Pour yourself something strong and kick off your cowboy boots because Country Now is celebrating the devoted artists that have made an influential impact on Music City and throughout the country music genre in 2021 with the inaugural Country Now Awards.  

For the first time ever, Country Now is recognizing signed and independent musicians that have scored high placement on the charts, released smash hits, held epic performances, and even the country newcomers who have placed their name on the map since January 1, 2021. 

Music fans have the opportunity to participate in the 2021 Country Now Awards, as they now have the chance to scroll through all 14 categories and hand-pick their favorite artists, songs and albums.

Fans can start voicing their opinion with unlimited votes beginning on Monday, November 15 at 9 AM CT. The polls will close on Tuesday, November 30 at precisely 11:45 PM CT.

To support your favorite artist, head to countrynow.com/vote.

This award goes to an artist whose song was released or reached peak chart position in 2021.

When you close your eyes and you think back to your favorite memory, a song might just pop into your head. That very song serves as a reminder of the good-time vibe that was cultivated during that day or night. Therefore, it’s no secret that a playlist can either make or break a party. With that on top of mind – several musicians out of Nashville came out of the woodworks to deliver premium party songs that could turn any dull get-together into a ranging banger within minutes. Review the 2021 top party songs below and cast your vote for the track you would turn on to create an ever-lasting memory. 

“Bar Friends” – Restless Road

Written by: Jordan Schmidt, Kyle Clark, Tyler Filmore, and Geoff Warburton

Restless Road burst onto the country music scene when they scored a joint record deal with Kane Brown’s label 1021 Entertainment and Sony Music Nashville. After releasing their debut single “Took One Look At Her Momma,” the trio later turned heads with “Bar Friends,” which arrived just in time for summer. The relatable upbeat track that captures the true meaning of friendship has raked in over 190K views on YouTube and scored them a spot on Pandora’s largest country station. “Bar Friends” also hit a million streams on Spotify, and as a heartthrob band – they made their way onto Brown’s nationwide Blessed & Free Tour. 

“Beer With My Friends” – Shy Carter, Cole Swindell, David Lee Murphy

 Written by: Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson, and David Lee Murphy

Hit-making recording artist Shy Carter called in his best pals Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy to join him on his high-energy ‘90s country-inspired anthem, “Beer With My Friends.” The rowdy singalong encourages fans to grab a beer and toast to the beauty of life with friends and family. The catching party-like melody is on his debut EP, The Rest Of Us and has received a prestigious spot on Spotify’s “Hot Country” list and Pandora’s “The 615” roundup.   

“Beers And Sunshine” – Darius Rucker

Written by: Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, J.T. Harding, and Josh Osborne

It’s no secret that everything Darius Rucker touches or produces turns into gold. Therefore, his summertime-inspired anthem “Beers And Sunshine” became his 10th career No. 1. The hitmaker worked alongside Ross Copperman, J.T. Harding, and Josh Osborne to carefully create the chart-topping track in 2020 via Zoom. Even during a tumultuous year, Rucker found a glimpse of positivity and sunshine to pen the energetic ballad that now serves as a must-have on any party playlist. 

“Cold Beer Calling My Name” Jameson Rodgers, Luke Combs

Written by: Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym, Brett Tyler, and Hunter Phelps

Following the release of Jameson Rodgers and Luke Combs’ fun-filled track “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” the two saw rapid success. The hitmakers reached No.1 on country radio, which served as Jameson’s second No. 1 after his 2019 single “Some Girls.” The collaboration marks Luke’s 11 consecutive chart-topping hit. 

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King, Miranda Lambert

Written by: Elle King and Martin Johnson

Leave it to the women in country music to start the party. Multi-platinum artist Miranda Lambert joined forces with crossover songstress Elle King to create the ultimate girls’ night out anthem, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” The magic of the party-starter lyrics was put into action at the 2021 ACM Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. The two opened the show with a bang by belting the single while sporting eye-catching fringed biker jackets and glittery bellbottoms. The buzz-worthy song received praise following the release, as it remained on the top of Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales Chart. 

“Good Time” – Niko Moon

Written by: Niko Moon, Anna Moon, Jordan Minton, Joshua Murty, and Mark Trussell

Before you cast your vote, we encourage you to roll down your windows, turn up the volume and blast “Good Time” by Niko Moon. Moon has been a staple within the country music scene for quite some time, writing for notable names in the industry like Zac Brown Band and Rascal Flatts. However, he made his very first splash as a solo artist with his high energy anthem “Good Time.” The hit scored placement on the top of Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs chart. The singer-songwriter recently included the fan-favorite melody onto his 14 track collection and finished his long run on tour with Lady A playing the party starter track during his set.

“Hole In The Bottle” – Kelsea Ballerini

Written by: Kelsea Ballerini, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, and Steph Jones

Kelsea Ballerini is the blonde powerhouse that knows exactly how to start the party. She revealed the fan-favorite track back in 2020 at a Country Radio Seminar. “I was like how much longer can I call myself a country artist and not have a drinking song,” she shared before playing the unreleased track at the time. Shortly after the release, “Hole In The Bottle” HIT No.1 on Canada’s Billboard Country chart, received No. 2 on the Country Airplay charts and remained on Billboard’s Hot Country list for quite some time. It wasn’t long until “Hole In The Bottle” went platinum. 

“I Was On A Boat That Day” Old Dominion

Written by: Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Geoff Sprung, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, and Whit Sellers

Before Old Dominion released their incredible album, Time, Tequila, and Therapy – they gave fans a taste of what to expect from their highly anticipated 13-track collection. Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Whit Sellers, and Geoff Sprung penned the carefree breakup anthem, “I Was on a Boat That Day,” alongside Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally in Asheville, North Carolina. The band told CMT that they wanted the song to sound like a party. So, they threw back a shot of tequila and walked into the studio to record their chart-topping hit. 

“Tequila On A Boat” – Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane

Written by: Hillary Lindsey, Justin Ebach, and Matt Alderman

Imagine the perfect summer day out on the water with a sea breeze running through your hair and a margarita in hand. While Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane paint this type of picture in their day drinking song, “Tequila On A Boat.” The excellent vibe anthem has raked in over 941K views on YouTube and following the release, the two brought the banger to the iconic Vegas strip to start the party at the Dustin Lynch Pool Situation experience. To elevate the four-day affair, Jordan Davis and HARDY joined the party animal on stage. 

“Throw It Back” BRELAND, Keith Urban

Written by: BRELAND and Keith Urban

Keith Urban and BRELAND teamed up to release “Throw It Back,” a club-ready mix with country undertones. The must-have song on any pregame playlist has received praise for its unbelievable guitar riffs and BRELAND’s unmatched vocal range. The song hit streaming platforms in June of 2021 and followed BRELAND’s successful single, “Cross Country.” The party song was not the first time the two rubbed elbows… In fact, it marks their third collaboration together. However, it was the very first song BRELAND presented to Urban during a private writer’s round. 

Are you ready to cast your vote for Favorite Party Song? If so, head to countrynow.com/vote and pick your go-to track that you will play at your next bash. Country Now readers have until November 30 to make their selection.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE