SOUNDS OF STL: DO YOU KNOW THE TOP 10 SONGS IN THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW? ‘CUZ I DIDN’T….
Are you anything like me and you still WANT to know what’s going on with the music scene? I’m almost 40, but, I still DJ events and like to be as up to date as I can with new music out there. But, a lot of it, I just don’t get. I’m all about catchy tunes and choruses that you can’t help but sing along, but do you even know the TOP 10 songs in the country right now?
Well - worry no more.
This is a little cheat sheet for you to get up to date so you can look incredibly cool with your kids as they and their friends are chatting about what THEY are listening to. Gone are the days of John Patrico calling what I listened to “noise.” I don’t want to be PawPaw. Sure, great dad, provided for his family no matter what, but…he didn’t appreciate my music. Hell, he didn’t even acknowledge my music.
I don’t want to do that with my kids. I want to SHARE music with my kids.
So…if you’re like me…here is a brief rundown of the TOP 10 SONGS (as of August 5th 2025) so you can gain some cool points with your kids:
"Ordinary" by Alex Warren: This song is a love letter to Alex’s wife, inspired by their journey together. Alex Warren, who used to live in his car, talks about how his life felt "ordinary" until he found her. The song basically says that finding the right person makes even the most normal parts of life feel extraordinary and special.
Patrico’s Take: This song rules. My 10 year old daughter loves this song and it’s one of those songs that even though I normally wouldn’t be fan, his voice and the arrangement makes it to where I CAN’T NOT enjoy it. Clear as mud, right? Regardless - this is a song that no one can really say that they “hate.” Deserving song to be on the top of this list.
"Golden" by HUNTR/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI: This is a big, empowering anthem from the soundtrack of the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters. The song is all about a hero's journey, going from feeling like an outsider to totally embracing your true self and potential. It’s got a super positive, "shining like I'm born to be" kind of vibe.
Patrico’s Take: Yet another song that I know about because of my kids. This song is from the anime movie that’s doing incredibly well on Netflix right now. And these songs are catchy as hell. Now I have NO idea what this is about because I haven’t watched the movie….but as far as a pop song…pretty solid.
"Daisies" by Justin Bieber: Justin gets really personal on this one, singing about his relationship with his wife, Hailey. The song is a chill, lo-fi pop track that touches on the insecurities and ups and downs they've faced. He's basically saying that despite any challenges, he's fully committed and their love is the real deal.
Patrico’s Take: I love a bunch of Justin Bieber songs. No shame. He’s got some not only incredibly catchy songs, but some of them are just….as the kids say…BOPS. But this one isn’t for me. I get it. It’s a more sensitive song. But I rather have the bangers than something like this. Still cool to see the Biebs putting out new music. Things were weird there for a minute.
"What I Want" by Morgan Wallen featuring Tate McRae: This is a cool collaboration between two big names, and it's all about a messy, temporary relationship. The song tells the story of two people who both have a lot of baggage but realize they're both looking for the same kind of no-strings-attached situation. It's a bit of a trap-country ballad about two broken hearts finding each other, but not in a permanent way.
Patrico’s Take: I mentioned it on the show, country is about to take off even more than we’ve seen it grow in the past few years. And this song is the pure example of it. It’s an EDM/TRAP/Country song that blends a bunch of genres but yet still makes it into a country ballad. Cool song if you are in either Morgan Wallen or Tate McRae, but my personal opinion, this is a skipper when it comes to popping up on the playlist.
"Just In Case" by Morgan Wallen: Another one from Morgan Wallen, this song has a bit of a heartbreaking twist. The lyrics are from the perspective of someone who's not letting themselves fall completely in love again. He's keeping a part of his heart guarded "just in case" his ex comes back, even though he knows she probably won’t.
Patrico’s Take: This is your typical Morgan Wallen country heartbreak song. I don’t hate this style of country, but again, it’s not something that I’m seeking out. If you’re a fan of Morgan Wallen, or even just a fan of Pop Country songs, you’re gonna love this one.
"Love Me Not" by Ravyn Lenae: Ravyn Lenae's song is a smooth, jazzy R&B track that dives into some conflicting emotions. She’s singing about a relationship that’s unstable, where she misses her partner but also wants her independence. It's that feeling of "I don't need you, but I miss you" that a lot of people can relate to.
Patrico’s Take: This reminds me of a song that Amy Winehouse would have released. It’s a bit of jazz, a bit of blues, a bit of R&B, and a touch of pop all put into a blender and set to “Jam.” I first heard this song on TikTok and it seems like a lot of new music is found on that app. I actually kind of dig this track. Give it a listen.
"Lose Control" by Teddy Swims: This is a super soulful and emotional song where Teddy Swims uses the imagery of addiction to talk about a toxic relationship. He sings about how he feels completely lost and out of control when his partner isn't around, like he's going through withdrawals. It's a raw and powerful track about codependency and a love that's both intense and damaging.
Patrico’s Take: I love me some soulful white dudes who have that deep gravely voice. Like this song could have come out in the days where artists were pouring their souls out over dark smokey blues clubs. Teddy Swims can sing - and I dig it because he was in some hard rock bands before doing his solo thing. Check out some of his covers online, pretty incredible too. This song lives on a few of my playlists. Love it.
"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey: This song is a country-rap party anthem that's all about blowing off steam after a tough week. It's got a fun, high-energy vibe and interpolates the classic J-Kwon song "Tipsy." Shaboozey's version is more focused on the working-class struggle and escaping it for a night with some whiskey and friends at the bar.
Patrico’s Take: Ok, I don’t hate this song. I’m just over it. We had it most of all of last year, and it’s still sticking around. I’m good here. I love Tipsy by JKwon, I don’t hate this country “interpretation” of it - but I’m over it. Someone release the next ear worm….please.
"Luther" by Kendrick Lamar & SZA: This is a really beautiful and tender love ballad that feels a bit like a throwback. Kendrick and SZA have great chemistry on the track, which is about imagining a better, brighter future for the person you love. The song has a cool mix of modern hip-hop with some old-school R&B vibes.
Patrico’s Take: I love Kendrick and I like SZA…but I’m more of a fan of his upbeat energetic stuff. It’s funny because there is nothing wrong with this song, I just don’t love it. It’s a song to me. I feel like it disappears in an already really impressive Kendrick catalog. Again, I know this song has its place and people will love it, but I’m not people…I’m me. And this ain’t for me.
"Die With a Smile" by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars: This is a dramatic and romantic duet that explores a powerful kind of love. It’s about two people who love each other so much that if they had to die, they'd want their last moments to be together, and they’d be able to do it with a smile. It's a classic-sounding, theatrical song that puts their incredible vocals on full display.
Patrico’s Take: After going over these songs and listening I’ve decided something. I’m not a fan of slower music. I need energy. Wake my ass up and get me going. This is another one of those songs that there is nothing wrong with it. Gaga? She can sing. Bruno Mars? Same thing. Dude is wildly talented. So the pair on a song, it’s going to be a good song. It’s just not for me. Ballads aren’t my thing. But if you are looking for a great, slow, love song that’s a good song for you and your partner, this song is perfect for that. Driving home from work? This song isn’t showing up on any of my playlists.