Before making it big as a solo country artist, Cole Swindell made his mark in Nashville as a songwriter, penning songs for major artists. Some of his most famous cuts include Luke Bryan's "Roller Coaster," Thomas Rhett's "Get Me Some of That," and Florida Georgia Line's "This Is How We Roll." Now he's a successful country superstar in his own right, with numerous CMT and ACM Award nominations under his belt.
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Born Colden Rainey Swindell, the Georgia native released his self-titled debut album with Warner Music Nashville in 2014. He inked his record deal after he independently released his first single, "Chillin' It," which quickly caught country radio's attention. He even landed New Artist of the Year at the 2015 ACM Awards. Over the course of his career, he's toured with fellow country heavy hitters like Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Dierks Bentley. In 2018, he dropped his album All of It, which includes the impressive cuts "Somebody's Been Drinkin'," "All Of It" and "The Ones Who Got Me Here," followed by Stereotype in 2022 which featured the catchy "Single Saturday Night."
Here are the 12 best Cole Swindell songs so far.
12. "Never Say Never" with Lainey Wilson
This number one hit was one of the most popular new singles off Stereotype. Swindell co-wrote the song and brought along fellow country star Lainey Wilson to add an additional element to this song about a relationship you can't stay away from.
11. "She Had Me at Heads Carolina"
This fun song from Stereotype nods to Jo Dee Messina's 1996 debut single "Heads Carolina, Tails California" and it has all of the elements you love from a good 90s country song. It's upbeat, easy to sing along to, and nostalgic since the melody and title nod to an old classic.
10. "Reason to Drink"
This track from Swindell is a fan favorite, thanks to its fun, anthemic chorus. This was one of five songs Swindell co-wrote on All of It with lyrics that are easy to get onboard with. Don't we all have a reason to drink in some way?
9. "Flatliner" ft. Dierks Bentley
This rowdy collaboration between Swindell and Dierks Bentley is another fan favorite. Another strong Swindell co-wrote, it's all about seeing a beautiful woman dancing out in the club that is so striking, she's knocking men dead. Hence the creative title, "Flatliner."
8. "Stay Downtown"
If you've ever been through a breakup that just won't stick, you'll relate to the sharp lyrical truth of "Stay Downtown." This was actually the first single of Swindell's career he didn't co-wrote, but he wanted to show some love to the talented writers out there.
7. "Let Me See Ya Girl"
This fun and flirty song follows the standard boy-meets-girl scenario while showing off plenty of Swindell's personality.
6. "Chillin' It"
"Chillin' It" was the song that started it all for Cole Swindell. After independently releasing the song, he snagged a record deal with Warner Bros. just four months later.
5. "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight"
This second single from Swindell's self-titled debut album was co-written with Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line.
4. "Ain't Worth The Whiskey"
Few things go together as well as whiskey and country music. This track has become an anthem for anyone who has found themselves being revisited by an ungrateful ex.
3. "Middle of a Memory"
Co-written with Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, this 2016 hit is yet another stellar story-song that hits you right in the heart.
2. "Break Up In The End"
Penned by Jon Nite, Chase McGill, and Jessie Jo Dillon, "Break Up In The End" brilliantly examines the feeling of appreciating the joy found in a lost love.
1. "You Should Be Here"
This heartbreaking hit was inspired by Swindell's father who died unexpectedly shortly after Cole signed his record deal. In the music video, Swindell revisits his hometown and takes an emotional visit to his father's grave.
READ MORE: Cole Swindell Talks 9th No. 1 Hit, Lessons Learned from Luke Bryan [Interview]
