Chris Stapleton is a Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter who has made a name for himself with his soulful, bluesy country sound. With his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, he has become one of the most respected and acclaimed artists in the industry today.
His music is a perfect blend of traditional country, rock, and blues, and his songwriting ability has made him a sought-after collaborator for many of the biggest names in music. From his early days as a songwriter in Nashville to his breakout success as a solo artist, Chris Stapleton has created an impressive body of work that showcases his talent and versatility.
In this list, we take a look at the 10 best Chris Stapleton songs of all time, from his early hits to his most recent releases. Each song showcases Stapleton’s unique style and his ability to connect with his audience through his music. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just love good music, these songs are sure to move you.
1. “Tennessee Whiskey”
“Tennessee Whiskey” is a soulful, bluesy country song that was originally recorded by David Allan Coe in 1983, but it was Chris Stapleton’s version that became a massive hit in 2015. The song features Stapleton’s powerful, gravelly voice over a slow, steady beat and a guitar riff that harkens back to classic blues and R&B. The lyrics describe the allure of Tennessee whiskey and the way it can transport you back to a simpler time. With its catchy melody, passionate vocals, and timeless sound, “Tennessee Whiskey” is a standout track that showcases Stapleton’s unique style and his ability to infuse classic genres with a modern edge.
2. “Broken Halos”
“Broken Halos” is a poignant, introspective ballad that showcases Chris Stapleton’s powerful songwriting skills and emotive vocals. The song features a simple, acoustic guitar accompaniment that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The lyrics describe the fleeting nature of life and the search for meaning and hope in the face of loss and heartbreak. With its heartfelt message and understated beauty, “Broken Halos” has become one of Stapleton’s most beloved songs and a staple of his live performances. The song’s bittersweet tone and universal themes have resonated with audiences across genres, making it a standout track in Stapleton’s already impressive discography.
3. “You Should Probably Leave”
“You Should Probably Leave” is a heart-wrenching ballad from Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album “Traveller.” The song is about a man who realizes that his relationship is coming to an end and that it’s time for his partner to move on. Stapleton’s soulful and emotive vocals perfectly capture the raw emotions of the lyrics, and the sparse instrumentation allows the focus to remain on the poignant message of the song. The haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make “You Should Probably Leave” a standout track in Stapleton’s discography.
4. “Second One to Know”
“Second One to Know” is a powerful and energetic track from Chris Stapleton’s 2017 album “From A Room: Volume 1.” The song showcases Stapleton’s exceptional vocal range and guitar skills, with a lively melody that blends rock, country, and blues elements. The lyrics speak to the aftermath of a failed relationship, as the narrator warns his ex-lover’s new partner that they will face the same heartbreak and disappointment that he did. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs make it a fan favorite at Stapleton’s live performances. Overall, “Second One to Know” is a standout track that highlights Stapleton’s ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern influences.
5. “Whiskey and You”
“Whiskey and You” is a melancholic ballad performed by Chris Stapleton. It was written by Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller and was released in 2015 as part of Stapleton’s debut studio album, “Traveller.” The song showcases Stapleton’s powerful vocals and his ability to convey emotions through his music. The lyrics tell the story of a man who turns to whiskey to ease his pain after a breakup, describing the alcohol as his only friend. The song’s stripped-down instrumentation features Stapleton’s soulful voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar, giving it a raw and authentic feel. “Whiskey and You” received critical acclaim and has become a fan favorite at Stapleton’s live performances. The song’s poignant lyrics and Stapleton’s emotive delivery make it a standout track in his discography.
6. “Fire Away”
“Fire Away” is a powerful and emotional ballad by Chris Stapleton that deals with themes of love, pain, and mental illness. The song features Stapleton’s signature gritty and soulful vocals, accompanied by a haunting melody and touching lyrics. The song addresses the struggles of a couple dealing with the woman’s mental illness and the emotional toll it takes on their relationship. Despite the heavy subject matter, the song manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting, as Stapleton delivers a powerful message of love and support. The song has become a fan favorite and showcases Stapleton’s ability to write deeply personal and introspective songs that resonate with audiences.
7. “Starting Over”
“Starting Over” is the title track and lead single from Chris Stapleton’s fourth studio album released in 2020. The song is a reflective and hopeful ballad about starting a new chapter in life and finding love and happiness. Stapleton’s signature soulful voice is accompanied by acoustic guitar and pedal steel, giving the song a classic country sound. The lyrics tell a story of a man who’s been through hard times, but now wants to move on and build a life with his partner. The song received critical acclaim for its honesty and authenticity, and it topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. “Starting Over” showcases Stapleton’s songwriting and vocal abilities, making it one of his standout tracks.
8. “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore”
“Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” is a powerful ballad by Chris Stapleton that delves into the emotions of losing a loved one. The song begins with Stapleton’s melancholic voice and a simple acoustic guitar melody before slowly building up to a soaring chorus. The lyrics touch on the pain of watching someone you love change and the sense of helplessness that comes with it. Stapleton’s raw and emotional delivery adds a layer of authenticity to the already poignant lyrics. The song is a testament to the power of music to express the complexities of human emotion and is a standout track on Stapleton’s acclaimed album “Traveller.”
9. “What Are You Listening To?”
“What Are You Listening To?” is a heartfelt ballad by Chris Stapleton that reflects on a past relationship and the memories that come flooding back when hearing certain songs. The song features Stapleton’s signature soulful vocals and stripped-down instrumentation, with acoustic guitar and piano providing a melancholic backdrop. The lyrics are introspective and introspective, asking the titular question to the subject of the song and exploring the emotions that come with the memories of lost love. The song was a breakthrough hit for Stapleton, earning critical acclaim and showcasing his songwriting and vocal talents. Overall, “What Are You Listening To?” is a poignant and emotive song that showcases Stapleton’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
10. “The Devil Named Music”
“The Devil Named Music” by Chris Stapleton is a haunting and introspective song that explores the relationship between the artist and his craft. The lyrics speak to the ups and downs of a musician’s life and how the music becomes a kind of savior, even when it sometimes feels like a curse. Stapleton’s gravelly voice adds to the melancholic atmosphere of the song, as he sings about how music has been both a friend and an enemy throughout his life. The instrumentation is sparse, with a simple guitar riff carrying the melody, but it’s the emotional weight of the lyrics that make this song stand out. Overall, “The Devil Named Music” is a powerful ode to the power of music and its role in the lives of those who create it.