Trace Adkins has proven himself to be one of the most versatile country music artists of his generation, and a glance at his top 18 songs highlights his remarkable range.
His nearly three-decade career is peppered with emotional ballads, nostalgic classics, heart-wrenching break-up anthems, and soul-stirring faith-based tunes. And of course, there’s almost no shortage of songs that’ll get you up on your feet and dancing.
While he may have only scored three no. 1 hits, it’s his ability to cover such a wide array of subjects and use his voice in captivating ways that establish his status as an essential artist of the 21st century.
When you delve into this list, you can see Adkins’ career divided into three distinctive acts: a tender beginning, a wild and rowdy commercial peak, and his contemplative later years.
1. “Every Light in the House” (1996)
This breakout hit showcased Adkins’ softer side and earned him praise. It was a poignant debut that hinted at the depth behind the imposing figure, solidifying its place as the top track in his impressive career.
2. “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing” (1997)
Securing the No. 2 spot as Adkins’ first chart-topper, this song is a reminder of his early success before his career took a brief downturn in the early 2000s, coinciding with his battle against personal issues.
3. “I Left Something Turned on at Home” (1997)
In 1997, Adkins delivered a Top 5 hit with this clever double entendre, paired with a straightforward, commercial country arrangement. It finds its spot at No. 3 on our list of his best songs.
4. “Chrome” (2002)
This song was a turning point for Adkins, even though it only reached the Top 4. It’s not every day you hear spoken-word vocals celebrating polished metal, but it worked for him. It set the stage for many more hits that would follow in the wake of this 2002 gem.
5. “Hot Mama” (2003)
Starting off our list at No. 5 is “Hot Mama” from 2003. This country-rock track may not pass the sensitivity test of today’s era, but back then, it was a hit.
Adkins croons about the physical allure of his lady, with a line that might raise eyebrows in the 2020s. However, it struck a chord with fans and marked an early foray into the edgier side of his career.
6. “Then They Do” (2003)
At No. 6 is “Then They Do” from 2003, a Top 10 hit that felt like a career-defining moment for Adkins. Despite its moving lyrics and emotional performance, it never achieved the commercial success it deserved. Nevertheless, it remains one of the all-time great remembrance songs.
7. “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” (2005)
Now, at No. 7, we reach the phenomenon that is “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” from 2005. This platinum-certified hit had fans of all ages tapping their feet and grooving to its catchy beat. It’s a song that Adkins will likely be performing even when he’s 75 or 80—a true crowd-pleaser.
8. “Ladies Love Country Boys” (2006)
No. 8 is occupied by “Ladies Love Country Boys” from 2006, Adkins’ last No. 1 hit. This edgy, rocking track marked the end of his second act and displayed a blend of hipness and wisdom that defined his persona.
9. “I Wanna Feel Something” (2007)
“I Wanna Feel Something” from 2007 comes in at No. 9. This underappreciated gem isn’t a typical sad or love song. Instead, it encourages embracing life and experiencing every moment without prejudice. Its message still resonates over 15 years later.
10. “You’re Gonna Miss This” (2008)
No. 10 belongs to “You’re Gonna Miss This” from 2008, a song that gains more significance with time. This No. 1 hit delivered some hard truths about parenting and marked a transition to the third phase of Adkins’ career, making it a potential future standout in his catalog.
11. “Marry for Money” (2009)
At No. 11, we have “Marry for Money” from 2009. This song walks a fine line between clever and corny but manages to stay firmly on the clever side.
It’s a comedic country-swing tune where Adkins humorously promises to marry for wealth since he’s done searching for true love. While not the only song to aim for this target, it’s one that hits the mark.
12. “This Ain’t No Love Song” (2010)
“This Ain’t No Love Song” from 2010 grabs the No. 12 spot. Lyrically, it aligns perfectly with Adkins’ personality and struggles with expressing emotions. It’s an unassuming smash that continues to resonate with fans.
13. “Just Fishin'” (2011)
At No. 13, we have “Just Fishin’” from 2011, a heartwarming story of a dad spending quality time with his daughter, featuring Adkins’ own youngest, Trinity, in the music video. It even received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song.
14. “Tough People Do” (2012)
Coming in at No. 14 is “Tough People Do” from 2012. This song holds a special place as Adkins released it twice, first before the 2012 presidential election in the hopes of appealing to both political parties and then with tweaked lyrics during the pandemic. It never made it onto an album, but it’s a must-listen in his discography.
15. “Songs About Me” (2004)
At No. 5 is “Songs About Me” from 2004, a rocker that captured the essence of country music without clichés. It served as the title track of an album that spawned several hits and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard charts.
16. “Arlington” (2005)
“Arlington” from 2005 takes the No. 16 spot. This poignant tribute to fallen soldiers was on its way to becoming a major hit before concerns from families of fallen servicemen led Adkins to pull it from country radio. Nonetheless, it’s considered one of his career’s best performances.
17. “Jesus and Jones” (2016)
At No. 17, we have “Jesus and Jones” from 2016. This song marked Adkins’ debut under a new record deal and stands out for its deeply personal lyrics, making it a worthy inclusion in his Top 18.
18. “Muddy Water” (2002)
In 2002, Adkins shifted towards more reflective tunes, and “Muddy Water” fits that mold. It might not have been a commercial powerhouse, but it’s a powerful song with Adkins describing it as the story of his life. His emotional vocal performance made it a Top 18 song in his catalog, landing it at No. 18 on our list.
| Rank | Song Title | Release Date |
| 1 | Every Light in the House | 1996 |
| 2 | (This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing | 1997 |
| 3 | I Left Something Turned on at Home | 1997 |
| 4 | Chrome | 2002 |
| 5 | Hot Mama | 2003 |
| 6 | Then They Do | 2003 |
| 7 | Honky Tonk Badonkadonk | 2005 |
| 8 | Ladies Love Country Boys | 2006 |
| 9 | I Wanna Feel Something | 2007 |
| 10 | You’re Gonna Miss This | 2008 |
| 11 | Marry for Money | 2009 |
| 12 | This Ain’t No Love Song | 2010 |
| 13 | Just Fishin | 2011 |
| 14 | Tough People Do | 2012 |
| 15 | Songs About Me | 2004 |
| 16 | Arlington | 2005 |
| 17 | Jesus and Jones | 2016 |
| 18 | Muddy Water | 2002 |
What Are Trace Adkins’ Top 20 Songs?
Over the years, Trace Adkins has launched many great hits. Every Light in the House, No Thinkin’ Thing, I Left Something Turned on at Home, Chrome, Hot Mama, Then They Do, Honky Tonk Badonkadonk, Ladies Love Country Boys, I Wanna Feel Something, You’re Gonna Miss This, Marry for Money, This Ain’t No Love Song, Just Fishin, Tough People Do, Songs About Me, Arlington, Jesus and Jones, Muddy Water, Swing, and The Rest of Mine are considered his top 20 songs.
How Did Trace Adkins Choose His Top 20 Songs?
For Trace Adkins, lyrics and melody play a huge role in making a song the audience’s favorite. The storyline of the video is a cherry on top. The singer chose his top 20 songs based on these criteria.
What Are Some of the Factors that Trace Adkins Considered When Choosing His Top 20 Songs?
The country music singer likes his songs to tell a story with effective melody and lyrics. He knows how to hook his audience with his realistic narrative and stage presence. The factors that Adkins considered when choosing his top 20 songs were the realistic approach, melody, and lyrics.
What Are Some of Trace Adkins’ Other Notable Songs?
Songs like Hillbilly Bone, There Is a Girl in Texas, Dreamin’ Out Loud, and Old Town Road are some of the other notable songs by Trace Adkins.
Trace Adkins‘ career is full of hit songs. While not all songs can make the list, the ones that managed to reach there are due to personal preferences.
Conclusion
- Trace Adkins’ Top 18 Songs reflect the remarkable journey of a country music legend, from his early beginnings to his enduring impact on the genre.
- His versatility and ability to connect with audiences through a wide range of songs make him an essential artist of the 21st century.
- Whether you prefer his tender ballads or rowdy hits, Adkins’ music has left an indelible mark on the country music landscape.