The Essie's
Country Song of the Year
2000 - 2023

The Essie's Country Song of the Year are not based on chart performance or sales, even though some of our selections below achieved the number one song on Billboard's Hot Country chart. This subjective list of songs "we believe" best represents country music with a traditional country sound, excellent lyrics, and a traditional country vocalist style.  These songs and artists earned this recognition because of the outstanding performance by the artist, excellent lyrics, and the musicality of their songs and performances, which keep the traditional country music sound alive.

Year     Song of the Year    (Be sure to tell us what you think by clicking on our bulletin board.)           

2023     Baby I Do by Steven Wood

2022     Shot Glass by Randall King

2021     Human by Cody Johnson

2020     Be Here Now by Will Banister

2019     Kissin' On Bourbon by Thomas Mac featuring Clara Parks

2018     One Goodbye by Randall King

2017     Never Gets Old by Joe Nichols

2016     Learning As You Go by Eric Blankenship

2015     Spilled Whiskey by Daryle Singletary  

2014     A Little Less Whiskey by Matt Hillyer

2013     You Make Me Believe by Kyle Park

2012     Liquor by Matt Mason

2011     From a Table Away by Sunny Sweeney

2010     Tumbleweed by Troy Olsen

2009     To Get to You by Billy Arnold

2008     Set ‘Em Up Joe by Melonie Cannon

2007     Broken Heart by Miko Marks

2006     The Dollar by Jamey Johnson

2005     Goodbye Walk by Jenny Farrell

2004     I’m Blue Tonight by Leon Cargil

2003     The Coast is Clear by Scotty Emerick

2002     Everyday Sunshine by Elizabeth Cook

2001     Through the Eyes of a Fool by Buddy Jewel

2000     Last Kiss by Anita Cochran