Top 50 Countdown of the Best Carrie Underwood Songs Ever (Can You Guess Our No. 1?)
Seventeen years ago, a curly haired country queen graced television screens everywhere as she took home the title of American Idol. Since that first big win, Carrie Underwood hasn't stopped the streak—and she dominates more than music alone. The artist has written a New York Times best seller, launched a successful athleisure brand, and garnered over 100 major awards. (Hello, Home Edit team, someone might need help organizing all that gold!)
But, of course, it's Underwood's anthems, from soulful ballads to upbeat earworms, that keep her at the top of the charts and in listeners' hearts. Ahead, we've listed our top 50 Carrie Underwood songs that bend genres, defy range, and are overall unforgettable. Among some of her most famous hits, you'll also find star-powered duets, tunes that speak to her Christian roots, and, of course, fan favorites performed on American Idol.
No. 50—Jesus, Take the Wheel
We're kicking off this countdown where it all began. This career-changing hit, the first single from her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in October 2005. A heart-wrenching narrative of a woman seeking Jesus' mercy after her car skids on black ice, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was an entry point into Carrie's talent.
No. 49—Just A Dream
The fourth single from Underwood's second studio album, Carnival Ride (2007), "Just A Dream" is an emotional tale with a surprising twist. After the listener believes a young woman is heading to church in a wedding dress, they soon realize it's the funeral of her late husband killed in combat.
No. 48—Wasted
We might recognize 2007 as the year the iPhone debuted and changed how we communicate forever, but something other than Apple dropped that year. Underwood released her final single from Some Hearts, "Wasted," which became her fourth consecutive number one hit. The song touches on themes of alcoholism and wasted time.
No. 47— Love Wins
Fans of the 2019 Christian film Breakthrough will instantly recognize this song from the soundtrack. "Love Wins," from the album Cry Pretty, is poetry asking listeners for peace, forgiveness, and harmony during a politically charged climate.
No. 46—Ever Ever After
While we were settling down to watch Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey adorably fumble their way through an unlikely fairytale in the flick Enchanted (2007), notes of Underwood's appropriately named "Ever Ever After" weaved through the hilarious and enduring scenes. The pop hit never fails to remind us that dreams do come true—even if it's in ways we least expect.
No. 45—Cry Pretty
An undeniable replay, the title track of Underwood's album Cry Pretty (2018) was named Country Song of the Year by Billboard. The album also landed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart, making Underwood the first woman with four country albums to reach the top.
No. 44—Blown Away
Blown away is what we are when we listen to this track from Underwood's 2012 album of the same name. The lyrics tell the story of a daughter sheltering herself in a storm cellar from a tornado and her alcoholic father.
No. 43—Mama's Song
The 54th Grammy Awards nominated "Mama's Song" for Best Country Solo Performance. The final single released from Play On, the emotional ballad connects with mothers and daughters as it tells the story of a daughter moving out of the house to become wife. (Of course, it's one of our favorite Mother's Day songs too.)
No. 42—I'll Stand by You
Original fans from Underwood's American Idol days, this one is for you. Her heart-rending cover of The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You" on the show will never be forgotten. It featured scenes from her trip to Africa during the "Idol Gives Back" special charity episode.
No. 41—Inside Your Heaven
Fresh off her win from American Idol, Underwood's first-ever single "Inside Your Heaven," which she performed on the finale episode, debuted as number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Related: Carrie Underwood's 'American Idol' Audition Is Even Better Than We Remembered
No. 40—Silent Night
Amidst the frenzy of the holiday season, you only have to hear a few notes to get last-minute gifters to put down the wrapping paper and moms to quit adjusting the table settings. Underwood's rendition of "Silent Night" is a heartstring-tugging tune that reminds us of the reason for the season.
No. 39—Don't Forget To Remember Me
Recent grads, parents of grads, and anyone who experienced the excitement and sadness of leaving home will relate to "Don't Forget To Remember Me." Another single from her debut album, it reached number two on the Billboard country charts when she released it in 2006.
No. 38—Drinking Alone
Released November 4, 2019, "Drinking Alone" (Cry Pretty) doesn't necessarily follow a narrative you might expect. Instead of the two lonely characters in the story having a one-night stand, they simply keep each other company at a bar. The video directed by Randee St. Nicholas won Video of the Year at the 2020 CMT Music Awards.
No. 37—Undo It
Another American Idol and CMT Music Award performance fans won't soon forget, "Undo It" (Play On) is an Underwood classic. Released in 2010, the hit is 7th biggest song of her career.
No. 36—Smoke Break
Our screens gleamed during the video debut of "Smoke Break," the lead single from Storyteller, on Entertainment Tonight in August 2015. A memorable live performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon soon followed, as did glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and Billboard and a 2016 CMT Music Award for Female Video of the Year.
No. 35—Praying for Time
Underwood first performed "Praying for Time," a cover of the well-respected George Michael song, in 2008 during an American Idol benefit concert. The cover's popularity soon landed it at number 10 on the Hot Digital Songs chart.
No. 34—Cowboy Casanova
As the fourth-biggest single of her career, "Cowboy Casanova" (Play On, 2009) is sassy and melodic—and a familiar story to any woman duped by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
No. 33—Remind Me
What happens when you bring an iconic country duo together? No need to remind us. The duet, co-written with Brad Paisley and released in 2011, tells listeners about a married couple attempting to reignite what was once a passionate relationship. The pair, who have often teamed up to c0-host the CMA Awards over the years.
Related: Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood's Cutest CMA Moments Through the Years
No. 32—Two Black Cadillacs
Can you say femme fatale? Entering her Villain Era in 2012, Ms. Underwood blew us away with an intense tale (and music video) of two women conspiring to murder the man they're both seeing.
No. 31—I Told You So
Although Randy Travis originally wrote "I Told You So" in 1998, his duet with Underwood in 2009 sent sales soaring. Don't underestimate the power this country queen's vocals hold.
No. 30—Church Bells
Bring on the bells—this song from the album Storytellers solidified another win for Underwood. It landed on top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2016 and added her to the leaderboard as the female artist with the most number one hits in the history of the Country Airplay chart.
No. 29—Forever Changed
Underwood never fails to touch the lives of listeners everywhere. She writes "Forever Changed" (Blown Away, 2012) from a daughter's perspective as she cares for her aging mother who is losing her memory.
No. 28—Heartbeat
Fan-favorite Sam Hunt sings backing vocals to complement Underwood's crisp and soulful storytelling in this love song, the second single from the album Storyteller (2015).
No. 27—Little Toy Guns
Another powerful melody that lets listeners accompany Underwood on a musical vacation, it's no surprise the 58th Grammy Awards nominated "Little Toy Guns" for Best Country Solo Performance.
No. 26—Dirty Laundry
Just as the name suggests, this song deals with infidelity and the ruin it brings to everyone in its path. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "Dirty Laundry" as Platinum in 2020—which, when you're Carrie Underwood, is not too rare an occurance.
No. 25—The Fighter
This 2016 hot hit featuring Underwood might technically be a Keith Urban song, but listen to the duet once and you'll understand who's running the show.
No. 24—Southbound
Released in 2019, "Southbound" (Cry Pretty) became the song of the summer. It demonstrates Underwood's versatility as an artist who can jump from writing deep narratives into the warm waters of a party boat in Florida.
No. 23—See You Again
The top ten single, released in 2013 from Underwood's album Blown Away, is a universally adored hit that transcends genre sticklers and generations.
No. 22—Temporary Home
Ranking at number 25 on Billboard's Top Country Songs of 2010, "Temporary Home" (Play On) is an emotional and raw look at foster care and the hope of winding up somewhere better.
No. 21—Good Girl
It took less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds for fans to decide this would be Underwood's fastest-selling single. The hit is another crowd-pleaser from her 2012 album Blown Away.
No. 20—Hallelujah
Would you ever expect two Grammy-winning artists to produce anything less than extraordinary? Fans were ecstatic when Underwood and John Legend won Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Awards for their cover of the Christmas classic.
No. 19—If I Didn't Love You
Jason Aldean and Underwood combined powerful voices and a rich background in songwriting to create "If I Didn't Love You." The duet won Single of the Year at the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards.
No. 18—Ghost Story
A recent release in 2022, "Ghost Story" is sure to be a song that lingers with listeners. Its lyrics and accompanying music video haunt you with reminders of the past.
No. 17—Favorite Time of Year
Whether it's a near-ninety-degree day or a crisp autumn afternoon, nothing will put you in the holiday spirit faster than Underwood's original Christmas song. Released in 2020 (and also included on her album My Gift), her playful riffs excited us for the season during a year when we really, really needed it.
No. 16—Somethin' Bad
If you look up girl power in the dictionary, this song appears beside the definition. Miranda Lambert and Underwood joined forces to produce the banger in 2014, and female friendship hasn't been the same since.
No. 15—So Small
The title is the only thing that's small about the hit first single from Carnival Ride (2007). Although Underwood released "So Small" well over a decade ago, listeners still resonate with the feeling of investing energy in the wrong people.
No. 14—The Champion
Just like strawberries and balsamic vinegar or peanut butter and banana, unlikely pairings often turn out to be sweeter than expected. A collaboration with Ludacris, "The Champion" highlights Underwood's ability to seamlessly shift between genres without losing her unique voice. Released in January 2018, the single is a bonus track on Underwood's Cry Pretty.
No. 13—Home Sweet Home
Underwood first performed this Mötley Crüe cover in 2009, and there's a reason it still sticks with fans. She keeps the integrity of the tune while adding her signature touches to the beloved hit.
No. 12—All-American Girl
Upbeat and uptempo, you can't help but shake your foot and nod your head to "All-American Girl" (Carnival Ride, 2007). Its undeniable power to get listeners to groove makes it one of her best releases.
No. 11—Only Us
What can't our queen do? If you thought Broadway wasn't in Underwood's range, all it takes is one listen to "Only Us," recorded for the movie adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen (2021), to know her talent stretches beyond the country music stage.
No. 10—Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Underwood takes us back to her Christian roots for "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" (My Savior, 2021). Whether you stream it at your next small group or on your way to service, it's sure to move every listener.
No. 9—I Can't Live a Lie
We can't deny what the title already tells us–this 2005 hit from Some Hearts still stands the test of time. It harkens back to the Underwood many listeners originally fell in love with.
No. 8—Someday When I Stop Loving You
Underwood released "Someday When I Stop Loving You" from her album Play On in 2009. Over a decade later, it remains one of her best bops.
No. 7—Crazy Angels
Part country, part rock, and full-on baddie energy. "Crazy Angels" (Denim & Rhinestones, 2022) takes listeners on a fiery ride with the help of Underwood's strong vocals and empowering lyrics.
No. 6—End Up With You
Boasting a fun beat and heartfelt story, you don't have to be in love to enjoy "End Up With You" (Cry Pretty, 2018). But, if you're lucky enough to have a significant other, sharing the song with them is all the more meaningful. This track earns a spot on our list of best country love songs too.
No. 5—Renegade Runaway
If there's someone who can tell a story, it's Underwood. And, if there's someone who can make you feel like you're the protagonist, it's Underwood. "Renegade Runaway" (Storyteller, 2015) has you envision yourself as the enigmatic angel we follow in the story.
No. 4—Relapse
There aren't many who can't relate to this song from her fifth studio album, Storyteller (2015). Underwood weaves a far too common narrative detailing the life of someone who can't let go—no matter how hard they try.
No. 3—Do You Hear What I Hear
Despite many renditions, we always go back to Underwood's cover of "Do You Hear What I Hear." Spring, winter, summer, or fall, this song lands on the top of the list for the way it breaks through countless other covers of the classic Christmas carol by American songwriter Gloria Shayne Baker.
No. 2—Wine After Whiskey
"Still you’re something that I crave/Even though I know it was right to let you go…." These lyrics alone solidify "Wine After Whiskey" (Blown Away, 2012) as the ultimate post-breakup song.
No. 1—Before He Cheats
So, you guessed it, and that's part of the reason why this smash hit heard 'round karaoke bars and remixed at workout classes tops our list. From Some Hearts (2005), Underwood's most famous song "Before He Cheats" is the ultimate anthem for everyone, everywhere, all the time. Now let's celebrate with a fruity little drink.
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