Carly Pearce has cemented herself as one of country music’s most compelling voices, blending modern storytelling with classic country influences. Since her breakthrough in 2017, Pearce has consistently delivered heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. From heartbreak anthems to empowering ballads, here are the top 10 best songs by Carly Pearce.
10. ‘my place' (2024)
A haunting ballad from the ‘hummingbird' album which finds Carly displaced in both the heart and home of her former love. She's wondering about her replacement who is now installed in her old home. ‘Do you ever slip up and call her my name?' she asks, trying to move on but stuck in the memories and heartbreak.
9. ‘Next Girl' (2020)
Pearce delivers a sharp and witty cautionary tale in ‘Next Girl.' The song warns a woman about a smooth-talking heartbreaker, blending traditional country storytelling with a modern, upbeat production. It became an anthem of empowerment for many listeners.
8. ‘Every Little Thing' (2017)
The song that started it all for Pearce, ‘Every Little Thing,' is a haunting ballad about heartbreak and lingering memories. With its delicate instrumentation and raw emotion, the track became her breakthrough hit and solidified her as a force in country music.
7. ‘What He Didn’t Do' (2022)
A fan-favourite from her '29: Written in Stone' album, ‘What He Didn’t Do' flips the traditional breakup narrative. Instead of listing a former lover’s faults, Pearce sings about all the things he failed to do, making the heartbreak feel even more profound.
6. ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now' (2019) (with Lee Brice)
A powerful duet with Lee Brice, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now' tells the story of two people coming to terms with a failed relationship. The song’s soaring harmonies and emotional weight make it one of Pearce’s most impactful performances.
5. ‘Hide the Wine' (2017)
A playful and sultry track, ‘Hide the Wine' captures the feeling of resisting—yet ultimately giving in to—temptation. With a bluesy groove and confident delivery, Pearce shows off her ability to mix fun storytelling with undeniable vocal prowess.
4. ‘truck on fire' (2024)
Co-written with Lady A's Charles Kelley, this darker, revenge song finds Carly in full ‘Before He Cheats' mode, burning down the truck of a cheating lover. Fiddle driven drama helps to fan the flames as the truck goes up and the drama goes down.
3. '29' (2021)
The title track from her critically acclaimed '29' album, this song reflects on a year of heartbreak, loss, and personal growth. The stripped-down production allows Pearce’s emotive storytelling to take center stage, resonating with anyone who has faced life’s unexpected twists.
2. ‘Oklahoma' (2024)
A powerful and heartfelt ballad from the ‘hummingbird,' ‘Oklahoma' finds Carly on the road and driving away from all the things she'll ‘never get to say.' It's an evocative ‘leaving' song with the classic line ‘I might be in Oklahoma but I'm not OK,' that hits home every time. ‘It's juts the state I'm in,' Carly sings, doubling down on the cleverness.
1. ‘Never Wanted to Be That Girl' (2021) (with Ashley McBryde)
Taking the top spot is Pearce’s Grammy-winning duet with Ashley McBryde. ‘Never Wanted to Be That Girl' tells the heartbreaking story of two women unknowingly involved with the same man. The raw emotion, stunning harmonies, and classic country storytelling make it a masterpiece in Pearce’s catalog.
Best Deep Cut: ‘Woman Down' (2020)
One of our favourite tracks from Carly's under rated self-titled second album that often gets overlooked. This is another one of Carly's dramatic songs, full of empowerment and strength. The fiddles and darker tone suit the drama of the song as Carly sings ‘who you going to bet on when the sky is falling….. she can make a mountain move and do it in her high heeled shoes.' We'd love to see this song make a surprise live appearance in London!
Carly Pearce continues to evolve as an artist, staying true to her country roots while pushing her storytelling to new heights. With each song, she connects deeply with listeners, proving why she’s one of the brightest stars in modern country music. We're going to be treated to a couple of new songs on the European / UK tour as Carly continues to evolve and create new material as well.
