional country lane. I mean it was months ago where they paired her with Bigbuttplug. Hopefully this song’s success will keep her on the traditional path.
Midland’s career trajectory is a shame because they couldn’t come up with any other good songs after ‘Drinkin’ Problem’. (The male post-2010 Neo-traditional Country bands usually get one song that becomes a standard before they badly drift into Pop Country, or they start to fizzle out)
February 10, 2026 @ 11:58 am
Midland has a ton of other great songs, unfortunately it is the industry and country radio that fail to highlight those traditional sounds.
February 10, 2026 @ 1:39 pm
I agree. I thought their demo version of Fourteen Gears was one of their best songs. Didn’t like the version they cut on the record though.
February 11, 2026 @ 9:32 am
George it’s so.true what’s your what your saying l agree l.love your country music because you sing real classic country beautiful voice beautiful smile beautiful,love your ballads,it’s hard to.make it in country music,it takes a lot of hard work patience time to.get a number one hit ,you have 60 that’s why they call you king of country music because you earned it,you put a lot of time in your rehearsal, sometimes you don’t even have time for yourself,but you love singing it’s a gift from god you are truly blessed
February 10, 2026 @ 5:53 pm
You’re right .
February 11, 2026 @ 6:45 am
Ha, this is the first time I’ve heard the song and was thinking it sounded a lot like Drinkin Problem.
February 11, 2026 @ 12:27 pm
Well, when does she take her clothes off? That is what Nashville is about now, and nowhere near country music.
February 11, 2026 @ 12:54 pm
Stupid comment.
February 9, 2026 @ 7:37 pm
Imagine a world in which Trigger just congratulates Langley for her achievement instead of using it to whine about that events that happened up to 2 weeks ago…
February 9, 2026 @ 8:32 pm
Country advocate advocates for country.
Story at 10.
February 10, 2026 @ 1:35 am
Great Song and It’s Great that a Woman Singing Country Gets Recognition She Should Get.. If People Think That Mess on the Superbowl Halftime Was Music It’s Very Sad.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:51 am
Spoken like a true redneck !!! It’s America, there’s more than one type of music. I didn’t like the halftime style of music either but better luck next time. Country music is my favorite right now. Who knows next week?! Open your eyes redneck !!!
February 10, 2026 @ 5:25 pm
Pretty promiscuous slinging that slur around. Particularly when two out of five viewers tuned out the halftime show. Are they rednecks too? Female on female violence isn’t attractive…
February 10, 2026 @ 5:30 pm
Folks there’s plenty of other threads on the Super Bowl stuff. I know it was touched on briefly here, but let’s try to keep the comments here on Ella Langley’s accomplishment. Thanks!
February 10, 2026 @ 2:05 pm
It was music as much as Bocelli singing Italian in Milan at the opening of the olympics.. oh and btw.. Puerto Rico IS an American territory.. in case toy didn’t know!!
February 10, 2026 @ 5:29 pm
The Olympics are a global competition with an Italian opera star performed in Italy. This is comparing apples to a porterhouse steak.
February 10, 2026 @ 6:05 am
“Bad Bunny halftime show” is the new “Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is not country”!
February 10, 2026 @ 8:34 am
Well, Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” was NOT country according to Beyonce, so ….
And my take on the Bad Bunny halftime is that it’s fine. I think a lot of politically-oriented people on the right are dramatically overplaying their hand with this thing. They’d be much better served to just leave it be.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:24 am
“Mike Annoys Trigger and Cap’n B”
February 9, 2026 @ 7:55 pm
Congrats Ella!!
February 9, 2026 @ 8:34 pm
The paradox, of course, is we don’t WANT our traditional country artists to have “the #1 Songs in All of Music.” We want them to live life on a human scale.
Alan Jackson never had anywhere near the #1 Songs in All of Music,” but he still did pretty damn well for himself. I bought his CDs and I loved how half his songs seemed to be autobiographical. I liked how he went from learning how to drive on a beat-up old half-ton shortbed Ford… engine was smoking… couple of burnt valves, and he had it going” to teaching his daughter to drive on “an old worn out jeep…Rusty old floor boards hot on [her] feet.
We don’t want to hear him sing about–and he doesn’t tell us about the specs of his jet plane or that he’s buying a Maseratti for his daughter for her 16th birthday.
It will be hard for Ella Langley is to be “traditional country,” if she’s living the “rockstar” lifethat comes with having the # songs in all of music.
February 9, 2026 @ 8:45 pm
Is it me or are the current mainstream females way more country on a whole than their current male counterparts. I mean you have Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson, Hailey Whitters, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Miranda Lambert, Carter Faith, Kacey Musgraves, Castellows, and now Kaitlin Butts is entering the mainstream. I mean that’s a heavy hitting talented group of musicians. Huge Congratulations to Ella and hopefully this will help to boost more traditional leaning country in the independent and maistream and also boost the talented women making it also.
February 10, 2026 @ 12:06 am
You’re absolutely right. But I would disagree on two points:
1) I would consider Megan Moroney more “Nashville pop” than country music.
2) Unfortunately, I don’t see any real signs of the Castellows (my favorite band for two years) breaking into the mainstream. Maybe they can do it with their new single, which will be released this Friday and which has what it takes.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:29 am
The Castellows had to do a lot of on the job training so to speak. I still think they could have a breakout song or moment if the right opportunity comes along. I also think the success of Ella Lagley makes that opportunity more possible. I also think it alleviates the pressure on performers like The Castellows, Kaitlin Butts, etc. to go pop just for attention. Langley proves you can still be country, and attain pop success.
February 10, 2026 @ 1:09 am
Btw: The entire visual aesthetic and sound of the upcoming Ella Langley single “Be Her” seems to be borrowed heavily from the new Castellows single “Love Is A Game”, which is out this Friday. The teasers for “Love Is A Game” have been out for over a month now.
February 10, 2026 @ 10:08 am
Well, Dallas did pack her suitcase.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:16 am
KC, as a huge fan of female country artists – especially but certainly not only Ella Langley – I really love your post! I’m not sure I’d consider Megan Moroney traditional country. In fact, after listening to the singles from her recent album, I’m not sure she’s still country at all – more like country pop with a growing emphasis on the “pop” part?! And I say this as someone who’s hopelessly addicted to a bunch of her songs 🙂
Overall, though, I love all the women country artists you mentioned and am so hopeful about the current direction of country music.
February 10, 2026 @ 12:58 am
It’s been at No.1 on the UK radio country chart for 12 weeks too.
February 10, 2026 @ 1:48 am
…ella langley, zach top, riley green – kinda feels and sounds like there’s a class 2025 in mainstream country music. perhaps we’ll soon have to add carter faith too after the acm’s.
February 10, 2026 @ 3:54 am
I didn’t watch nor have a dog in either Super Bowl halftime performance (but I read Trig’s excellent recaps). I found it interesting on the iTunes charts for Monday, Kid Rock and Cody Johnson’s versions of “‘Til You Can’t” sat atop at #1 and #2. Bad Bunny had songs at #3, #4 and #8. Gabby Barrett had songs at #5 and #6.
Ella Langley – no Super Bowl hype, no Grammy performance – hanging in there STILL #9!
Half the Apple charts the day after the SB were dominated by country music and the alternative halftime show.
February 10, 2026 @ 6:17 am
I would recommend looking at the top songs on Apple Music or Spotify, which reflect a wider audience and streaming numbers, versus iTunes purchases. The US Top 100 Monday was Bad Bunny 1-3,5,8, J. Cole 4,6,7, and Ella at 9. Probably more reflective of how most people consume music.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:04 am
I don’t use Spotify. I walked with Neil Young although he’s gone back (somewhat). Most artists refer to Spotify as a podcasting platform.
That’s crazy I don’t even see Kid Rock’s version of “Til I Can’t” on top 100 Apple Music Streaming chart. I can’t believe there’s that much a difference between download and purchase that’s it’s not registering on the top 100 streams. Like Trig says, we’ll have to wait until the Billboard charts.
I was ready to throw dirt on Kid Rock’s grave last week as artists were dropping out of the Rock the County Tour. Even if it’s just the download charts, I’m impressed. And impressed with what looks like the official number of live viewers (YouTube and Rumble) 9.1 million for the halftime show.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:31 am
Yeah, someone was commenting before the Super Bowl that Bad Bunny had the #1, #2, #4 top songs in the world, or something along those lines. I’m guessing they pulled that number from the iTunes charts. I always say that they can make a decent real-time barometer for appeal fro a song, but I also really caution folks reading too much into them. Someone can run a download campaign and really spike on the chart. As much as I’m critical of Billboard, they do a really good job of weighing the overall impact on their song charts, as well as illustrating where people are listening through their streaming and download charts.
That said, this MIGHT substantiate my theory that folks just aren’t going to wholesale adopt Bad Bunny in the United States. Meanwhile, conservatives love to support their artists with downloads. We saw that with the Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen controversy, and Oliver Anthony.
We won’t see the impact of the Super Bowl on the Billboard charts until next week.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:51 am
How much does iTunes sales even correlate to overall success? if it’s a brief spike in downloads of say 10k (I couldn’t find the total number of downloads) to put it a song at 1# – I imagine that’s far less revenue than the advertising revenue from performing on the Superbowl and appearing on podcasts from the spike in fame.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:11 am
Ella Langley has been one of my very favorite artists since she came on the scene, so I’m very excited about what this success means not just for her and those of us who love her sound but for the direction of country music in general.
While I do like Choosin’ Texas a lot, it’s actually not even among my five or six favorite Ella songs. I’m just mentioning this so that the two or three other people out there who prefer songs like Dandelion, Could’ve Been Her, Don’t We All, Girl You’re Taking Home, Wish I Didn’t Know Now or others know that you’re not alone 🙂
February 10, 2026 @ 7:22 am
The drums are a bit heavy for a traditional country song, though. I would say it’s contemporary country that leans traditional.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:37 am
There are definitely more traditional country songs, and definitely more contemporary. But if you had to put it in one bucket or another, I would definitely put it in Traditional no question. It’s meant to be nostalgic. It features prominent steel guitar. It talks about two-steppin’. This is not a pop confection at all. No drum loops, etc.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:24 am
I like Ella. Something about this track feels lifeless to me, like the wooden dancing at the beginning of the video. I renewed my new year’s resolution to go to more live music events, whatever their nature, and the difference in vitality and feel is just night and day.
Go back to recording live takes! No click track, either!
February 10, 2026 @ 3:20 pm
Well observed. I think that Ella Langley generally moves somehow wooden.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:44 am
I was with you right up until this sentence:
It means the mainstream momentum neotraditionalist Zach Top has stimulated has spread to other artists, and to country women.
Taken a certain way it could be interpreted to diminish the achievement, which I’m sure you didn’t intend. Has Zach Top achieved the same thing? Did she need the way to be paved for her by a male artist? Maybe, and maybe not. Mentioning it seems unnecessary and it would have been great to celebrate the achievement on its own vs. tying it to the success of others. Just one viewpoint.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:43 am
I guess it’s fair to ask if “Choosin’ Texas” got to #1 under its on volition. I personally think there has been a lot of momentum behind traditional country. It started with artists like Sturgill Simpson and then Tyler Childers creating mainstream impact. Then you have bands like Midland as some have mentioned and their song “Drinking Problem.” Then Zach Top really burst out into the mainstream, specifically with “I Never Lie.” And now you have Ella Langley take it even further. Some of the early success of Lainey Wilson and Carly Pearce might also play a role in this, as does Ella with Riley Green and their duet. I just don’t see the overwhelming appeal for a song like this coming out of the blue. That’s not to diminish Ella’s achievements at all though. Really if there’s anyone else who deserves direct credit here, it’s Miranda Lambert. And I made sure to give it to her.
February 10, 2026 @ 7:46 am
Awsume Song By Ella Langley Chosen Texas
February 10, 2026 @ 8:15 am
The song is not that good. It really says nothing. I doubt very seriously of this song is number 1. Its not even in regular country Playlist. In my opinion, this is a mediocre pop artist trying to be a country singer, which BTW is about 90% of them out there. When she sounds more like Patsy Cline or Emmylou Harris or Patty Lovelace, let us know!
February 10, 2026 @ 9:19 am
Wow…pretty much everything in this comment was incorrect…and perhaps unless you are able to spell “LOVELESS” correctly, then kindly sit down.
*And before you say anything, I know how her ex-husband’s was spelled differently. But I’m not sure how referring to Miss Patty by that name is appropriate.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:40 am
I think she sounds like herself, which is what she should sound like. The record is really good and it isn’t successful just because she looks good on camera.
To me, this has a retro 80’s sound with good steel and lyrics about two-stepping and heartache. It’s remarkable that something like this record is the biggest thing in American music now. If you asked Emmylou and Patty what they thought of this single and its success, I think they’d be pleased.
February 10, 2026 @ 10:10 am
If Ella weren’t so good-looking, the song wouldn’t go this high on its own merits. The same could be said for a lot of songs sung by males.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:35 am
Certainly a positive visual aesthetic in music has always been a benefit, and you’re probably right that’s playing a role here. But I think Luke Combs with his belly and receding hairline proved that it’s not required. He was one of the last country artists to go all-genre #1, and with a song originally recorded by a Black woman with dreadlocks, so not the stereotypical picture of American beauty.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:51 am
It’s a great song, the first popular country song I’ve liked in I don’t know how long. It’s like Seven Year Ache meets (Grandpa) Tell me ‘Bout the Good Old Days. I am a bit dismayed that she is playing THAT festival, I don’t think she realizes that this song has been big with Latinos and gay folks, who has helped make it big on Tik Tok. She shouldn’t be alienating a core audience right out of the gate.
February 10, 2026 @ 5:16 pm
I just posted that the chorus is a direct rip-off of Grandpa Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days. Jamie O’Hara’s estate should sue.
We have amazing ears for picking up on this stuff.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:12 am
There is our next superbowl half time show
February 10, 2026 @ 9:13 am
Is the Ella Langley video linked here AI generated? It seems that way to me.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:35 am
No reason to believe it’s AI generated, but can not say for certain.
February 10, 2026 @ 12:01 pm
Based on the thumbnail and not knowing what Ella Langley looks like, I legit thought Trigger was about to tell us the #1 song was country, female, _and_ AI.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:32 am
Today I happened to listen to the Pretenders again after years, and suddenly I realized who Ella Langley reminded me of all along – in her vocal phrasing, her movements, her makeup, her hair, even her earrings: She’s the country version of Chrissie Hynde. – Well, there’s also a pinch of Stevie Nicks (the partly elf-like dresses, the tambourine)…
February 10, 2026 @ 9:54 am
Well their goes my position that she doesn’t really sound like anyone else….. You’re spot on – country version of Chrissie. Which is more than fine with me.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:11 am
That’s fine with me too. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. And as long as someone is inspired by women like Chrissie or Stevie it’s more than fine.
February 10, 2026 @ 9:40 am
It’s a pretty decent little song; the likes of which I’d sure be happy to hear dominating country radio.
I think though that it’s mass appeal also has a lot to do with the growing sentiment in our society over what’s been lost and appears about to be lost forever. Young men are not only turning to religion, but the traditional denominations like Orthodox and Catholic. This song plays to that sentiment and trend. It doesn’t hurt either that she’s easy on the eyes.
What goes around, comes around. Maybe there’s time for a little run of real country music becoming mainstream country before the AI/total surveillance/engineered tastes/en masse compliance SHTF.
February 10, 2026 @ 10:01 am
As I’ve mentioned on several occasions, I am an avid listener of Texas radio – The Ranch out of Fort Worth specifically – darn near all day every day. Texas radio does not play Nashville country, unless it’s CoJo or Parker or Miranda. Yet Choosin’ Texas is climbing the Ranch’s Top 12 countdown each Sunday and gets a spin or two every hour. Probably doesn’t hurt that the word “Texas” is in the title, but still, Ella has broken through a very formidable wall.
February 10, 2026 @ 12:16 pm
Not to toot my own horn, but Saving Country Music isn’t exactly favorable ground for mainstream country singles either. Yet it won Single of the Year, and remains sticky in the Top 25 playlist. I think it’s a landmark song that clearly crosses lines of taste, generation, and even genre.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:09 am
If by traditional country you mean in the late ’70s early ’80s pop-country vein similar to artists like Deborah Allen, Sylvia, Barbara Mandrell, etc. then I agree. I like the song, and Ella has a pleasant enough voice, but calling this a traditional country song is a bit of a stretch. Still, it’s great for Ella.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:22 am
I didn’t call it traditional country, but real country.
It’s true to the spirit and sound of country music with the rough edges smoothed away enough for easy consumption. That’s all I’d ever expect, or even want, from country radio. Something that’s pleasant enough to listen to or have in the background while driving or whatever. Something inoffensive, but not vapid, that doesn’t make traffic or road noise more appealing. Radio country doesn’t have to be cutting edge; but if it’s real enough, it leaves, even makes, space for more traditional or innovative, but true, country to be within grasp of those so inclined.
Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify and elaborate on what I was getting at.
February 10, 2026 @ 5:59 pm
Dean, I have no idea what you’re talking about, I didn’t reply to you but I appreciate your response and opinion. I think it’s really good song.
February 11, 2026 @ 7:11 am
Sorry. I’m pretty sure your comment appeared as if it was a response to my comment when I saw it. Perhaps a short-lived formatting issue on the site.
I will say though I think the song has a little more “tooth” than Sylvia or Barbara Mandrell. I agree it was reminiscent of that time period you mentioned, in fact I actually thought of Tanya Tucker’s career middle period when I heard it — which was in that same end of 70’s, early 80’s period.
February 12, 2026 @ 2:04 am
I don’t care what she looks like or how she sound like someone else. Sit back and look at yourselves because it sound like to me y’all are just jealous.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:39 am
The late ’70s were 50 years ago. So if you’re saying it sounds like it’s from the late ’70s, your saying it’s definitely not contemporary. A song like this sticks out like a sore thumb on mainstream country radio. That might be one of the reasons it’s so popular. Though it might not be the most “traditional” of traditional country tracks, I definitely think it’s the most traditional song to go all genre #1 in country music in decades.
Let’s not look this gift horse in the mouth. No, it’s not the perfect country and western song. But the damn thing is the #1 song in all the land. That’s really insane if you think about it.
February 10, 2026 @ 6:04 pm
It is insane (and great)! I agree. It still sounds more like the artists I listed than modern female acts, and for me that’s a good thing. I like it. It’s better than most of the mainstream country schlock being released today. I actually like the ’70s, early ’80s throwback feel of it.
February 10, 2026 @ 11:28 am
Like I mentioned before: I genuinely think part of the secret sauce as to why this song has become cherished and embraced to the exponential degree it has…………….is Fleetwood Mac.
Their classic album “Rumours” has regularly held up between #15 and #30 on the Billboard 200 for months now at a time where countless new albums just aren’t selling…………..and “Choosin’ Texas” has a production quite reminiscent of that hazy, reflective 70s heartland sound albeit infused with more pedal steel.
This is why it’s resonating far beyond country radio itself into Adult Top 40 and Adult Contemporary radio, in my opinion. I think to many Langley also looks a lot like Linda Ronstadt too, for that matter. 😊
February 10, 2026 @ 11:36 am
I don’t think I will ever understand how it could ever take four people to write a song, outside of a four piece band where they split the credit. But I do highly suggest the documentary Red Dog that Luke Dick made about his childhood growing up around the Red Dog strip club in OK. Especially the part where he smokes some of Nasty Cathy’s weed. Great story!
February 10, 2026 @ 2:17 pm
I agree with you completely. Fleetwood Mac’s influence on today’s more traditional-sounding country music is immense. Especially among female artists, the influence is audible and the influence of Stevie Nicks’ visual image is also clearly visible.
February 10, 2026 @ 2:19 pm
*Answer to Nadia Lockhearts comment above.
February 10, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
Number 1? Not even number 1000. Sorry. Bless your hearts!
February 10, 2026 @ 6:16 pm
Sick burn dude!
February 10, 2026 @ 5:10 pm
OK, so after reading this, I was curious enough about this song to give it a listen. Chorus is a direct rip-off of Grandpa Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days by the Judds. Jamie O’Hara’s estate should sue.
February 10, 2026 @ 6:13 pm
The chorus sounds nothing like the Judd’s song. Even if it did, there is not lawsuit here, every song sounds like something that came before it. With the limited number of notes, it’s impossible to write anything that is 100% original. Everything is a variation of something else. Now, if the entire melody and chord structure of another song is lifted to there might be cause, but in a song like this.
February 11, 2026 @ 2:07 pm
Well, reviewing the comments here, I’m at least the 2nd person that said it. You should maybe get your ears checked.
You probably don’t think Tom Petty’s Last Dance With Mary Jane ripped off Waiting for the Sun by the Jayhawks either.
February 10, 2026 @ 8:08 pm
Well this made me go listen to it. I think its fine but i wouldnt consider it great. I dont really think shes got a great singing voice or a unique voice for that matter but maybe thats just me. Def not adding to my playlist.
February 11, 2026 @ 3:53 am
Never heard of him
February 11, 2026 @ 9:40 am
I don’t understand the hype behind this song but hey it beats some hick-hop crap at #1.
February 13, 2026 @ 6:38 am
It’s obviously traditional country.
If so, those Don Williams tracks I listen to right now must be pure appalachian folk music, ca. pre-Carters.
February 11, 2026 @ 10:05 am
SCM continues to glaze over this song. No one care that it won an award from some random country website.
February 11, 2026 @ 11:55 am
The absolute least important accomplishment of this song so far is it winning Saving Country Music’s Single of the Year. But am I proud I was on the record expressing its importance on the way up? Absolutely.
This is a country music website that advocates for traditional/independent artists and music. Why people are surprised this song would get press here when it reaches a historic achievement is wild.
February 11, 2026 @ 11:43 am
Great accomplishment, great song…but…uummm…YEP…Real North American Country music WITH A SPANISH DERIVED/ INVENTED INSTRUMENT. Lordy Jesus, why can’t we just LOVE whatever MUSIC makes our soul happy, PERIOD! Education informs and tempers…Ignorance divides…
February 19, 2026 @ 5:45 pm
You were better than Tommy Kramer IMO.
February 11, 2026 @ 4:40 pm
I love this tune. It has that late 70s/early 80s country sound. I’ve listened to it numerous times trying to figure out how they achieved that cool sound. It’s also one of the best songs to come out in a while.
February 11, 2026 @ 4:54 pm
Saving country lol
February 12, 2026 @ 8:38 am
I’m probably sitting at a table for one on this one, but does anyone else find this song kind of lackluster?! I generally like Ella Langley’s voice and overall sound, but this song is just so mediocre to me. The vocals, the lyrics, the instrumentation, the melody, the…everything. Choosin’ Texas is perfectly fine but just not anywhere near what it’s been hyped up to be in my (obviously unpopular) opinion. It just doesn’t evoke any real feeling in me. I’m glad whenever country succeeds and tend to root for women artists, but if anyone else had a “THIS is the song that everyone’s madly in love with?! I just don’t get it…” reaction, you’re not alone!
February 12, 2026 @ 8:58 am
I don’t think anyone around here is going to say it’s their favorite song in all of country music right now. You also have the thing happening where as soon as something becomes super popular, it’s becomes heavily scrutinized, and inherently uncool. That’s how you’ve had so many people convince themselves Chris Stapleton sucks. It’s a good song. What’s great about it is that it’s going incredible, remarkable things that will create a bridge to even better songs and artists because of it’s wide popularity.
February 12, 2026 @ 3:00 pm
Good grief, you mentioned the Super Bowl at least twice? Otherwise, great for her and country music. Maybe focus more on that.
February 13, 2026 @ 8:03 am
Gotta say that my appreciation for “Choosin’ Texas” just increased after hearing “Be Her,” the single that Ella Langley released last night. I’m not sure what Be Her is, but it’s definitely not traditional country…or, in my opinion, a good song 🙂
February 13, 2026 @ 10:35 am
Be Her is truly terrible and a total departure from everything Ella had been doing right. I’m hoping it’s just an aberration.
February 14, 2026 @ 5:42 pm
This song is the quintessential earworm. When I first heard it, I didn’t think much of it, but now, a couple of months later, I find it’s still worming its way around my head. Not to set myself up as a criterion, but I’d wager that this is the secret of its success. It’s a lovely song.