October was another fantastic month for country music. With album releases from Riley Green, Wyatt Flores and Jelly Roll, deluxe albums from Cody Johnson and Megan Moroney and incredible singles from Colby Acuff, Dylan Gosett and Ella Langley, the month did not disappoint.
It should go without saying that it’s nearly impossible to narrow down the entire month to only 23 songs, but that’s the problem when so many great songs are released each and every month – some aren’t going to make it.
Here are our picks for the best songs released in October – in no particular order.
“Linda” – Colby Acuff
“Linda” once again proves why Acuff is one of the best songwriters out there today. As a character piece depicting the life of an 85-year-old diner worker, Acuff paints an incredibly rich narrative focusing on small acts of kindness. Feeling very reminiscent of the songs penned by John Prine and Nicholas Jamerson, “Linda” makes you feel like you’re sitting next to Acuff while he recalls this perspective-changing story.
“That’s a Mistake” – Riley Green
“One Hell of a Woman” – Noeline Hofmann
“Tree Birds” – Dylan Gossett
It seems as if I say this every time I cover Gossett, but I’m going to say it once again – he is one of the most exciting voices in the genre today. Dylan once again captures lighting in a bottle here on “Tree Birds.”
From the moment the song begins and the first note of when the harmonica plays, you’re immediately transported to a sunny day with the wind blowing through your hair. The way the harmonica, guitar and organ, a new instrument choice for Gossett, all blend together is something to behold, making “Tree Birds” feel like a shot of serotonin.
“Good Times” – Koe Wetzel
“Ends of the Earth” – Ty Myers
“Stillwater” – Wyatt Flores
The entirety of Welcome to the Plains very well could have made this list, hence the three entries. However, “Stillwater” is the clear standout in an album packed to the brim with stellar tracks. Flores is in his sweet spot here, leaning into that alternative edge that he’s flashed throughout his young career.
There’s a tangible amount of bitterness here on “Stillwater” with Flores blaming his ex-lover for ruining the titular town after coming there for college. The dichotomy he presents between her leaving both him and the town behind while he’s stuck with her memory in Stillwater is a fantastic piece of songwriting that should come as no surprise coming from Flores.
“Only Thing Missing Is You” – Wyatt Flores
“Welcome to the Plains” – Wyatt Flores
“Dumb Enough to Try” – Aidan Canfield
“House Again” – Hudson Westbrook
Since his viral, breakthrough hit, “Two Way Drive,” Hudson Westbrook has undoubtedly been one of the buzziest newcomers in the genre. “House Again” continues this hot streak. Twisting the classic “making a house a home” idiom, Westbrook laments on failed relationship. The imagery in the lyrics coupled with some slick electric guitar work makes the track a must-listen.
“Never Left Me” – Justin Moore
“How Do You Sleep At Night?” – Cody Johnson
“Bless Your Heart” – Megan Moroney
I’ve gone on record multiple times saying that I wasn’t sold on Megan Moroney with the release of Lucky in 2023. However, as time passes and she continues to perfect her craft, I can safely say that I was wrong. The “Tennessee Orange” singer continues to keep improving and impressing, especially with the release of Am I Okay? and its additional three songs released in October.
“Bless Your Heart” is the perfect example of Moroney playing to her strengths. Her witty songwriting, self-awareness and charm is all showcased perfectly here. The twangy production is just the icing on the cake of the fun track.
I also can’t help but applaud the use of the classic line, “see you next Tuesday,” during the final chorus. Great stuff.
“Break It Right Back” – Megan Moroney
“Thought Of You” – Sam Barber
“Know You Like That” – Jordan Davis
“Three Car Garage” – Flatland Cavalry
After years of waiting, Flatland Cavalry finally gave fans what they wanted with the release of “Three Car Garage,” and it did not disappoint. Cleto Cordero has such a way of writing down-to-earth tracks that are equally relatable as they are hopeful, and it’s on full display here. “Three Car Garage” feels more like a conversation with Cordero about his life aspirations rather than your typical country song.
“Love Junkie” – Slade Coulter
“Learning As I Go” – Kip Moore
“Weren’t For the Wind” – Ella Langley
“Nobody’s Everything” – Tyler Halverson
At first, I thought that “Nobody’s Everything” was your standard “checklist” country song fare with Halverson listing off everything that he represents to other people. However, once the chorus kicks in, you quickly realize that it was an excellent buildup to the final lyric, “I’m something to everyone but nobody’s everything.”
“Nobody’s Everything” is one of those songs that takes its time to fully develop its lyrical content, but once the payoff hits, it’s one of the most interestingly crafted songs of the year.