10 Essential Brad Paisley Songs
It's hard to believe that 17 years ago country music fans were first treated to the incredible songwriting of Glen Dale, West Virginia's favorite son, Brad Paisley.
It’s hard to believe that 17 years ago country music fans were first treated to the incredible songwriting of Glen Dale, West Virginia’s favorite son, Brad Paisley. The dark-haired and dark-eyed singer with a penchant for tongue-in-cheek lyrics went on to make a name for himself, not just as a clever lyricist, but also for solid country vocals and mind-blowing guitar riffs. Now we know that Brad has a knack for graphic design and cartooning and, when it comes to hosting award shows, he’s tough to beat. But first and foremost, he’s a country star. And if you don’t have these tracks in your collection, then…catch up! They’re essential!
(Arranged chronologically)
1. “He Didn’t Have to Be” – from Who Needs Pictures
Written by: Brad Paisley and Kelley Lovelace
Brad had already gotten a toehold in country music with the release of his first single, the thoughtful “Who Needs Pictures,” but with “He Didn’t Have to Be,” he established himself as a storyteller who could connect with fans on a very real level. The song told of a young boy’s relationship with his stepfather went on to become Brad’s first No. 1 single.
2. “Me Neither” – from Who Needs Pictures
Written by: Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois and Frank Rogers
Blessed with a razor-sharp wit and a flair for the hilarious, Brad has often been compared to tunesmith Roger Miller, who had giggle-worthy hits like “You Can’t Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd.” With “Me Neither,” Brad lures us into a potential love story, but with each offer of affection and its subsequent refusal, love takes a left turn. Again and again.
3. “We Danced” – from Who Needs Pictures
Written by: Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois
Before Brad met his wife Kimberly, you would have thought no man wanted to be in love as much as he did. His stories of romance set to music would make Nicholas Sparks envious. And fortunately for Brad’s fans, they usually had a happy ending, like “We Danced.”
4. “Wrapped Around” – from Part II
Written by: Brad Paisley, Chris Dubois and Kelley Loveless
It didn’t take long for country music fans to realize that Brad was one of the most clever songwriters to come down the pike. But he wasn’t about to be pigeon-holed into one type of music, and the shuffley goodness of “Wrapped Around” proves that not only does he have a passion for words and guitar licks, he also loves a solid groove.
5. “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” – from Part II
Written by: Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers
Arguably the quintessential dude song, Brad not only connected with his male fans, taking that to a higher level, in the video for “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” he also connected with actress Kimberly Williams. And, as you know, she’s now Mrs. Paisley.
6. “Whiskey Lullaby” with Alison Krauss – from Mud On the Tires
Written by: Bill Anderson and Jon Randall
With the keen sense of humor that Brad has, you would expect him to either avoid or flounder with topics that skewed toward the dark side; however “Whiskey Lullaby,” co-written by his pal Bill Anderson, showed Brad’s depth, dimension and diversity as an artist.
7. “Ticks” – from 5th Gear
Written by: Brad Paisley, Kelley Lovelace and Tim Owens
Sometimes a song just makes you blush. Filled with innuendo and audio double-takes, “Ticks,” felt a little naughty for the country star who, before, seemed pretty straight and narrow. Once again, that just throws back to the awesome unpredictability and vast talent possessed by Brad.
8. “Letter to Me” – from 5th Gear
Written by: Brad Paisley
If every there was a song that could strike a chord with anyone who survived puberty, “Letter to Me” was it. The fact that Brad wrote this smash on his own reveals how much of the tune was inspired by and actually based on his real life. And proves he really is just a regular guy.
9. “Then” – from American Saturday Night
Written by: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley and Brad Paisley
It’s the kind of song that every girl wishes was written about her. It’s about a love that only grows greater every day. And it’s set to the dreamiest music bed you could imagine. Pragmatists might consider the song a fairy tale or fantasy, but it’s hard to find a Brad song that isn’t founded in truth.
10. “Old Alabama” – from This is Country Music
Written by: Brad Paisley, Chris DuBois, Dave Turnbull, Randy Owen
You’d be hard pressed to find a country young gun who honors the tradition of country music more than Brad Paisley. A regular at the Opry and a fan of those who graced that stage before him, he not only respects the legends, he honors them in song. This time, super group Alabama got the tip of Brad’s wide white brim.
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