Thirty-eight of the 40 most-played country songs of 2025 have one thing in common, and it's not what you'd expect.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.

One of country music's biggest hitmakers of the 2000s returns with a new song this week, but he's got competition for the top spot on this Top 5 list. An award-winning country group and iconic ...