Walker Hayes has become one of country music’s most distinctive voices, blending traditional country storytelling with hip-hop influences and pop sensibilities. The Alabama native’s journey from struggling songwriter to chart-topping artist is reflected in his honest, relatable lyrics that celebrate everyday life while tackling deeper emotional themes. His unique sound has earned him a devoted fanbase and multiple viral hits that have transcended genre boundaries, making him one of the most talked-about artists in modern country music.
From heartfelt ballads about family to infectious dance tracks that dominate social media, Walker Hayes has crafted a diverse catalog that showcases his versatility as both a songwriter and performer. His willingness to be vulnerable in his music, discussing everything from financial struggles to the joys of fatherhood, has connected with millions of listeners worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, these tracks represent the very best of what Walker Hayes has to offer, spanning his entire career from early releases to his latest chart-toppers.
Fancy Like
“Fancy Like” became Walker Hayes’s breakthrough cultural phenomenon, catapulting him to mainstream superstardom in 2021. The infectious track celebrates the simple pleasures of date night at Applebee’s, with its catchy chorus and TikTok dance challenge helping it reach number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Hayes wrote the song with his family in mind, proving that relatability and authenticity can resonate far beyond traditional country audiences.
AA
This deeply personal track from Hayes’s breakthrough album addresses his relationship with alcohol and the struggles he faced during difficult times. The song’s raw honesty about addiction and recovery showcases Hayes’s willingness to be vulnerable with his audience. “AA” demonstrates his ability to tackle serious subject matter while maintaining the conversational, accessible style that defines his artistry.
You Broke Up with Me
Released in 2017, “You Broke Up with Me” gave Hayes his first taste of mainstream country success, reaching the top ten on country radio. The song’s clever twist on the typical breakup narrative, where the protagonist reminds his ex that she made the decision to leave, struck a chord with listeners. Its upbeat production and memorable hook helped establish Hayes as an artist capable of crafting radio-friendly hits with substance.
Craig
One of Hayes’s most emotional compositions, “Craig” pays tribute to his longtime friend and manager Craig Cooper, who believed in him during his darkest times. The song details Hayes’s financial struggles, including having his truck repossessed and living in poverty while pursuing his musical dreams. This tearjerker showcases Hayes’s storytelling prowess and his commitment to honoring the people who supported him before fame arrived.
Drinking Songs
Featured on his album “boom,” “Drinking Songs” offers a meta-commentary on country music’s tendency to romanticize alcohol consumption. Hayes delivers a more sobering perspective on drinking culture, acknowledging both the fun and the consequences that often follow. The track demonstrates his evolution as a songwriter willing to subvert genre expectations while maintaining commercial appeal.
90’s Country
A nostalgic celebration of the country music that shaped Hayes’s musical identity, “90’s Country” name-checks legends like Shania Twain and Brooks & Dunn. The song became a viral hit on social media platforms, with fans creating their own videos celebrating the era’s biggest stars. Hayes’s affectionate tribute resonated with millennials who grew up during country music’s commercial peak, helping to bridge generational divides within the genre.
Make You Cry
This vulnerable ballad showcases Hayes’s softer side as he explores the complexities of relationships and emotional intimacy. The song’s gentle melody and introspective lyrics demonstrate his range beyond uptempo party anthems. “Make You Cry” proves that Hayes can deliver powerful emotional moments without relying on his signature hip-hop influenced production style.
Halloween
From his recent releases, “Halloween” stands out as a quirky, playful track that showcases Hayes’s sense of humor and willingness to explore unconventional topics. The song captures the chaos and joy of celebrating the holiday with his large family, complete with vivid details that make listeners feel like they’re part of the experience. This track exemplifies Hayes’s ability to find magic in everyday moments that other songwriters might overlook.
Briefcase
“Briefcase” delivers a poignant meditation on work-life balance and the sacrifices parents make to provide for their families. Hayes reflects on his relationship with his father while examining his own choices as a parent and provider. The song’s emotional depth and universal themes make it one of his most powerful compositions, resonating with working parents everywhere.
Dollar Store
This track celebrates finding contentment and joy despite financial limitations, a theme that runs throughout Hayes’s catalog. The song’s optimistic perspective on making do with what you have reflects Hayes’s own experiences raising six children on a modest income. “Dollar Store” reminds listeners that happiness doesn’t require expensive purchases, just creativity and love.
U Gurl
A romantic tribute to his wife Laney, “U Gurl” showcases Hayes’s playful side as he celebrates married love with contemporary slang and production. The song’s lighthearted approach to long-term commitment offers a refreshing alternative to country music’s often melancholic relationship narratives. Hayes’s genuine affection for his wife shines through every verse, making this track both charming and authentic.
Life with You
Another love letter to Laney, “Life with You” explores the deeper dimensions of their partnership beyond the playful celebration found in other tracks. The song acknowledges the challenges they’ve faced together, from financial hardship to personal struggles, while affirming their commitment to each other. This ballad demonstrates Hayes’s maturity as a songwriter capable of capturing the full spectrum of long-term relationships.
Country Stuff
Featuring Jake Owen, “Country Stuff” became another viral sensation for Hayes with its genre-blending production and earworm melody. The collaboration showcases Hayes’s ability to work with other artists while maintaining his distinctive style. This track’s success on streaming platforms and social media proved that “Fancy Like” wasn’t a fluke but rather the beginning of Hayes’s sustained commercial momentum.
Beckett
Named after one of his daughters, “Beckett” is a tender meditation on parenthood and the profound love parents feel for their children. The song’s intimate production allows Hayes’s emotional vocal delivery to take center stage. This track represents some of Hayes’s most personal songwriting, offering listeners a glimpse into his family life beyond the social media posts.
What If We Did
This thought-provoking track challenges listeners to consider making positive changes in their lives and relationships. Hayes’s conversational delivery makes the song feel like advice from a trusted friend rather than a lecture. “What If We Did” showcases his ability to inspire and motivate while maintaining the accessibility that has made him a fan favorite.
Don’t Let Her
A protective father’s anthem, “Don’t Let Her” addresses Hayes’s concerns about his daughters navigating a world that often doesn’t treat women with the respect they deserve. The song’s emotional weight comes from Hayes’s genuine vulnerability as a parent hoping to raise strong, confident daughters. This track resonates with parents everywhere who worry about their children’s futures while trying to prepare them for life’s challenges.
I Hope You Miss Me
This collaboration with MacKenzie Porter showcases Hayes’s ability to craft compelling duets that explore relationship dynamics from multiple perspectives. The song’s production blends country and pop elements seamlessly, creating a sound that appeals to diverse audiences. “I Hope You Miss Me” demonstrates Hayes’s continued evolution as an artist willing to experiment with different sounds and collaborations.
Y’all Life
From his more recent catalog, “Y’all Life” celebrates community and the bonds that connect people across geographic and cultural boundaries. The song’s inclusive message and upbeat production make it perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Hayes’s ability to create anthems that bring people together has become one of his signature strengths as an artist.
Dear Younger Me
This reflective track finds Hayes offering advice to his past self, acknowledging both regrets and lessons learned along his journey. The song’s introspective nature provides balance to his more celebratory hits, showing his depth as a songwriter. “Dear Younger Me” connects with anyone who has wondered how their life might have been different with the wisdom they’ve gained through experience.
Love Note on the Car Door
One of Hayes’s newest releases, “Love Note on the Car Door” captures the small gestures that keep romance alive in long-term relationships. The song’s specific, relatable details about married life showcase Hayes’s continued commitment to celebrating everyday moments. This track proves that Hayes hasn’t lost his touch for turning ordinary experiences into compelling music, even as his fame has grown exponentially since “Fancy Like” changed his life forever.
Walker Hayes’s impact on contemporary country music extends far beyond chart positions and streaming numbers. His willingness to blend genres, embrace vulnerability, and celebrate the ordinary has helped expand country music’s audience while staying true to the genre’s storytelling traditions. Whether he’s creating viral dance anthems or tearjerker ballads about fatherhood, Hayes maintains an authentic voice that connects with listeners across demographic boundaries.
For those looking to explore more great music across different genres and styles, our extensive collection of songs offers something for every musical taste. Hayes’s success also demonstrates the importance of quality audio equipment when experiencing music, which is why comparing different options for earbuds can enhance your listening experience whether you’re streaming his latest hits or discovering deep cuts from his catalog.
The evolution of Walker Hayes from struggling songwriter to household name serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. His persistence through years of rejection and financial hardship, supported by family and friends like Craig Cooper, ultimately led to the success he enjoys today. Hayes’s story reminds us that overnight success often takes years of preparation, and that authenticity will always find an audience if you remain true to your artistic vision.
As Hayes continues to release new music and evolve as an artist, his core commitment to honest storytelling and musical innovation remains constant. His ability to make listeners laugh, cry, and dance—sometimes all in the same song—sets him apart in a crowded musical landscape. Whether you’re team “Fancy Like” or prefer his more introspective material, there’s no denying that Walker Hayes has earned his place among country music’s most important contemporary voices.
For audiophiles who want to experience every nuance of Hayes’s production, investing in quality headphones can make a significant difference in how you hear the layers of his genre-blending sound. The careful production work that goes into his tracks deserves to be heard with equipment that can reproduce the full frequency spectrum, from the deep bass in his hip-hop influenced beats to the crystalline clarity of his vocal delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walker Hayes’s biggest hit song?
“Fancy Like” is undoubtedly Walker Hayes’s biggest commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a cultural phenomenon thanks to its viral TikTok dance. The song’s crossover appeal helped introduce Hayes to mainstream audiences far beyond traditional country music fans. Its success led to increased streaming numbers across his entire catalog and opened doors for television appearances, brand partnerships, and major festival bookings.
How many children does Walker Hayes have?
Walker Hayes and his wife Laney have six living children together, and they tragically lost their seventh child, a daughter named Oakleigh, shortly after birth in 2018. His large family frequently appears in his social media content and serves as inspiration for many of his songs. Hayes’s openness about both the joys and challenges of raising a big family has endeared him to fans who appreciate his authenticity and relatability.
What makes Walker Hayes’s music style unique?
Walker Hayes’s music stands out for its fusion of country storytelling with hip-hop influenced production, pop melodies, and conversational vocal delivery. His willingness to discuss everyday topics like shopping at dollar stores and eating at chain restaurants sets him apart from artists who focus on more traditional country themes. This distinctive approach has helped him carve out a unique space in contemporary country music while appealing to listeners who might not typically consider themselves country fans.
Has Walker Hayes won any major music awards?
While Walker Hayes has received several award nominations, including multiple Academy of Country Music Award and Country Music Association Award nominations, his impact is better measured by his commercial success and cultural influence. “Fancy Like” earned him widespread recognition and numerous certification plaques for sales and streaming milestones. His ability to connect with audiences through viral moments and genuine storytelling has proven more valuable than trophy counts in building his lasting legacy.