Lauren Alaina has established herself as one of country music’s most compelling voices since her breakout on American Idol in 2011. Her powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and emotional depth have created a catalog of unforgettable songs that resonate with fans across generations. From heart-wrenching ballads to empowering anthems, Alaina’s discography showcases her evolution as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. This comprehensive collection highlights the 20 greatest Lauren Alaina songs that define her career and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Road Less Traveled
“Road Less Traveled” stands as Lauren Alaina’s defining anthem of self-empowerment and individuality. The song’s uplifting message encourages listeners to embrace their unique path in life rather than conforming to societal expectations. Released as the lead single from her second studio album, this track showcased Alaina’s growth as both a vocalist and songwriter, featuring her most confident performance to date.
The production perfectly complements the song’s inspirational lyrics with its driving beat and soaring chorus that builds to an emotionally satisfying climax. Alaina’s vocal delivery demonstrates remarkable range and control, moving effortlessly from intimate verses to powerful, belted choruses. The song’s universal appeal and positive message have made it a fan favorite at concerts and a staple of contemporary country radio playlists.
Doin’ Fine
“Doin’ Fine” represents Lauren Alaina’s declaration of independence and personal strength following difficult life changes. The song’s honest portrayal of moving forward after heartbreak resonates with anyone who has faced challenging transitions in their relationships or career. Alaina’s vocal performance conveys both vulnerability and determination, creating an authentic emotional connection with her audience.
The track’s production features a perfect blend of traditional country instruments and modern pop sensibilities that highlight Alaina’s versatility as an artist. Her storytelling ability shines through in the detailed lyrics that paint vivid pictures of resilience and personal growth. This song has become an anthem for those seeking motivation during difficult times, solidifying Alaina’s reputation as a relatable and inspiring voice in country music.
What Ifs (with Kane Brown)
Lauren Alaina’s collaboration with Kane Brown on “What Ifs” became one of country music’s biggest crossover hits, showcasing her ability to create magic with fellow artists. The duet explores the uncertainty and excitement of new love through conversational lyrics that feel natural and spontaneous. Both artists’ vocal chemistry creates a compelling back-and-forth dynamic that draws listeners into the romantic narrative.
The song’s production strikes the perfect balance between country authenticity and mainstream appeal, featuring acoustic guitars, subtle electronic elements, and a memorable melodic hook. Alaina’s harmonies with Brown demonstrate her exceptional ability to blend her voice with other artists while maintaining her distinct vocal identity. The track’s success on both country and pop charts proved Alaina’s crossover potential and established her as a sought-after collaborator in the industry.
Ladies in the ’90s
“Ladies in the ’90s” celebrates the strong female role models who shaped a generation through their music, attitude, and independence. Lauren Alaina pays tribute to iconic artists like Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, and TLC while crafting her own empowering message about female strength. The song’s nostalgic references combined with contemporary production create a bridge between past and present that appeals to multiple generations of listeners.
Alaina’s vocal performance captures the confidence and sass of the era she’s celebrating while showcasing her own artistic maturity. The track features energetic production with guitar-driven arrangements and a catchy chorus that invites sing-alongs at live performances. This song demonstrates Alaina’s ability to honor her influences while creating something entirely her own, marking it as one of her most clever and well-crafted compositions.
Getting Good
“Getting Good” showcases Lauren Alaina’s growth mindset and determination to improve both personally and professionally. The song’s optimistic message about learning from mistakes and continuously working toward self-improvement resonates with audiences facing their own challenges. Alaina’s sincere delivery makes the inspirational lyrics feel genuine rather than preachy, creating an authentic connection with listeners who appreciate honest introspection.
The production features upbeat tempos and bright instrumentation that perfectly complement the song’s positive energy and forward-looking perspective. Her vocal performance demonstrates increased confidence and technical skill, with smooth runs and dynamic phrasing that highlight her evolution as a singer. The track’s radio-friendly appeal combined with its meaningful message has made it a standout in Alaina’s catalog and a favorite among fans seeking motivational music.
Next Boyfriend
“Next Boyfriend” delivers a clever and empowering message about moving on from toxic relationships with humor and sass. Lauren Alaina’s witty lyrics offer advice to her ex-partner’s future romantic interests while celebrating her own freedom from a problematic situation. The song’s clever wordplay and confident attitude showcase a more playful side of Alaina’s personality that fans hadn’t seen before.
The track’s production features a modern country-pop sound with electronic elements and a driving beat that supports the song’s energetic vibe. Alaina’s vocal delivery perfectly captures the song’s sassy tone while maintaining the emotional depth that characterizes her best work. This song demonstrates her ability to tackle different subject matter and vocal styles while staying true to her artistic identity and authentic voice.
Like My Mother Does
“Like My Mother Does” represents Lauren Alaina’s heartfelt tribute to maternal love and the profound impact of family relationships. The song’s deeply personal lyrics explore the speaker’s desire to love someone with the same unconditional devotion her mother showed her throughout her life. Alaina’s emotional delivery transforms these intimate sentiments into a universal celebration of the mother-child bond that resonates across all demographics.
The production features gentle acoustic arrangements and subtle orchestral elements that create an intimate atmosphere perfect for the song’s tender message. Her vocal performance showcases remarkable emotional range, moving from whispered vulnerability to soaring expressions of love and gratitude. The track’s ability to evoke strong emotional responses from listeners has made it a popular choice for special occasions and a testament to Alaina’s skill as both a vocalist and storyteller.
One Beer (with Hardy and Devin Dawson)
Lauren Alaina’s collaboration with Hardy and Devin Dawson on “One Beer” showcases her versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles. The song’s laid-back vibe and relatable lyrics about finding simple pleasures in life’s small moments create an instantly appealing listening experience. Alaina’s harmonies blend seamlessly with her collaborators while adding her own distinctive vocal flavor to the mix.
The track features a relaxed country-rock production that perfectly captures the casual atmosphere described in the lyrics. Her contribution to this collaboration demonstrates her ability to enhance group dynamics while maintaining her individual artistic identity. The song’s success highlighted Alaina’s appeal to younger country music fans and her potential for future collaborative projects across different subgenres within country music.
Getting Over Him
“Getting Over Him” explores the complex emotions involved in moving past a significant relationship with honesty and vulnerability. Lauren Alaina’s nuanced vocal performance captures the frustration, sadness, and eventual acceptance that characterizes the healing process after heartbreak. The song’s relatable lyrics and authentic emotional content make it a standout track that connects deeply with listeners who have experienced similar situations.
The production features a contemporary country arrangement with subtle pop influences that support the song’s emotional journey without overwhelming the vocals. Alaina’s ability to convey multiple emotional layers within a single performance demonstrates her growth as an interpretive singer. This track showcases her talent for finding universal themes in personal experiences and translating them into compelling musical statements that resonate with diverse audiences.
Barefoot and Buckwild
“Barefoot and Buckwild” captures the carefree spirit of youth and the joy of living in the moment with infectious energy. Lauren Alaina’s enthusiastic vocal delivery perfectly matches the song’s celebration of spontaneity and adventure in romantic relationships. The track’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics create an immediate sense of fun that makes it impossible not to smile while listening.
The production features traditional country instrumentation with a modern twist that appeals to both classic country fans and contemporary listeners. Her vocal performance showcases impressive technical skill while maintaining the effortless feel that makes the song so enjoyable. The track’s ability to capture the excitement of new love and youthful exuberance has made it a popular choice for summer playlists and live performances where audiences can sing along enthusiastically.
Run
“Run” demonstrates Lauren Alaina’s ability to tackle more serious subject matter with sensitivity and power. The song addresses domestic violence and abusive relationships with unflinching honesty while offering hope and encouragement to those trapped in dangerous situations. Alaina’s passionate vocal delivery transforms the track into both a wake-up call and an anthem of survival that carries significant social impact.
The production builds dramatically throughout the song, supporting the emotional intensity of both the lyrics and vocal performance. Her ability to convey urgency and empathy simultaneously creates a compelling listening experience that stays with listeners long after the song ends. This track showcases Alaina’s commitment to using her platform for important social messages while demonstrating her skill at handling challenging subject matter with appropriate gravity and respect.
Thicc Girls
“Thicc Girls” represents Lauren Alaina’s bold statement about body positivity and self-acceptance in the modern era. The song challenges traditional beauty standards while celebrating diversity and encouraging listeners to embrace their natural bodies with confidence. Alaina’s empowering message combined with her passionate vocal delivery creates an anthem that resonates particularly strongly with young women facing societal pressures about appearance.
The track features contemporary production elements that give it a fresh, current sound while maintaining country music’s storytelling tradition. Her vocal performance demonstrates both technical skill and emotional conviction, making the song’s message feel authentic and inspiring. The song’s popularity on social media platforms and streaming services demonstrates Alaina’s ability to connect with younger audiences while addressing important contemporary issues through her music.
It Was Me
“It Was Me” showcases Lauren Alaina’s vulnerability and introspective songwriting as she examines her own role in relationship problems. The song’s honest self-reflection and acceptance of personal responsibility create a mature perspective on love and loss that many listeners find refreshing. Alaina’s nuanced vocal delivery captures the complexity of emotions involved in recognizing one’s own mistakes and shortcomings in romantic relationships.
The production features stripped-down arrangements that allow the lyrics and vocals to take center stage throughout the emotional journey. Her ability to convey regret, understanding, and growth within a single performance demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence as an artist. This track highlights Alaina’s evolution from a young contestant to a mature artist capable of handling sophisticated emotional content with grace and authenticity.
Thinking Out Loud
Lauren Alaina’s interpretation of “Thinking Out Loud” demonstrates her ability to make cover songs entirely her own through distinctive vocal styling and emotional interpretation. Her country-influenced arrangement transforms Ed Sheeran’s original pop ballad into something that feels natural within her artistic catalog. Alaina’s vocal performance adds new layers of meaning to the familiar lyrics through her unique phrasing and emotional delivery.
The production adapts the song’s structure to showcase Alaina’s strengths as a country vocalist while respecting the integrity of the original composition. Her ability to reinterpret existing material while maintaining her artistic identity demonstrates versatility and confidence as a performer. This cover version has introduced Alaina’s voice to new audiences while showcasing her interpretive skills to existing fans who appreciate her fresh take on popular material.
Eighteen Inches
“Eighteen Inches” addresses the physical and emotional distance that can develop between romantic partners over time with poignant honesty. Lauren Alaina’s vulnerable vocal performance brings the song’s metaphorical concept to life through subtle dynamic changes and emotional nuance. The track’s exploration of relationship challenges resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles in their own partnerships.
The production features intimate arrangements that mirror the song’s personal subject matter and create an atmosphere of closeness between performer and audience. Her ability to convey complex relationship dynamics through vocal expression alone demonstrates her growth as an interpretive artist. This song showcases Alaina’s talent for finding powerful metaphors and translating them into compelling musical experiences that connect with listeners on multiple levels.
My Kinda People
“My Kinda People” celebrates authentic relationships and genuine connections in an age of superficial social media interactions. Lauren Alaina’s warm vocal delivery perfectly captures the song’s appreciation for real friendship and family bonds that transcend societal expectations. The track’s relatable lyrics and uplifting message create an immediately appealing listening experience that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The production features a modern country arrangement with pop sensibilities that broaden the song’s appeal across demographic lines. Her vocal performance demonstrates increased confidence and artistic maturity while maintaining the approachable quality that makes her music so relatable. This song highlights Alaina’s ability to address contemporary social issues while creating music that brings people together rather than dividing them along generational or cultural lines.
Good Crying
“Good Crying” represents one of Lauren Alaina’s most recent releases, showcasing her continued evolution as both a vocalist and songwriter. The song explores the cathartic power of emotional release and the importance of processing difficult feelings rather than suppressing them. Alaina’s mature approach to mental health themes demonstrates her growth as an artist willing to tackle important contemporary issues through her music.
The track features contemporary production that reflects current country music trends while maintaining Alaina’s distinctive artistic identity. Her vocal performance showcases technical improvements and emotional depth that come from years of professional experience and personal growth. This recent addition to her catalog proves that Alaina continues to develop as an artist while staying true to the authentic voice that first captured audiences over a decade ago.
Three
“Three” demonstrates Lauren Alaina’s storytelling ability through its narrative structure and character development within a single song. The track follows three different women at various life stages, showcasing Alaina’s empathy and observational skills as a songwriter. Her vocal performance adapts to each character’s story, demonstrating remarkable versatility and interpretive ability that brings the lyrics to life for listeners.
The production features arrangements that support the song’s narrative flow while maintaining musical interest throughout the extended storytelling format. Her ability to maintain listener engagement during a complex narrative demonstrates sophisticated understanding of song craft and audience psychology. This track showcases Alaina’s potential for concept albums and extended musical storytelling that goes beyond traditional country music formats while remaining accessible to mainstream audiences.
Queen of Hearts
“Queen of Hearts” showcases Lauren Alaina’s confident attitude and self-assured personality through bold lyrics and powerful vocal delivery. The song’s empowering message about knowing one’s worth in relationships resonates with listeners seeking music that celebrates personal strength and independence. Alaina’s passionate performance transforms the track into an anthem of self-respect that encourages listeners to demand better treatment from romantic partners.
The production features driving rhythms and bold arrangements that perfectly complement the song’s assertive message and energetic vocal performance. Her ability to project strength and vulnerability simultaneously creates a compelling listening experience that appeals to fans seeking both entertainment and inspiration. This song demonstrates Alaina’s continued growth as an artist willing to explore different facets of her personality through her music while maintaining her authentic voice.
Dancing With the Devil
“Dancing With the Devil” represents another recent addition to Lauren Alaina’s catalog, exploring themes of temptation and moral complexity with sophisticated songwriting. The song’s metaphorical concept allows Alaina to examine difficult choices and their consequences through compelling musical storytelling. Her vocal performance captures the internal struggle described in the lyrics while maintaining the emotional intensity necessary to make the concept believable and engaging.
The track features contemporary production elements that give it a modern edge while respecting traditional country music’s emphasis on lyrical content and vocal performance. Her ability to handle complex thematic material demonstrates continued artistic growth and willingness to challenge herself creatively. This recent release proves that Alaina remains committed to pushing her artistic boundaries while delivering the authentic emotional content that her fans expect and appreciate.
Family Tree
“Family Tree” closes this collection with Lauren Alaina’s heartfelt exploration of heritage, family bonds, and the connections that shape our identities. The song’s thoughtful lyrics examine how family history influences personal development while celebrating the strength that comes from understanding one’s roots. Alaina’s emotional vocal delivery brings depth and sincerity to these universal themes that resonate across cultural and generational boundaries.
The production features organic instrumentation and arrangements that support the song’s natural, earthy themes while showcasing Alaina’s vocal strengths. Her ability to convey both personal specificity and universal appeal within the same performance demonstrates mastery of her craft as both a vocalist and interpreter. This track serves as a perfect example of how Alaina continues to grow as an artist while remaining connected to the authentic storytelling that defines the best of country music tradition.
Lauren Alaina’s musical journey represents one of contemporary country music’s most compelling success stories. From her early days on American Idol to her current status as an established recording artist, she has consistently demonstrated growth, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to connecting with her audience through honest, emotionally resonant music. These 20 songs represent the highlights of a career that continues to evolve and inspire. For more insights into country music’s biggest stars, explore our comprehensive songs section, discover emerging bands making their mark, or check out our detailed guides for aspiring musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lauren Alaina’s biggest hit song?
Lauren Alaina’s biggest commercial hit is “What Ifs,” her duet with Kane Brown, which reached number one on country radio and crossed over to mainstream success. The song spent multiple weeks at the top of the country charts and earned platinum certification, establishing Alaina as a major force in contemporary country music. This collaboration showcased her ability to create memorable duets while maintaining her distinctive vocal identity.
When did Lauren Alaina start her music career?
Lauren Alaina began her professional music career in 2011 when she finished as the runner-up on the tenth season of American Idol. Her powerful performances on the show led to a recording contract with Mercury Nashville and the release of her debut album “Wildflower” later that same year. Since then, she has released multiple albums and established herself as one of country music’s most consistent performers.
What genre of music does Lauren Alaina perform?
Lauren Alaina primarily performs country music, though her style incorporates elements of country-pop, contemporary country, and occasionally mainstream pop influences. Her versatility allows her to work across different subgenres within country music while maintaining her authentic artistic voice. This adaptability has helped her appeal to both traditional country fans and younger audiences seeking contemporary sounds.
Has Lauren Alaina won any major music awards?
While Lauren Alaina hasn’t won major industry awards like Grammy or CMA Awards, she has received numerous nominations and recognition for her contributions to country music. Her songs have achieved significant commercial success with multiple gold and platinum certifications from the RIAA. She continues to be recognized as one of country music’s most promising and consistent performers by industry professionals and fans alike.
What instruments does Lauren Alaina play?
Lauren Alaina primarily focuses on vocals but has shown proficiency with guitar and piano in various performances and recordings. While she’s not known primarily as an instrumentalist, her musical background includes training on multiple instruments that inform her songwriting and performance abilities. Her main strength lies in her powerful vocal abilities and emotional delivery rather than instrumental virtuosity.